U.S. patent application number 13/539749 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for cryosurgical probe with adjustable sliding apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to ENDOCARE, INC.. Invention is credited to Thach Duong, Jay J. Eum.
Application Number | 20120271292 13/539749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38919980 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120271292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duong; Thach ; et
al. |
October 25, 2012 |
CRYOSURGICAL PROBE WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDING APPARATUS
Abstract
A cryosurgical probe that includes a shaft for providing a heat
exchange surface for cryogenic ablation, a housing, an insulation
element slideably engaged with the shaft, and an adjustable sliding
apparatus. The adjustable sliding apparatus includes a slider
assembly attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding
the insulation element within the shaft, and an actuation assembly
operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to
slide the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the
insulation element relative to the shaft.
Inventors: |
Duong; Thach; (Tustin,
CA) ; Eum; Jay J.; (Irvine, CA) |
Assignee: |
ENDOCARE, INC.
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
38919980 |
Appl. No.: |
13/539749 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12581145 |
Oct 18, 2009 |
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13539749 |
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11857095 |
Sep 18, 2007 |
7608071 |
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12581145 |
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11685058 |
Mar 12, 2007 |
7381207 |
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11857095 |
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11116873 |
Apr 28, 2005 |
7189228 |
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11685058 |
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10603883 |
Jun 25, 2003 |
7207985 |
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11116873 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/26 ;
606/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00547
20130101; A61B 2017/0046 20130101; A61B 2018/0262 20130101; A61B
2090/3925 20160201; A61B 18/02 20130101; A61B 2017/00274
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/26 ;
606/20 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/02 20060101
A61B018/02 |
Claims
1. A cryosurgical probe comprising: a) a shaft for providing a heat
exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; b) a housing; c) an
insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft; and d) an
adjustable sliding apparatus comprising: i. a slider assembly
attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding the
insulation element within the shaft; and ii. an actuation assembly
operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to
slide the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the
insulation element relative to the shaft.
2. The cryosurgical probe of claim 1, wherein the adjustable
sliding apparatus comprises a button assembly.
3. The cryosurgical probe of claim 2, wherein the button assembly
is operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user
to actuate the slider assembly to provide the desired adjustment of
the insulation element.
4. The cryosurgical probe of claim 2, wherein the button assembly
is configured to be locked into position to prevent unintentional
movement of the slider assembly.
5. The cryosurgical probe of claim 1, wherein the adjustable
sliding apparatus permits a user to change a size of an iceball
created by the cryosurgical probe.
6. The cryosurgical probe of claim 1, wherein the insulation
element comprises a vacuum tube.
7. The cryosurgical probe of claim 1, wherein the cryosurgical
probe further comprises a cryostat.
8. A cryosurgical probe assembly comprising: a) a housing
containing at least a portion of a fluid conduit subassembly, the
fluid conduit subassembly for delivering and returning cooling
fluid used for cryogenic cooling, the fluid conduit subassembly
comprising: i) a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for
cryogenic ablation; and ii) an insulation element slideably engaged
with the shaft; b) an adjustable sliding apparatus, having a
repositionable slider assembly attached to the insulation element
for slideably moving the insulation element within the shaft to
provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to
the shaft; and c) a cryostat.
9. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 8, wherein the
adjustable sliding apparatus further comprises a button assembly
operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to
actuate the slider assembly to provide the desired adjustment of
the insulation element.
10. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 9, wherein the button
assembly is configured to be locked into position to prevent
unintentional movement of the slider assembly.
11. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 8, wherein the
insulation element comprises a vacuum tube.
12. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 8, wherein the
cryosurgical probe assembly further comprises a handle
assembly.
13. A cryosurgical probe assembly comprising: a) a gas delivery
assembly including a fluid conduit subassembly, the fluid conduit
subassembly comprising: i. a shaft for providing a heat exchange
surface for cryogenic ablation; ii. a housing securely connected to
the shaft; and, iii. an insulation element slideably engaged with
the shaft; b) an adjustable sliding apparatus, comprising: i. a
slider assembly securely attached to the insulation element for
slideably guiding said insulation element along the shaft; and ii.
a means for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to
provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to
the shaft; and c) a handle assembly.
14. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 13, wherein the means
for allowing the user to actuate the slider assembly comprises a
button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly.
15. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 14, wherein the button
assembly is configured to be locked into position to prevent
unintentional movement of the slider assembly.
16. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 13, wherein the
insulation element comprises a vacuum tube.
17. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 13, wherein the
cryosurgical probe assembly is detachable.
18. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 13, wherein the fluid
conduit subassembly includes a Joule-Thomson (J-T) tube.
19. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 18, wherein the
Joule-Thomson (J-T) tube comprises a Joule-Thomson (J-T) port.
20. The cryosurgical probe assembly of claim 13, wherein the
adjustable sliding apparatus permits a user to change a size of an
iceball created by the cryosurgical probe assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/581,145, entitled "Cryosurgical Probe with Adjustable Sliding
Apparatus", filed on Oct. 18, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/857,095, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,071,
entitled "Cryosurgical Probe with Adjustable Sliding Apparatus",
filed on Sep. 18, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/685,058, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,207, entitled "Quick
Disconnect Assembly Having a Finger Lock Assembly", filed on Mar.
12, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/116,873, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,228, entitled "Detachable
Cryosurgical Probe with Breakaway Handle," filed Apr. 28, 2005
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/603,883, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,985, entitled "Detachable
Cryosurgical Probe," filed Jun. 25, 2003. The entire contents of
each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference
for all purposes in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to cryosurgical
probes and more particularly to cryosurgical probes with an
adjustable sliding apparatus to change the size of the resulting
iceball.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Cryosurgery involving the use of a cryosurgical probe
assemblies typically involves the use of cryoprobes that are each
attached to a handle that are, in turn, connected to a
high-pressure fluid line with a quick-disconnect for attachment to
a fluid source. There is an inherent problem with this type of
system inasmuch as each cryosurgical probe assembly should be used
only once due to sterilization and performance factors. Therefore,
typically, the entire cryosurgical probe assembly and high-pressure
fluid line must be discarded after that single use. Due to these
sterilization/performance requirements there is a need to assure
that the cryosurgical probe assembly may be rendered non-useable
after a single-use.
[0006] Previous attempts to mitigate this problem have involved
utilizing a disposable sheath over a cryosurgical probe. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,104, issued to J. D. Doback, III et
al, discloses a disposable, sterilizable sheath for use on a closed
loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the
disposable sheath and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped
over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment.
The sheath has a grip that fits over the handle of the cryosurgical
probe. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and
sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,129 B1, issued to Little et al, also
discloses the use of a disposable sheath over a cryosurgical
probe.
[0008] Similarly, U.S. Pat. Publication US 2002/0022832 A1, to
Mikus et al, discloses a cryoprobe assembly that includes a
cryoprobe and an outer sheath assembly detachably connected
thereto.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Publication US 2004/0267248 (U.S. Pat. No.
7,207,985), to Duong et al, entitled "Detachable Cryosurgical
Probe", discloses a cryosurgical probe system that includes a fluid
supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of
cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to
an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from
the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable
cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector
assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of
providing return fluid flow.
[0010] U.S. Pat. Publication US 2005/0010200 (U.S. Pat. No.
7,160,291), to Damasco et al, entitled "Detachable Cryosurgical
Probe", discloses a cryosurgical probe system that includes a fluid
supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of
cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to
an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from
the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable
cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector
assembly. The fluid connector assembly includes a substantially
cylindrical lock housing securely attached to the outlet section of
the fluid supply line, the lock housing having a fluid inlet
conduit for receiving high pressure fluid from the fluid supply
line and a fluid outlet conduit for transferring return fluid from
the cryosurgical probe to the fluid supply line. A locking
mechanism is positioned at a locking portion of the lock housing to
provide detachable engagement of a cryosurgical probe positioned
therein. The detachable cryosurgical probe receives fluid from the
fluid connector assembly and manipulates the fluid to provide
suitable temperatures for cryosurgical treatment. It includes a
fluid delivery/return manifold assembly having a fluid delivery
section and a return manifold section. The return manifold section
is positioned over a portion of the fluid delivery section. The
return manifold section includes an insulative vacuum sleeve. The
fluid delivery/return manifold assembly has a proximal end section.
