Patent ID: 6551274
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cryoablation catheter comprising:an elongated flexible outer tubular member; an expandable cooling chamber mounted on the distal end of the outer tubular member; an inner tubular member extending throughout the length of the outer tubular member and being in fluid communication with the interior of the expandable cooling chamber, said tubular member having a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a source of cryoablation fluid; a fluid expansion nozzle disposed on the distal end of the inner tubular member so that when a cooling fluid is supplied to the proximal end of the inner tubular member the fluid is caused to expand at the nozzle to thereby simultaneously cause the cooling chamber to expand and cause cooling to occur within the cooling chamber; wherein the elongated outer tubular member includes a distal end and a lumen which extends from the proximal end to substantially the distal end of the outer tubular member, a passageway extends from the lumen of the outer tubular member to the interior of the expandable cooling chamber, and said inner tubular member extends through the lumen of the outer tubular member and through said passageway into the interior of the expandable cooling chamber.