Cryosurgery device

Abstract

A cryosurgery device includes an aerosol container holding a liquid refrigerant and having a valve and a stem extending out therefrom; an actuator seated on the stem and including an outlet tube for receiving released refrigerant from the container; a hub mounted on the container and including slots therein; an applicator tube mounted to the hub in fluid communication with the outlet tube; a porous tip mounted to a distal end of the applicator tube for receiving the refrigerant; and a base having a central opening for receiving the hub and applicator tube therein, the base including aligning projections that enter the slots in the hub to engage and apply pressure to the actuator to cause the actuator to depress the stem and release refrigerant to the tip.

Description

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a cryosurgery device for cryogenically treating skin lesions and, more particularly, is directed to a cryosurgery device for applying a cryogenic refrigerant from a pressurized container to a porous-tip applicator which contacts the area of the skin lesion to freeze the skin lesion. [0002] Historically, physicians have used liquid nitrogen applications to remove lesions from the skin. This has been very effective, but suffers from the disadvantage of requiring specialized equipment to condense nitrogen, the need for specialized storage devices, and the inherent hazards of handling and dispensing a material having a boiling point of −196° C. A certain amount of skill is required during treatment, so that excessive tissue injury is not obtained. [0003] More recently, methods were developed to treat skin lesions cryogenically by employing a liquid refrigerant contained in a pressurized container. In such me...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a cryosurgery device for applying a cryogenic refrigerant to a skin lesion that provides an accurate and controlled supply of the cryogenic refrigerant.

[0008] It is still another feature of the present invention to provide a cryosurgery device for applying a cryogenic refrigerant to a skin lesion that reduces waste of cryogenic agent.

[0009] It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a cryosurgery device for applying a cryogenic refrigerant to a skin lesion that substantially reduces potentially dangerous conditions from occurring during an uncontrolled escape of the cryogenic agent.

[0011] It is a still further feature of the present invention to provide a cryosurgery device for applying a cryogenic refrigerant to a skin lesion that is economical to manufacture and easy to use by consumers.

Problems solved by technology

This has been very effective, but suffers from the disadvantage of requiring specialized equipment to condense nitrogen, the need for specialized storage devices, and the inherent hazards of handling and dispensing a material having a boiling point of −196° C. A certain amount of skill is required during treatment, so that excessive tissue injury is not obtained.

A problem with such devices is the manner in which the cryogenic agent is moved from the container to the applicator.

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