US3910278A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cryosurgical probe
Assignee: Dynatech Corp
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Filing: 1974-06-03
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1994-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A small, self-contained, disposable cryosurgical probe has a pencil-like housing with a refrigerant-containing cartridge in the housing and a hollow tip projecting from the housing. A small diameter capillary tube has one end in the housing opposite the cartridge and its other end extending into the tip with the intervening length of the tube formed into a multi-turn coil. The refrigerant is conducted from the cartridge through the tube to the probe tip and the temperature of the refrigerant is stabilized so as to maintain a substantially uniform mass flow rate of refrigerant through the tube to the tip.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Crandell
- 👤 Wayne F Lisenbee
- 👤 Keith E Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/02; F; F25; F25B; F25B2309/00; F25B2309/02; F25B2309/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge slidably positioned in the housing, C. a hollow, thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, D. a plunger assembly positioned within the housing between the cartridge and the tip, E. a small diameter capillary tube connected to the plunger assembly, said tube having 1. one end thereof communicating with the plunger end adjacent to the cartridge, 2. its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and 3. a substantial length intermediate its said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means on the plunger assembly for opening the cartridge when the cartridge is slid toward the plunger assembly, and G. means for sliding the cartridge toward the plunger so that the plunger opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and cools the tip.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge slidably positioned in the housing, C. a hollow, thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, D. a plunger assembly positioned within the housing between the cartridge and the tip, E. a small diameter capillary tube connected to the plunger assembly, said tube having 1. one end thereof communicating with the plunger end adjacent to the cartridge, 2. its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and 3. a substantial length intermediate its said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means on the plunger assembly for opening the cartridge when the cartridge is slid toward the plunger assembly, and G. means for sliding the cartridge toward the plunger so that the plunger opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and cools the tip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
its other end extending into the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
its other end extending into the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
its other end positioned in the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
its other end positioned in the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
its other end positioned inside the tip near its outer end, and
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
the other end thereof positioned in the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
the other end thereof positioned in the housing opposite the cartridge, and
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The probe defined in claim 1 wherein A. the cartridge has a removable plug in the end of the cartridge opposite the plunger, and B. the plunger assembly opens the cartridge by pushing the plug into the cartridge.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
69 words
a substantial length intermediate its said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means on the plunger assembly for opening the cartridge when the cartridge is slid toward the plunger assembly, and G. means for sliding the cartridge toward the plunger so that the plunger opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and cools the tip.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
69 words
a substantial length intermediate its said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means on the plunger assembly for opening the cartridge when the cartridge is slid toward the plunger assembly, and G. means for sliding the cartridge toward the plunger so that the plunger opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and cools the tip.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
60 words
The probe defined in claim 2 A. wherein the cartridge has an internal shoulder in the end thereof containing the plug, and B. the plug has flexible resilient arms formed on the end of the plug inside the cartridge, said arms engaging behind the shoulder to prevent blow out of the plug due to pressure inside the cartridge above atmospheric.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
84 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, E. means for opening the cartridge to release the refrigerant inside the cartridge which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and thence exhausts therefrom to the atmosphere, and F. means for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant flowing to the tip so as to stabilize its mass flow rate so that the probe can operate for a maximum period of time on the refrigerant in the cartridge.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
84 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, E. means for opening the cartridge to release the refrigerant inside the cartridge which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and thence exhausts therefrom to the atmosphere, and F. means for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant flowing to the tip so as to stabilize its mass flow rate so that the probe can operate for a maximum period of time on the refrigerant in the cartridge.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
110 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, E. means for conducting refrigerant from said cartridge to said capillary tube so that the refrigerant flows directly to the outer end of the tip, and F. means for controlling the mass flow rate of the refrigerant through the capillary tube so that the refrigerant cools the tip end primarily by evaporation right at the tip end to a temperature that is low enough to cause the tip end to adhere to tissue in a room temperature environment in less than 6 seconds and maintains the tip end temperature for a duration in excess of 1.5 minutes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
110 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, E. means for conducting refrigerant from said cartridge to said capillary tube so that the refrigerant flows directly to the outer end of the tip, and F. means for controlling the mass flow rate of the refrigerant through the capillary tube so that the refrigerant cools the tip end primarily by evaporation right at the tip end to a temperature that is low enough to cause the tip end to adhere to tissue in a room temperature environment in less than 6 seconds and maintains the tip end temperature for a duration in excess of 1.5 minutes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
