Patent ID: 7128738
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for cryoablating a fibroadenoma within the breast of a patient comprising: a cryoprobe adapted for percutaneous insertion through the skin of the breast and into the fibroadenoma, said cryoprobe adapted to provide cooling at a first power level and a second power level, where the first power level provides cooling to a first cryogenic temperature and the second power level provides cooling to a second cryogenic temperature which is higher than the first cryogenic temperature; a fluid supply assembly operably connected to the cryoprobe and adapted to provide cooling fluid to the cryoprobe; a control system for controlling operation of the cryoprobe and fluid supply assembly in response to operator input; input means for entry of a first time desired for operation of the cryoprobe at the first power level and for entry of a second time desired for operation of the cryoprobe at the second power level; wherein the control system controls the cryoprobe to freeze the fibroadenoma, and is programmed to operate the cryoprobe at the first power level for a period equal to the first time, and thereafter operate the cryoprobe at the second power level for a period equal to the second time, and thereafter to shut off the cryoprobe to provide a predetermined thawing period that equals the sum of the first time and second time, and thereafter operate the cryoprobe at the first power level for a period equal to the first time, and thereafter operate the cryoprobe at the second power level for a period equal to the second time.