Method and device for performing cooling or cryo-therapies, for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation employing tissue protection

A method of reducing atrial fibrillation, comprising:

• inserting a catheter at least partially into the heart, the catheter having a cold balloon, a portion of the balloon located in the left atrium and a portion of the balloon located in a pulmonary vein;
• and
• inflating the cold balloon with a working fluid including DMSO such that an exterior surface of the cold balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of reducing atrial fibrillation, comprising:

• inserting a catheter at least partially into the heart, the catheter having a cold balloon, a portion of the balloon located in the left atrium and a portion of the balloon located in a pulmonary vein;
• and
• inflating the cold balloon with a working fluid including d-limonene such that an exterior surface of the cold balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of reducing restenosis after angioplasty in a blood vessel, comprising:

• inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, the catheter having a balloon, the balloon having at least one pore formed therein;
• and
• inflating the balloon with a working fluid including DSMO such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial inner perimeter of the blood vessel, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of reducing restenosis after angioplasty in a blood vessel, comprising:

• inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, the catheter having a balloon, the balloon having at least one pore formed therein;
• and
• inflating the balloon with a working fluid including d-limonene such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial inner perimeter of the blood vessel, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of reducing atrial fibrillation, comprising:

• inserting a catheter at least partially into the heart, the catheter having an annular ring balloon disposed near a distal portion thereof, a portion of the annular ring balloon located in the left atrium and a portion of the annular ring balloon located in a pulmonary vein;
• and
• inflating the annular ring balloon with a working fluid such that an exterior surface of the annular ring balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of providing a prophylactic therapy against atrial fibrillation, comprising:

• performing a cardiac surgical procedure;
• inserting an ablation catheter at least partially into the heart, the ablation catheter having a balloon, a portion of the balloon located in the left atrium and a portion of the balloon located in a pulmonary vein;
• inflating the balloon with a cryogenic working fluid such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium, the working fluid having a temperature in the range of about −10° C. to −100° C.

A method of preparing a carbon-containing fluid for a biomedical use, comprising:

• diffusing a gas into a carbon-containing fluid for a period of time between about 20 and 30 minutes;
• and
• de-pressurizing an environment adjacent the fluid such that at least a partial vacuum is achieved for a period of time between about 0 and 10 minutes.