An outer sheath is securely positioned over the vacuum sleeve and
extends from the fluid delivery/return manifold assembly. A lock
anchor is securely positioned over the outer sheath. The lock
anchor provides detachable connection to the fluid connector
assembly of a detachable cryosurgical system. During operation
fluid is delivered through the fluid delivery/return manifold
assembly, through a Joule-Thomson (J-T) port defined at a distal
end of the fluid delivery section and is returned through the
return manifold section and delivered out of the cryosurgical
probe. The insulative vacuum sleeve is provided between the outer
sheath and the return manifold section at a control region of the
outer sheath proximal to a distally located treatment region of the
outer sheath. Unlike previous cryosurgical probe systems, the
operative portion of the present system, i.e. the detachable
cryosurgical probe, can be discarded after a single use. However,
the fluid supply line and the connector assembly can be reused. The
cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing
return fluid flow. Suitable passageways in the detachable
cryosurgical probe and the fluid connector assembly provide this
feature.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,697, issued to Maytal, et al, discloses
an MRI-guided cryosurgical system. The Maytal system includes: (a)
an MRI magnet for accommodating a patient, the MRI magnet having at
least one opening for enabling access of a surgeon to the patient,
the MRI magnet including at least one channel extending
therethrough for receiving a line member of a surgical device; (b)
a surgical device, including: (i) an operating member for operating
the patient; (ii) a control member for controlling the operating
member, the control member being positioned externally to the MRI
room; and, (iii) a line member having a first end connectable to
the operating member and a second end connectable to said control
member, wherein at least a portion of the line member is received
within the channel of the MRI magnet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In a broad aspect, one embodiment of the present invention
is directed to a cryosurgical probe comprising a shaft for
providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation, a
housing, an insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft,
and an adjustable sliding apparatus. The adjustable sliding
apparatus comprises a slider assembly attached to the insulation
element for slideably guiding the insulation element within the
shaft, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the
slider assembly for allowing a user to slide the slider assembly to
provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to
the shaft.
[0013] In another broad aspect, an embodiment of the present
invention is directed to a cryosurgical probe assembly comprising a
housing containing at least a portion of a fluid conduit
subassembly, where the fluid conduit subassembly is for delivering
and returning cooling fluid that is used for cryogenic cooling. The
fluid conduit subassembly comprises a shaft for providing a heat
exchange surface for cryogenic ablation and an insulation element
slideably engaged with the shaft. The cryosurgical probe assembly
also includes (i) an adjustable sliding apparatus having a
repositionable slider assembly attached to the insulation element
for slideably moving the insulation element within the shaft to
provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to
the shaft, and (ii) a cryostat.
[0014] Further, another embodiment of the present invention is
directed to a cryosurgical probe assembly comprising a gas delivery
assembly including a fluid conduit subassembly where the fluid
conduit subassembly includes a shaft for providing a heat exchange
surface for cryogenic ablation, a housing securely connected to the
shaft, and an insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft.
The cryosurgical probe assembly also comprises a handle assembly
and an adjustable sliding apparatus having (i) a slider assembly
securely attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding
said insulation element along the shaft, and (ii) a means for
allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired
adjustment of the insulation element relative to the shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a first embodiment
of the detachable cryosurgical probe with the disposable probe
assembly attached to the reusable probe assembly.
