Patent US2620981A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5741248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Fluorochemical liquid augmented cryosurgery
Assignee: Temple University
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
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Granted: 1998-04-21
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion which includes the steps of delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion, placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion, and circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing an ice ball to form in a vicinity around the cryoprobe, wherein the ice ball obliterates at least a portion of the lesion. The fluorochemical liquid is utilized to augment the cryosurgical procedure and is perfused or injected into and/or around the lesioned site prior and/or during the application of a cryoprobe to the site. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluorochemical liquid acts as a contrast agent to enhance real-time medical imaging of the lesioned area and modifies the environment in and around the lesioned area. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluorochemical liquid augments cryosurgical procedures by controlling the size and shape of ice balls formed during the cryosurgical procedures. In this embodiment, a fluorochemical liquid with a properly chosen thermal conductivity and freezing point is utilized. Depending on the thermal properties chosen, the liquid either augments freezing of the target area and/or promotes thermal conduction to freeze larger areas, or limits the freezing of the target area and reduces thermal conduction. In a non-cryoprobe embodiment, the liquid is cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of the biological tissue. The cooled liquid is then infused into or around the cystic lesion to produce ablation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G. Stern
- 👤 Thomas H. Shaffer
- 👤 Marla R. Wolfson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/02; A61B18/0218; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00089; A61B2018/00101; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/0212; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3925; A61B2090/3933; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion in order to facilitate the deterioration of the lesion: (b) placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion; and (c) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of a vicinity around the cryoprobe, the cooling causing the obliteration of at least a portion of the lesion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion in order to facilitate the deterioration of the lesion: (b) placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion; and (c) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of a vicinity around the cryoprobe, the cooling causing the obliteration of at least a portion of the lesion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is a lung lesion within a lung portion of biological tissue, the delivering process in step (a) comprises filling the lung portion with a fluorochemical liquid, and step (b) comprises placing the cryoprobe into the lung lesion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 further comprising the step of monitoring the lung portion with a real-time medical imaging device during at least steps (b) and (c).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 3 wherein the imaging device is an ultrasound monitor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein the lung portion is filled with a fluorochemical liquid having a thermal conductivity less than that of the biological tissues, the fluorochemical liquid thereby acting to inhibit freezing of areas surrounding the cryoprobe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein the lung portion is filled with a fluorochemical liquid having a freezing point less than that of the biological tissues, the fluorochemical liquid thereby acting to promote freezing of areas surrounding the cryoprobe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein the lung portion is filled with a fluorochemical liquid having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the biological tissues, the fluorochemical liquid thereby acting to promote freezing of areas surrounding the cryoprobe.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein the lung portion is filled by liquid ventilation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein the lung portion is filled by direct puncture of the lung portion and direct fluid instillation therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein step (a) comprises filling the lung portion with a sufficient quantity of fluorochemical liquid to distend the lung portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 2 wherein before step (a), the method further comprises the steps of placing a balloon catheter into a lung bronchus, the lung bronchus leading to the lesioned lung portion, and occluding the bronchial lumen by inflating the balloon, the filling in step (a) comprising filling the lung portion with a fluorochemical liquid by flowing the fluorochemical liquid through the catheter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is a pleural effusion in a pleural space, the delivery process in step (a) comprising filling the pleural space with a fluorochemical liquid, and step (b) comprises placing the cryoprobe into the pleural space, the method further comprising draining the pleural space of fluid therein before step (a), the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of the fluorochemical liquid in the pleural space to cause ablation of the tumor or inflammatory cells lining the plural space.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is a cyst, and wherein the delivery in step (a) comprises filling the cyst with a fluorochemical liquid, and step (b) comprises placing the cryoprobe into the cyst, the cryogenic fluid freezing and obliterating cells lining the cyst, the method further comprising the step of draining the cyst of any contents therein before step (a).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 13 wherein the cryoprobe includes at least one lumen and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the lumen, the cyst being drained and filled through the lumen and outlet.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