92 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means for moving the cartridge and plunger assembly relative to one another so that the plunger assembly opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and thence exhausts from the tip to the atmosphere, and G. means for stabilizing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the capillary tube so as to maintain a substantially uniform mass flow rate of refrigerant through the capillary tube to the tip.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
92 words
a substantial length intermediate said ends formed into a small diameter multi-turn coil, F. means for moving the cartridge and plunger assembly relative to one another so that the plunger assembly opens the cartridge and releases the refrigerant which thereupon flows through the capillary tube to the probe tip and thence exhausts from the tip to the atmosphere, and G. means for stabilizing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the capillary tube so as to maintain a substantially uniform mass flow rate of refrigerant through the capillary tube to the tip.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
78 words
a relatively long length intermediate the ends formed into a mult-turn coil, E. means for venting the tip to the atmosphere, F. means for opening the cartridge so that refrigerant flows through the tube to the tip, and G. means for stabilizing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the tube to the probe tip so that the point in the tube at which the refrigerant boils remains substantially the same until the cartridge is empty of refrigerant.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
78 words
a relatively long length intermediate the ends formed into a mult-turn coil, E. means for venting the tip to the atmosphere, F. means for opening the cartridge so that refrigerant flows through the tube to the tip, and G. means for stabilizing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the tube to the probe tip so that the point in the tube at which the refrigerant boils remains substantially the same until the cartridge is empty of refrigerant.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
The probe defined in claim 1 A. wherein the capillary tube coil is positioned in a cavity inside the plunger assembly, and B. further including means for conducting refrigerant from the cartridge to the cavity so that the coil is bathed in refrigerant.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The probe defined in claim 1 A. wherein the capillary tube coil is positioned inside the plunger assembly, and B. means for isolating the coil from cold refrigerant gas exhausting from the probe tip.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The probe defined in claim 1 wherein the outer end of the probe tip has a roughened outer surface to increase adherence of the tip to frozen tissue.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
A self-contained cryosurgical probe comrising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge positioned in the housing, C. a hollow, thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, D. a small diameter capillary tube having
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
A self-contained cryosurgical probe comrising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge positioned in the housing, C. a hollow, thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, D. a small diameter capillary tube having
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The probe defined in claim 7 wherein the outer surface of the probe tip has indentations which increase the adherence of the tip to frozen tissue.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
The probe defined in claim 7 and further including means on the inner end of the probe tip which co-act with the housing to prevent rotation and translation of the tip relative to the housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The probe defined in claim 7 and further including means covering the probe tip except at its outer end for preventing adherence to frozen tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The probe defined in claim 7 wherein the temperature controlling means comprise means for isolating the capillary Tube from cold refrigerant exhausting from the probe tip.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
The probe defined in claim 11 wherein the isolating means comprise means for conducting liquid refrigerant from the cartridge to the capillary tube coil so that the refrigerant surrounds the outside of the coil.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
79 words
The probe defined in claim 7 wherein the cartridge opening means comprise A. a rigid hollow member positioned in the housing opposite the cartridge, the inside of said member communicating with the other end of the capillary tube, and B. means accessible from the outside of the housing for moving the cartridge and rigid member relative to one another so that the rigid member penetrates the cartridge whereby the refrigerant therein flows through the member to the capillary tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
62 words
A small self-contained disposable cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge positioned in the housing, C. a hollow thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a hollow plunger positioned within the housing between the cartridge and the tip, E. a small diameter capillary tube, said tube having
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
62 words
A small self-contained disposable cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge positioned in the housing, C. a hollow thermally conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a hollow plunger positioned within the housing between the cartridge and the tip, E. a small diameter capillary tube, said tube having
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
49 words
The probe defined in claim 14 wherein the temperature stabilizing means A. control the point in the capillary tube at which the refrigerant starts to boil, and B. maintain two-phase flow of refrigerant from said point to the probe tip throughout substantially the entire operating time of the probe.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
53 words
Small disposable self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a cartridge positioned in the housing, said cartridge having a volume less than 12cc, C. a hollow thermally-conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a small diameter capillary tube, said tube having
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
53 words
Small disposable self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a cartridge positioned in the housing, said cartridge having a volume less than 12cc, C. a hollow thermally-conductive tip projecting from one end of the housing, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a small diameter capillary tube, said tube having
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
A disposable self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge in the housing, C. a hollow tip projecting from one end of the cartridge, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a capillary tube having
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
A disposable self-contained cryosurgical probe comprising A. a pencil-like housing, B. a refrigerant-containing cartridge in the housing, C. a hollow tip projecting from one end of the cartridge, said tip having a closed outer end, D. a capillary tube having
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The probe defined in claim 17 wherein the stabilizing means cause the refrigerant to boil at a location in the tube between 70 and 90% along the length of the tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |