초록 ▼

A cryocatheter for treatment of tissue includes a coolant line communicating with a cryochamber having a coolant receiving interior and a thermally conductive wall for contacting and conductively treating tissue. A return line returns spent coolant, and an insert or partition in the cryochamber cond

A cryocatheter for treatment of tissue includes a coolant line communicating with a cryochamber having a coolant receiving interior and a thermally conductive wall for contacting and conductively treating tissue. A return line returns spent coolant, and an insert or partition in the cryochamber conditions flow or channels fluid from the coolant line to the return line to enhance the rate or uniformity of cooling. The partition may extend axially to define an elongated sub-chamber which is preferentially cooled, or it may isolate one side to define an uncooled side of the cryochamber. The partition may extend axially to define a sub-chamber extending along a segmented length around a partial circumference of the catheter tip, or may channel the coolant from a central region outwardly against the peripheral wall of the cryochamber. The return line may be a vacuum return line. The catheter may include a means for warming the catheter tip to warm up or accelerate thawing of treated tissue, and the heating may be implemented by a heater in thermal contact with a fluid supply line, which may, moreover, be the coolant supply line. Alternatively, the warming fluid supply line may be distinct from the coolant line. In one embodiment, the device may connect the warming line as an additional coolant return line during cryotreatment, and switch its connection to supply warming fluid after the tissue has been cooled. The catheter may further include sensors such as thermal or impedance sensors for sensing contact orientation of the catheter against adjacent tissue. Electrodes may apply signals of two different frequencies to the two sides, and a processor may determine frequency, impedance or a differential temperature to indicate the tip contact orientation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A cryocatheter for the cryotreatment of tissue, such cryocatheter comprising:a coolant linea cryochamber having a coolant receiving interior and a thermally conductive wall for contacting and conductively treating tissue in contact with said wall, said cryochamber recei

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A cryocatheter for the cryotreatment of tissue, such cryocatheter comprising:a coolant linea cryochamber having a coolant receiving interior and a thermally conductive wall for contacting and conductively treating tissue in contact with said wall, said cryochamber receiving coolant from the coolant linea return line for return of spent coolant, anda flow directing body in said cryochamber effective to condition and direct a flow of coolant through the cryochamber from said coolant line to said return line, the flow directing body providing a defined path for coolant flow substantially throughout the cryochamber so as to more effectively cool said thermally conductive wall of said cryochamber.