117 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is a vascular tumor site in an organ, and wherein the delivery in step (a) comprises filling the tumor site with a fluorochemical liquid, and step (b) comprises placing the cryoprobe into the tumor site, the method further comprising, prior to step (a), placing a first balloon catheter into an arterial passage leading to the tumor site, placing a second balloon catheter into a venous passage leading from the tumor site, and occluding the arterial and venous passage by inflating both of the catheter balloons, the tumor site being filled with the fluorochemical liquid by flowing the fluorochemical liquid through the catheter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is within a hollow organ having a cavity therein, and wherein the delivery process in step (a) comprises filling the cavity with a fluorochemical liquid, the fluorochemical liquid penetrating the lesion and filling the area around the lesion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 16 wherein before step (a), the method further comprises the steps of placing a balloon catheter into a passage leading into the hollow organ and occluding the passage by inflating the balloon, the filling in step (a) comprising filling the cavity with a fluorochemical liquid by flowing the fluorochemical liquid through the catheter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 17 wherein the catheter includes a lumen, step (b) including the step of passing the cryoprobe through the lumen, into the cavity and into the lesion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is within a portion of a duct, and wherein the delivery in step (a) comprises filling the duct portion with a fluorochemical liquid, the fluorochemical liquid penetrating the lesion and filling the area around the lesion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 19 wherein before step (a), the method further comprises the steps of placing a balloon catheter into the duct and occluding the duct by inflating the balloon, the filling in step (a) comprising filling the duct portion with a fluorochemical liquid by flowing the fluorochemical liquid through the catheter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 20 wherein the catheter includes a lumen, step (b) including the step of passing the cryoprobe through the lumen, into the duct and into the lesion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is within a portion of an artery, and wherein the delivery process in step (a) comprises filling the artery portion with a fluorochemical liquid, the method further comprising, prior to step (a), placing a first balloon catheter into the arterial passage on one side of the artery portion, placing a second balloon catheter into the arterial passage on the other side of the artery portion, and isolating the arterial portion by inflating both of the catheter balloons, the arterial portion being filled with the fluorochemical liquid by flowing the fluorochemical liquid through the catheter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 22 wherein the catheter includes a lumen, step (b) including the step of passing the cryoprobe through the lumen, into the artery portion and into the lesion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 further comprising the step of monitoring the treatment with a real-time medical imaging device during at least steps (b) and (c).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 24 wherein the imaging device is an ultrasound monitor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a sufficiently high thermal conductivity to enhance the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 26 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the biological tissues.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a freezing point greater than the temperature generated by the cryoprobe so as to enhance the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 28 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a freezing point greater than that of the biological tissues.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a thermal conductivity less than that of the biological tissues to inhibit the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 30 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a thermal conductivity in a range from between about 0.60 and about 0.70 milliwatts/cm/°C.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a freezing point below about 0° C. to inhibit the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a freezing point less than that of the biological tissues to inhibit the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the fluorochemical liquid is perfluorocarbon.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the cryoprobe includes at least one lumen and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the lumen, step (a) comprising delivering to the fluorochemical liquid to the lesion through the lumen and outlet.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a temperature below the temperature of the lesion, the fluorochemical liquid thereby aiding the development of an ice ball.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a sufficient quantity of fluorochemical liquid to change its size or shape.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 further comprising delivering cooled fluorochemical liquid to the lesion through a first catheter and draining warmed fluorochemical liquid from the lesion through a second catheter during the treatment, wherein the cooled fluorochemical liquid enhances the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering the fluorochemical liquid to the lesion by direct injection into the lesion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
97 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is within a portion of the uterus, and wherein the delivery in step (a) comprises filling a portion of the endometrial cavity and uterine cornua with a fluorochemical liquid, and step (b) comprises placing the cryoprobe into the endometrial cavity, the method further comprising, prior to step (a), occluding the uterine cornua and the cervical os for preventing leakage of the fluorochemical liquid, the cryoprobe causing cooling of the fluorochemical liquid in the endometrial cavity to cause ablation of the endometrial lining.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the lesion is located adjacent to a large vessel, and the delivery in step (a) comprises delivering the fluid between the lesion and the large vessel so as to produce pooling of the fluorochemical to force the tumor to separate from the large vessel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 41 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a thermal conductivity between about 0.60 and about 0.70 milliwatts/cm/°C.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 41 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a freezing point less than the freezing point of biological tissue.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises delivering to the lesion a fluorochemical liquid having a temperature higher then the temperature of the lesion, the fluorochemical liquid thereby inhibiting the development of an ice ball.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 further comprising delivering warmed fluorochemical liquid to the tumor site through a first catheter and draining cooled fluorochemical liquid from the tumor site through a second catheter during the treatment, wherein the delivery of the warmed fluorochemical liquid inhibits the formation of an ice ball.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion; (b) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of a vicinity around the cryoprobe resulting in the liquification of at least a portion of the lesion; (c) draining at least a portion of the liquified material; (d) delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion after drainage; and (e) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of the fluorochemical liquid so as to further ablate the lesion,the fluorochemical liquid facilitating ablation of the lesion.