Cryosurgical device for operating cryoprobes, method for operating a cryoprobe

A cryosurgical apparatus for operating a first cryoprobe with a pressure-resistant return run and a second cryoprobe with an unpressurized return run, wherein the apparatus has a first mode for operating the first cryoprobe and a second mode for operating the second cryoprobe, the apparatus comprising:

• a controller;
• a fluid source for providing a gas, which can be introduced into the cryoprobes for cooling the cryoprobes by means of the Joule-Thomson effect and/or by evaporating a liquefied gas;
• at least two cryoprobe connections, wherein, in the first mode, a return run of the first cryoprobe is connected to one of the cryoprobe connections and, in the second mode, an admission run of the second cryoprobe is connected to the same one of the cryoprobe connections;
• and
• a pressure-setting device including at least one pressure regulating valve, wherein the pressure regulating valve is connected to at least one of the cryoprobe connections in such a way that the pressure regulating valve can be used to regulate, in the first and second modes, the pressure ratio of an admission run to the return run of the first cryoprobe and the pressure in the admission run of the second cryoprobe, respectively, and
• wherein the controller controls a cooling power of the first and second cryoprobes by setting of the pressure regulating valve.

A method for operating a cryoprobe with a cryosurgical apparatus, wherein the apparatus provides a fluid for cooling the cryoprobe, the method comprising the steps of:

• determining whether a first cryoprobe is connected to a pressure-resistant return run or a second cryoprobe is connected to an unpressurized return run;
• setting a first mode if the first cryoprobe is connected and setting a second mode if the second cryoprobe is connected;
• and
• controlling a pressure-setting device with a pressure regulating valve for regulating, in the first mode, a pressure ratio between an admission run and the return run of the first cryoprobe and regulating, in the second mode, the pressure in the admission run of the second cryoprobe,
• wherein the step of setting the first or second mode includes setting a switching device such that, in the first mode, at least the return run of the first cryoprobe is connected to a pressure regulating valve connection of the pressure regulating valve and, in the second mode, at least the admission run of the second cryoprobe is connected to a pressure regulating valve connection of the pressure regulating valve.