[0016] FIG. 2 is perspective illustration of the FIG. 1 embodiment
of the detachable cryosurgical probe shown with the disposable
probe assembly detached from the reusable probe assembly.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable probe
assembly shown attached to the reusable probe assembly, the view
being broken away in a few sections to emphasize the showing of the
attaching portions of the detachable cryosurgical probe.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing respective
attaching portions of the disposable probe assembly and the
reusable probe assembly, in a detached configuration.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing
respective attaching portions of the disposable probe assembly and
the reusable probe assembly, in an attached configuration.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of
detachable cryosurgical probe where the detachment takes place.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an initial stage of detachment wherein the
breakaway surfaces are detached.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows an intermediate stage of detachment showing
relative counter rotation of the disposable probe assembly and the
reusable probe assembly.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the counter rotation resulting in relative
axial motion of the disposable probe assembly and the reusable
probe assembly.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the breakaway collar of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable
cryosurgical probe just after the breakaway collar has been
detached.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable
cryosurgical probe at the intermediate stage of detachment when the
fingers are opening.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable
cryosurgical probe at the final stage of detachment when the
fingers have opened sufficiently to enable the disposable probe
assembly to be detached from the reusable probe assembly.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a portion of an
alternate embodiment of the detachable cryosurgical probe in which
the vacuum tube may be repositioned as desired relative to the
shaft, the vacuum tube being in a first position.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the detachable
cryosurgical probe of FIG. 16 in the first position and including a
showing of the shaft tip.
[0032] FIG. 18 shows the detachable cryosurgical probe of FIG. 16
in a second, extended position.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable
cryosurgical probe of FIG. 16 in the first position.
[0034] FIG. 20 shows the detachable cryosurgical probe being moved
between two positions.
[0035] FIG. 21 shows the detachable cryosurgical probe moved to a
second position.
[0036] The same elements or parts throughout the figures are
designated by the same reference of characters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings and the characters of
reference marked thereon, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment
of the detachable cryosurgical probe of the present invention,
designated generally as 10. The detachable cryosurgical probe 10
includes a disposable probe assembly, designated generally as 12
and a reusable probe assembly, designated generally as 14. The
reusable probe assembly 14 includes a fluid supply line 16 that is
connected at an inlet section 18 to a source (not shown) of
cryogenic fluid. The fluid source may be, for example, a
cryosurgical system such as that manufactured by present assignee,
Endocare, Inc., Irvine, Calif. Such a cryosurgical system typically
utilizes argon gas from an argon gas source to provide
Joule-Thomson cooling of the cryosurgical probes. Alternatively,
nitrogen can be used. Alternatively, a fluid supply system can be
utilized that does not require an external fluid supply source.
Heating of the cryosurgical probes is typically provided by a
helium gas source for providing a helium gas flow through the
Joule-Thomson nozzle of the cryosurgical probe. This provides a
heating effect. Such heating of the cryosurgical probes is provided
to unstick the probes from the treated tissue for cryoprobe
removal. A gas delivery assembly of the disposable probe assembly
12 includes a shaft 20 that has a freezing zone. Spaced markings 21
may be provided on the outer surface of the cryosurgical probe 10.
These markings 21 may be, for example, at 1 cm intervals.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows the disposable probe assembly 12 detached from
the reusable probe assembly 14, as will be described in detail
below.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the disposable probe assembly 12 is
shown attached to the reusable probe assembly 14. This figure is
broken away in a few places for the purposes of clarity. The
disposable probe assembly 12 includes a gas delivery assembly 22, a
finger lock assembly including finger lock element 24, and a
disposable handle assembly 26. The gas delivery assembly 22
includes a stem 28 and a fluid conduit subassembly 30 bonded to the
stem 28. The fluid conduit subassembly 30 is for delivering and
returning cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The finger lock
element 24 includes a distal finger lock element section 32 (see
also FIG. 6) having a threaded inner surface for engagement with a
threaded outer surface of the stem 28. Four radially spaced fingers
34 (see also FIG. 7) extend proximally from the distal finger lock
element section 32. Each finger 34 has a ramped surface 36 for
operatively engaging an associated ramp section on the stem 28
during use; and, a female lip 38 at a proximal end thereof.
[0040] The disposable handle assembly 26 includes a proximal handle
section 40, a distal handle section 42; and, a breakaway collar 44.
The proximal handle section 40 has a distal end having an inner
surface that is operatively engaged with an outer surface of the
finger lock element 24 (this region of engagement designated 46) so
as to resist relative rotation and axial motion therebetween. As
can be seen in FIG. 6, hex shaped surfaces are utilized to prevent
relative rotation; however, obviously other geometric shapes and
other means can be used to prevent such rotation such as radial
bumps, pins, etc.
