Thomas L Julian

US Patent:

6786902, Sep 7, 2004

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/527491

Inventors:

Yoed Rabin - Pittsburgh PA
Thomas Benjamin Julian - Pittsburgh PA
Norman Wolmark - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Allegheny-Singer Research Institute - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 23, 606 21, 606 22, 128898

Abstract:

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for cryosurgery. The apparatus comprises a cryoneedle having a diameter less than 3. 2 mm. The apparatus is also comprised of a thermal insulation shell disposed about a portion of the cryoneedle for reduction of heat transfer from surrounding tissues or freezing prevention of surrounding tissues during application of the cryoneedle with the shell. The cryoneedle and shell are configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The present invention pertains to a method for freezing tissues. The method comprises the steps of bringing into contact a cryoneedle having a diameter of less than 3. 2 mm with a patients body. Next, there is the step of flowing the cryofluid through the cryoneedle.

US Patent:

58998977, May 4, 1999

Filed:

Sep 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/936958

Inventors:

Yoed Rabin - Pittsburgh PA
Thomas Benjamin Julian - Pittsburgh PA
Norman Wolmark - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Allegheny-Singer Research Institute - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 21

Abstract:

The system includes a mechanism for freezing tissue in a patient. Additionally, the system includes a mechanism for heating other tissue near the tissue being frozen by the freezing mechanism such that essentially only desired region is frozen by the freezing mechanism and heat from the heating mechanism prevents the other tissue from being frozen. The heating mechanism is disposed adjacent to but separate and apart from the freezing mechanism. Alternatively, the mechanism for heating can be used with tissue already frozen by the freezing mechanism. A method for performing cryosurgery on a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a cryoprobe into a patient. Next, there is the step of placing a cryoheater in contact with the patient adjacent the cryoprobe. Then, there is the step of activating the cryoprobe and the cryoheater so the cryoprobe freezes desired tissue in the patient and the cryoheater heats other tissue around the desired tissue so the other tissue is not frozen by the cryoprobe. Alternatively, there can be the step of activating the cryoheater after the cryoprobe has frozen the desired tissue to thaw the frozen tissue.

US Patent:

60397306, Mar 21, 2000

Filed:

Jun 24, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/668692

Inventors:

Yoed Rabin - Pittsburgh PA
Thomas Benjamin Julian - Pittsburgh PA
Norman Wolmark - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Allegheny-Singer Research Institute - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 23

Abstract:

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for cryosurgery. The apparatus comprises a cryoneedle having a diameter less than 3. 2 mm. The apparatus is also comprised of a thermal insulation shell disposed about a portion of the cryoneedle for reduction of heat transfer from surrounding tissues or freezing prevention of surrounding tissues during application of the cryoneedle with the shell. The cryoneedle and shell are configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The present invention pertains to a method for freezing tissues. The method comprises the steps of bringing into contact a cryoneedle having a diameter of less than 3. 2 mm with a patient's body. Next, there is the step of flowing the cryofluid through the cryoneedle.