Patent ID: 8591503

Claim:
A cryotherapy system comprising: a cryoengine for generating nitrogen under physical conditions near a critical point of a liquid-vapor system for the nitrogen, wherein the critical point defines a point in a phase diagram of the liquid-vapor system where molar volumes are substantially equivalent for liquid and gas, wherein the physical conditions comprise a pressure of about 33.5 atm; and at least one crvotherapv probe comprising: a shaft having a closed distal end adapted for insertion into a body; an inlet capillary disposed within the shaft for providing a supply flow of cryogenic fluid; an outlet capillary disposed within the shaft for providing a return flow of cryogenic fluid; and a vacuum jacket adapted to provide thermal isolation of the inlet and outlet capillaries within the shaft from the shaft, wherein the shaft, the inlet capillary, the outlet capillary, and the vacuum jacket are configured to circulate said nitrogen through the cryotherapy probe, and wherein vapor lock associated with cooling of the at least one cryotherapy probe is avoided.