[0041] The distal handle section 42 of the disposable handle
assembly 26 has an inner surface that is operatively engaged with
another outer surface of the stem 28 (this region of engagement
designated 48) so as to resist relative rotation and axial motion
therebetween. Again, this region of engagement may be hex shaped.
The breakaway collar 44 is positioned between the proximal handle
section 40 and the distal handle section 42.
[0042] The fluid conduit subassembly 30 includes a Joule-Thomson
(J-T) tube 50 bonded to the stem 28. It may be welded thereto, as
shown by numeral designation 52. The J-T tube 50 receives the
cooling fluid from the reusable probe assembly 14. The distal end
of the J-T tube 50 comprises a J-T nozzle 54. A safety washer 56 is
positioned within a front end of an elongated central opening 58 of
the distal handle section 42 of the disposable handle assembly
26.
[0043] A shaft 60 of the fluid conduit subassembly 30 is secured to
the safety washer 56 within an opening of the safety washer 56 and
within the elongated central opening 58. The shaft 60 extends
beyond the distal handle section 42 to provide a cooling surface
for cryogenic cooling. In this embodiment a vacuum tube 62 is
integrally connected with an inner surface of the shaft 60. (As
will be disclosed below in another embodiment there may
alternatively be a slideable connection.) A high pressure seal
comprising a high pressure o-ring 63 is positioned about a proximal
end section of the stem 28 for sealing cooperation (as shown by
numeral designation 64 in FIG. 5) with an inner surface of a
manifold assembly 66 of the reusable probe assembly 14. The vacuum
tube 62 has a desired insulative air gap formed therein. The air
gap provides selected non-cooling areas of the cryosurgical
probe.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the reusable probe assembly 14
includes the manifold assembly 66 and a reusable handle assembly 68
secured about the periphery of the manifold assembly 66. The
reusable handle assembly 68 includes a first end portion 67 and a
second end portion 69. The manifold assembly 66 includes an outer
covering 71.
[0045] The reusable probe assembly preferably includes a safety
valve assembly, designated generally as 70, operatively engaged
with the manifold assembly 66 for impeding cryogenic working fluid
flow when the disposable probe assembly 12 is detached from the
reusable probe assembly 14. The safety valve assembly 70 includes a
conical surface 72 formed in a proximal penultimate section 74 of a
proximal end portion of the manifold assembly 66. The manifold
assembly 66 terminates, at its proximate end, with a proximal
ultimate section 76. The proximal ultimate section has a ball
retaining cavity 78 formed therein. A ball 80 is positioned within
the ball retaining cavity 78. The function of this safety valve
assembly 70 will be discussed below in detail.
[0046] The reusable probe assembly also preferably includes an
electrical confirmation assembly, designated generally as 82,
operatively engaged with the disposable probe assembly 12 for
providing electrical confirmation that the disposable probe
assembly 12 is connected. The electrical confirmation assembly 82
includes a slideable electrically conductive ring 84 positioned
about an outer surface of the reusable probe assembly 14 and
normally distally biased by a spring 86. The electrical
confirmation assembly 82 includes stationary electrically
conductive lever spring contact 88 and plastic housing 89 for the
lever spring contact 88. The lever spring contact 88 is
electrically connected to the cryosurgical system by wires 85. The
function of this electrical confirmation assembly 82 will be
discussed below in detail.
