Patent ID: 7189228
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A detachable cryosurgical probe, comprising: a) a disposable probe assembly, comprising: b) a reusable probe assembly, comprising: 1) when the disposable probe assembly is attached, said breakaway collar is an integral unit which prevents relative rotation between said proximal handle section and said distal handle section, said female lip engaging said male lip, thereby securing said reusable probe assembly to said disposable probe assembly; 2) during an initial stage of detachment of said disposable probe assembly, the user rotates said distal handle section in a first direction relative to said proximal handle section to break away breakaway surfaces of said breakaway collar, allowing said breakaway collar to radially expand; 3) during an intermediate stage of detachment of said disposable probe assembly the user counter rotates said distal handle section in an opposite second direction relative to said proximal handle section the relative rotation between said proximal handle section and said distal handle section providing axial movement of said distal handle section toward said proximal handle section via said engagement of said threaded inner surface of said distal finger lock element section and said threaded outer surface of said stem, said axial movement being enabled by said radial expansion of said breakaway collar, said ramped surfaces of said radially spaced fingers engaging said associated ramp section on said stem during said axial movement thereby urging said fingers to open; and, 4) during a final stage of detachment said fingers open sufficiently to allow disengagement of said male lip from said female lip, thus enabling said disposable probe assembly to be detached from said reusable probe assembly.