Patent ID: 6585729
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cryosurgical system comprising:a Joule-Thomson cryoprobe including a Joule-Thomson nozzle and a cryoprobe outlet, said Joule-Thomson nozzle being in fluid communication with said cryoprobe outlet; a high pressure gas supply line aligned to supply gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe; an operating cut-off valve operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, said valve being operable to supply and cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe; a vent valve assembly operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, said vent valve assembly being operable to vent gas from the high pressure supply line immediately upon operation of the operating cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe; an interlock for controlling the vent valve assembly, said interlock operable to open the vent valve assembly immediately upon operation of the cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe; and a backpressure source operably connected to the cryoprobe outlet for supplying backpressure to said Joule-Thomson cryoprobe to minimize residual flow through said Joule-Thomson nozzle.