Patent ID: 6572610
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cryosurgical apparatus, comprising:a cryosurgical refrigeration unit; a control handle connected in fluid flow communication with said refrigeration unit; a torque transmitting flexible tubular catheter connected in fluid flow communication with said control handle, said control handle being adapted to impart axial torque to rotate said catheter; a deflectable tubular segment at a distal end of said catheter, said deflectable segment having a higher degree of flexibility than said catheter; a spine element within said deflectable segment, said spine element being constructed to define a preferred plane of deflection; a heat transfer element on a distal end of said deflectable segment; a refrigerant supply conduit within said catheter, said supply conduit being adapted to supply refrigerant from said refrigeration unit to said heat transfer element; a tip deflection mechanism in said control handle; a pull wire connecting said tip deflection mechanism to said heat transfer element, said tip deflection mechanism being adapted to impart tension to said pull wire to establish curvature of said deflectable segment of said catheter; and a flexible multi-lumen core tube within said deflectable segment of said catheter, said core tube being more flexible near its distal end than near its proximal end; wherein said core tube has a plurality of longitudinal lumens configured to cause said core tube to flex more easily in a direction within said defined plane of deflection than in a direction not within said defined plane of deflection; wherein said plurality of lumens are geometrically shaped and positioned to give said core tube a mass moment of inertia lower in said defined plane of deflection than in the direction perpendicular to said defined plane of deflection.