[0047] In operation, when the disposable probe assembly is
attached, as can be seen in FIGS. 5, 8, and 12 the breakaway collar
44 is an integral unit that prevents relative rotation between the
proximal handle section 40 and the distal handle section 42. In
this configuration, the female lip 38 engages a male lip 90 of the
manifold assembly 66; thereby securing the reusable probe assembly
12 to the disposable probe assembly 14.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 13, during an initial stage of
detachment of the disposable probe assembly, the user rotates the
distal handle section in a first direction relative to the proximal
handle section to "break away" breakaway surfaces of the breakaway
collar 44, allowing the breakaway collar 44 to radially expand. In
FIG. 13 the breakaway collar 44 is shown removed; however, during
actual operation it may possibly dangle at that location.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 14, during an intermediate
stage of detachment of the disposable probe assembly 12 the user
counter rotates the distal handle section 42 in an opposite second
direction relative to the proximal handle section 40. The relative
rotation between the distal handle section 42 and the proximal
handle section 40 provides axial movement of the distal handle
section 42 toward the proximal handle section 40 via the engagement
of the threaded inner surface of the distal finger lock element
section 32 and the threaded outer surface of the stem 30. The axial
movement is enabled by the radial expansion of the breakaway collar
44. The ramped surfaces 36 of the radially spaced fingers 34 engage
the associated ramp section on the stem 30 during the axial
movement thereby urging the fingers 34 to open.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 15, during a final stage of
detachment, the fingers 34 open sufficiently to allow disengagement
of the male lip 90 from the female lip 38, thus enabling the
disposable probe assembly 14 to be detached from the reusable probe
assembly 12.
[0051] As mentioned above, the safety valve assembly 70, is
operatively engaged with the manifold assembly 66 for impeding
cryogenic working fluid flow when the disposable probe assembly 12
is detached from the reusable probe assembly 14. As can be seen in
FIG. 15, when the disposable probe assembly 12 is detached from the
reusable probe assembly 14 and no cooling gas is flowing within
manifold assembly 66, the ball 80 is free to float freely within
the ball retaining cavity 78. However, when the disposable probe
assembly 12 is detached from the reusable probe assembly 14 and
cooling gas is flowing within the manifold assembly 66 (as
indicated by arrow 92), the ball 80 is urged into a volume defined
by the conical surface 72, thus providing sufficient sealing to
prevent "whipping" of the disposable probe assembly 12. As perhaps
best seen in FIG. 5, when the disposable probe assembly 12 is
connected to the reusable probe assembly 14 the Joule-Thomson (J-T)
tube 50 bonded to the stem 28 maintains the ball 80 in a position
away from the conical surface 72, thus allowing the free flow of
cooling gas 92 into the disposable probe assembly 12.
[0052] As mentioned above, and referring again to FIG. 4, an
electrical confirmation assembly, designated generally as 82, is
operatively engaged with the disposable probe assembly 12 for
providing electrical confirmation that the disposable probe
assembly 12 is connected. When the disposable probe assembly 12 is
not connected, the conductive ring 84 is not in contact with the
lever spring contact 88. When the disposable probe assembly 12 is
connected, the conductive ring 84 is urged by the disposable probe
assembly 12 in a proximal direction so that it contacts the lever
spring contact 88 providing a closed electrical circuit and
electrical confirmation of the connection.
[0053] A heat exchanger or cryostat 94 is utilized to provide heat
exchange between inlet gas and outlet gas. Although, as shown, the
heat exchanger is preferably a coiled fin tube heat exchanger
various other types of heat exchangers may be utilized such as a
tube-in-tube sintered cryostat, threaded cryostat, coiled/sintered
cryostat, or stacked coil cryostat. These different types of
cryostats are disclosed and claimed in U.S. application Ser. No.
10/828,031 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,291), entitled Detachable
Cryosurgical Probe, filed on Apr. 20, 2004, incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 16-21 a second embodiment of the
detachable cryosurgical probe system is illustrated, designated
generally as 100. In this system 100 the vacuum tube may be
repositioned as desired relative to the shaft. This is accomplished
by actuating a button assembly, designated generally as 102, along
a guideway 104. FIGS. 16 and 17 show the vacuum tube in a first
position (i.e. labeled P5). FIG. 18 shows the vacuum tube moved to
a second position (i.e. labeled P2).
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 19, the button assembly 102 can be
seen in cross-section in the first position. A button 104 of the
button assembly 102 is biased by a spring 106. A slider assembly
108 is mechanically connected to the vacuum tube 110 and to the
button assembly 102. Thus, the shaft 112 and the vacuum tube 110
are capable of moving relative to each other. The button assembly
102 can be locked into position to prevent unintentional movement.
