Cryosurgical linear ablation structure

Abstract

A cryogenic catheter includes a flexible member having an elongate, thermally-transmissive region and a cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member to the thermally-transmissive region. The thermally-transmissive region can be deformable from a linear configuration to an arcuate configuration and can include multiple thermally-transmissive elements having a first side exposed to the cryogenic fluid path and a second side exposed to points exterior to the flexible member. The thermally-transmissive elements can be rigid or flexible longitudinal strips. Alternatively, annular, cylindrical, or wedge-shaped metallic structures disposed in a spaced-apart relationship can define the thermally-transmissive region. In other embodiments the thermally-transmissive region is defined by a helical coil that is at least partially embedded in the flexible member. The helical coil can also define at least a portion of the cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member and include a gas expansion or boiling chamber.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.