Abstract:
A cryosurgery apparatus is disclosed. The cryosurgery apparatus an introducer having a hollow and a distal portion, the distal portion being sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate into a body, the hollow of the introducer being designed and constructed for containing a plurality of cryoprobes each of the cryoprobes being for effecting cryoablation, such that each of the plurality of cryoprobes is deployable through the distal portion of the introducer when the distal portion is positioned with respect to a tissue to be cryoablated.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to devices and methods delivering a plurality of thermal ablation probes to an organic target in a body, the probes being delivered in a configuration and orientation enabling efficient and thorough ablation of a large target of complex shape. Preferred embodiments include introducers having individual probe channels shaped to direct inserted probes to diverge upon exiting the introducer, probes designed and constructed to bend in selected manner when exiting the introducer, and apparatus for stabilizing an introducer with respect to a target during insertion of treatment probes from introducer to target.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for planning a cryoablation procedure and for facilitating a cryoablation procedure utilize integrated images displaying, in a common virtual space, a three-dimensional model of a surgical intervention site based on digitized preparatory images of the site from first imaging modalities, simulation images of cryoprobes used according to an operator-planned cryoablation procedure at the site, and real-time images provided by second imaging modalities during cryoablation. The system supplies recommendations for and evaluations of the planned cryoablation procedure, feedback to an operator during cryoablation, and guidance and control signals for operating a cryosurgery tool during cryoablation. Methods are provided for generating a nearly-uniform cold field among a plurality of cryoprobes, for cryoablating a volume with smooth and well-defined borders, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods utilizing cryogenic cooling in an angioplasty balloon catheter for treatment of arterial stenosis and prevention of restenosis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an angioplasty balloon catheter utilizing expansion of compressed gas to effect Joule-Thomson cooling of an angioplasty balloon, and optionally further incorporating external temperature sensors utilizable to identify a locus for treatment of arterial stenosis. The present invention further relates to angioplasty treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryogenic angioplasty methods for treating arterial stenosis and discouraging restenosis.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for protecting the neurovascular bundle during cryoablation of tissues of the prostate by heating the vicinity of the neurovascular bundle while cooling pathological tissues of a prostate to cryoablation temperatures, thereby cryoablating pathological tissues while protecting the neurovascular bundle from damage. A cryoprobe operable to cool a distal operating tip while heating a proximal shaft is presented.
Abstract:
The present invention is of system, device, and method for detecting and localizing obstruction in a blood vessel. More particularly, the present invention is of a balloon catheter having an expandable balloon which comprises a plurality of strain gauges operable to report relative degrees of expansion of local portions of a wall of the expandable balloon. Incomplete expansion of a local portion of the balloon, under common pressure within the balloon, indicates presence of an obstruction, such as a region of plaque, within the blood vessel.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for planning a cryoablation procedure and for facilitating a cryoablation procedure utilize integrated images displaying, in a common virtual space, a three-dimensional model of a surgical intervention site based on digitized preparatory images of the site from first imaging modalities, simulation images of cryoprobes used according to an operator-planned cryoablation procedure at the site, and real-time images provided by second imaging modalities during cryoablation. The system supplies recommendations for and evaluations of the planned cryoablation procedure, feedback to an operator during cryoablation, and guidance and control signals for operating a cryosurgery tool during cryoablation. Methods are provided for generating a nearly-uniform cold field among a plurality of cryoprobes, for cryoablating a volume with smooth and well-defined borders, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Abstract:
A cryosurgery apparatus is disclosed. The cryosurgery apparatus an introducer having a hollow and a distal portion, the distal portion being sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate into a body, the hollow of the introducer being designed and constructed for containing a plurality of cryoprobes each of the cryoprobes being for effecting cryoablation, such that each of the plurality of cryoprobes is deployable through the distal portion of the introducer when the distal portion is positioned with respect to a tissue to be cryoablated.
Abstract:
Presented are methods and apparatus for delivering a surgical instrument to a treatment site within the body of a subject, enabling accurate placement of surgical tools in areas not directly visible to a surgeon during a surgical procedure, while reducing or eliminating need for real-time imaging modalities to guide placement of those surgical tools. A treatment tool is guided to a treatment site by placing a guiding element at a reference site within a body of a subject, the reference site having a known spatial relationship to the treatment site, and utilizing a positioning tool to guide a treatment tool to a locus so positioned with respect to that guiding element that the spatial relationship between that guiding element and that locus is substantially similar to the spatial relationship known to exist between the reference site and the treatment site, thereby positioning the treatment tool substantially at the treatment site. Methods and apparatus for focusing energy at a treatment site, methods and apparatus for treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, and methods and apparatus for performing a saturation biopsy of an organ are also presented.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods utilizing cryogenic cooling in an angioplasty balloon catheter for treatment of arterial stenosis and prevention of restenosis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an angioplasty balloon catheter utilizing expansion of compressed gas to effect Joule-Thomson cooling of an angioplasty balloon, and optionally further incorporating external temperature sensors utilizable to identify a locus for treatment of arterial stenosis. The present invention further relates to angioplasty treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryogenic angioplasty methods for treating arterial stenosis and discouraging restenosis.