A safety washer assembly 114 is securely connected to the shaft
112. It includes an o-ring 116 for sealing the shaft 112 and the
vacuum tube 110. Another o-ring 118 at the front of the stem 120
seals the vacuum tube 110 and stem 120.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 20, the vacuum tube 110 is shown
having been moved toward a second position relative to the shaft
112 by the actuation of button assembly 102. Referring now to FIG.
21, the button assembly 102 is shown moved to position P4. Thus,
the size and shape of the generated iceball can be varied in
accordance with a specific desired need.
[0057] The slider assembly 108 and button assembly 102 are
collectively an adjustable sliding apparatus. The vacuum tube 110
serves as an insulation element.
[0058] During operation, with the disposable probe assembly 12
attached to the reusable probe assembly 14, cryogenic fluid
originating from (typically) an argon tank flows through the supply
line 16 within the cryostat 94 and through the manifold assembly as
shown by arrow 92 (in, for example, FIG. 5). The flow is directed
through the safety valve assembly 70 and then through the central
passageway in the high pressure stem 28 via J-T tube 50, and out of
the J-T port 54 (see FIG. 3).
[0059] After being expelled from the J-T port 54 the return fluid
is directed in the space between the inner surface of the vacuum
tube 62 and the outer surface of the J-T tube 50. It then flows
through openings in the manifold assembly 66, as indicated by arrow
114 (FIG. 5) and adjacent to the heat exchanger 94. The return
fluid is eventually expelled via the hose 16.
[0060] In the device illustrated the cryosurgical probe is shown
with a pointed tip to provide insertion into the patient's tissue
for the desired application. However, it is understood that the tip
may be blunt, depending on the application. For example, for
certain applications direct insertion is desirable. For other
applications, insertion via a cannula/introducer is preferred.
[0061] Although application of this device utilizing CT guidance is
preferred, the cryosurgical probe 10 may be used with a variety of
guidance tools, such as MRI and ultrasound. In one preferred
implementation ultrasound is used for initial guidance, followed up
with CT for final confirmation.
[0062] Although the present invention has been discussed above with
respect to a cryosurgical probe having a rigid outer sheath, the
cryosurgical probe may be made to be malleable by including at
least one malleable segment thereon. Malleable segments are formed
of material that permit reshaping and bending to reposition the
ablating surface for greater ablation precision. An example of a
cryosurgical probe having malleable characteristics is disclosed
and claimed in our co-pending patent application Ser. No.
09/957,337, Pub. No. US 2003/0055415 A1, filed on Sep. 20, 2001
(U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,045) entitled Malleable Cryosurgical Probe,
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
[0063] One method for providing malleable characteristics includes
providing a malleable shaft with a bellows portion. U.S. Pat. No.
6,767,346, filed on Jul. 27, 2002 entitled Cryosurgical Probe With
Bellows Shaft, incorporated in its entirety herein by reference,
discloses use of a bellows portion for providing the necessary
reshaping and bending.
[0064] If the detachable cryosurgical probe is utlilized in
combination with ultrasound the outer sheath may have an echogenic
coating with, for example, a porous microstructure having the
ability to trap microscopic air bubbles. This creates thousands of
highly efficient ultrasound reflectors on the surface of the
sheath.
[0065] Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the devices and
methods have been described in reference to the environment in
which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the
principles of the invention.
[0066] For example, even though the finger lock element has been
described specifically with respect to the present cryosurgical
probe it is understood that it can be used on other types of
cryosurgical probes that, for example, may not be single use.
Further, the finger lock element may be used for many applications
which require a quick disconnect (both single use and multiple
use). These may include, for example, control valves for water
heaters, pneumatic systems for controls that require quick
disconnects, electrical connectors, etc.
[0067] Although the cryostat 94 has been shown positioned within
the manifold assembly 66 it may be positioned in other locations,
notably, for example, in the hose 16 or within the fluid
source.
[0068] Although the cryosurgical probe system is particularly
advantageous for prostate cryosurgery it is also advantageous for
many other types of ablation applications, such as radiological
applications.
[0069] Other embodiments and configurations may be devised without
departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the
appended claims.
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