Patent ID: 6949094
Filing Date: 2005-09-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A cryo-medical apparatus comprising: an elongated body defined between a proximal end and a distal end; a closed-cycle miniature refrigeration unit including a compressor and at least a first heat exchanger disposed at the distal end; and a waveguide for conducting electromagnetic energy, the waveguide extending from the proximal end of the elongated body to the distal end and cooperating with the compressor so as to provide electromagnetic radiation to drive the compressor; wherein the compressor comprises a housing having a chamber wall that defines a chamber within the housing, a liquid piston disposed within the chamber, the liquid piston having at least one free surface not in contact with the chamber wall, the distal end of the waveguide being positioned to directly heat the free surface of the liquid piston, a gas spring positioned within the chamber adjacent the free surface of the liquid piston and within the propagation path of the electromagnetic radiation, and a spring mechanism positioned within the housing to exert pressure on another surface of the liquid piston.