A cryogenic apparatus including a highly versatile probe with a deformable tip, and cryogen supply systems for delivering cryogen to the probe. The probe includes a tubular stem with a resilient mass of porous material such as copper mesh positioned adjacent one end of the stem. A thin cryogen impervious membrane such as latex or silicone rubber extends around the porous mass and around the adjacent stem end region. The membrane and the porous mass together form a deformable tip which can be shaped to almost any desired configuration. Cryogen introduced into the stem penetrates the porous mass but is confined by the membrane so it does not come in direct contact with selected surface areas being treated. A dispenser bottle cryogen supply system is provided for introducing cryogen into the probe stem. Alternate continuous flow cryogen supply systems are provided which permits probe use in any attitude of inclination. Novel cryosurgical methods employing the apparatus are described which illustrate the versatility of the improved system.
Method and means are disclosed for preventing tissue from adhering to surgical apparatus while operating at tissue temperatures at which hemostasis with minimal tissue damage occurs, and include interposing between the surgical apparatus and the tissue being heated thereby an abherent coating which exhibits electrical insulation and thermal impedance, thickness and thermal drop thereacross within specified limits.
A surgical probe having the ability to thermally insulate adjacent healthy tissue from cooling or heating effects at adjacent tissue being subjected to thermal destruction by cryosurgery, electrosurgery and hyperthermia. The probe includes a spatula shaped thermally insulating member that is mounted at the distal end of an elongated rigid member of a width sized for insertion through a small cutaneous incision. The insulating spatula is of a material transparent to ultrasound thus allowing ultrasonic imaging of tissue through the thermal insulator without substantial image deterioration.
An apparatus and method for cauterizing the endometrial tissue of the uterus includes an inflatable balloon mounted to the end of a cannula and spring members which shape the balloon to approximate the bicornual shape of the uterus. A heating coil heats a saline solution to approximately 190.degree.-210.degree. F. and a pump circulates the saline solution through the cannula and inflates the balloon. The inflated balloon contacts substantially all of the intrauterine surface and is held in contact with the surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the tissue has been necrosed. A fiberoptic scope is used to monitor balloon placement and cauterization effect.
A cannula, for introduction into a body tissue, the cannula flexible after introduction, and rigid below a critical temperature and flexible above the critical temperature. In a method for the introduction of the cannula into the body tissue, the cannula is cooled to a temperature below the critical temperature and introduced into the body tissue. After being introduced, the cannula is brought to a temperature above the critical temperature by warming and thus becomes flexible.
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