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) placing at least one cryoprobe into the lesion; (b) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of a vicinity around the cryoprobe resulting in the liquification of at least a portion of the lesion; (c) draining at least a portion of the liquified material; (d) delivering a fluorochemical liquid to the lesion after drainage; and (e) circulating cryogenic fluid through the cryoprobe, the cryogenic fluid causing cooling of the fluorochemical liquid so as to further ablate the lesion,the fluorochemical liquid facilitating ablation of the lesion.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) cooling a fluorochemical liquid to a temperature below the freezing temperature of biological tissue; (b) placing a catheter in a vicinity of the lesion; and (c) delivering the cooled fluorochemical liquid through the catheter to the vicinity of the lesion to obliterate at least a portion of the lesion, the fluorochemical facilitating obliteration of the lesion.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: (a) cooling a fluorochemical liquid to a temperature below the freezing temperature of biological tissue; (b) placing a catheter in a vicinity of the lesion; and (c) delivering the cooled fluorochemical liquid through the catheter to the vicinity of the lesion to obliterate at least a portion of the lesion, the fluorochemical facilitating obliteration of the lesion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 further comprising the step of returning a warmed fluorochemical liquid from the lesion, the warmed fluorochemical liquid being recooled by a heat exchanger for subsequent delivery to the lesion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the step of cooling the fluorochemical liquid comprises circulating the fluorochemical liquid through a heat exchanger.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the vicinity of the lesion includes a cavity and wherein the catheter is placed into the cavity.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 50 wherein the cavity is a endometrial cavity of a uterus and wherein the catheter directs the cooled fluorochemical liquid into the endometrial cavity.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a viscosity above about 1 cSt and a freezing point below the freezing point of biological tissue.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is located adjacent to a large vessel, and the fluorochemical liquid delivery in step (c) comprises delivering the fluid between the lesion and the large vessel so as to produce pooling of the fluorochemical, the pooled fluorochemical liquid forcing the tumor to separate from the large vessel, and wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a viscosity greater than 1 cSt and a freezing point below the freezing point of biological tissue.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein step (c) comprises delivering the fluorochemical liquid to the lesion by direct injection into the lesion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
93 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is located within a portion of an artery and wherein the delivery in step (c) comprises filling the artery portion with a cooled fluorochemical liquid, the method further comprising, prior to step (c), placing a first balloon catheter into the arterial passage on one side of the artery portion, placing a second balloon catheter into the arterial passage on the other side of the artery portion, and isolating the arterial portion by inflating both of the catheter balloons.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is within a portion of a duct, and wherein the deliver in step (c) comprises filling the duct portion with a cooled fluorochemical liquid, the fluorochemical liquid thereby penetrating the lesion and filling the area around the lesion.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
87 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is located within a hollow organ having a cavity therein, and wherein the delivery in step (c) comprises filling the cavity with the cooled fluorochemical liquid, the cooled fluorochemical liquid penetrating the lesion and filling the area around the lesion, and wherein before step (c), the method further comprises the steps of placing a balloon catheter into a passage leading into the hollow organ and occluding the passage by inflating the balloon.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is a cyst, and wherein the delivery in step (c) comprises filling the cyst with the cooled fluorochemical liquid to obliterate the cells lining the cyst, the method further comprising the step of draining the cyst of any contents therein before step (a).
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
88 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 47 wherein the lesion is a vascular tumor in an organ, and wherein the delivery in step (c) comprises filling the tumor site with a fluorochemical liquid, the method further comprising, prior to step (c), placing a first balloon catheter into an arterial passage leading to the tumor site, placing a second balloon catheter into a venous passage leading from the tumor site, and occluding the arterial and venous passage by inflating both of the catheter balloons.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 1 wherein the fluorochemical liquid has a viscosity greater than about 5 cSt.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: delivering the fluorochemical liquid into the vicinity of a lesion; and ablating at least a portion of the lesion by subjecting the lesion to a low temperature; wherein the fluorochemical liquid facilitates the ablation of the lesion.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion comprising the steps of: delivering the fluorochemical liquid into the vicinity of a lesion; and ablating at least a portion of the lesion by subjecting the lesion to a low temperature; wherein the fluorochemical liquid facilitates the ablation of the lesion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 61 wherein the fluorochemical liquid facilitates the ablation of the lesion by enhancing the cooling of the lesion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 61 wherein the fluorochemical liquid facilitates the ablation of the lesion by inhibiting cooling of tissue surrounding the lesion.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 61 wherein the lesion is located within an organ having a cavity therein.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 64 wherein the organ is a lung.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method for cryogenic treatment of a lesion according to claim 64 wherein the organ is a uterus.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-10-20 | 2002-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-20 | 2009-10-20 | 2010-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |