Cryogenic method and apparatus for promoting angiogenesis

A method of promoting blood vessel growth comprising the steps of:

• providing a flexible catheter having a thermally transmissive region;
• placing the catheter proximate an area of tissue to be treated without injuring the area of tissue;
• cooling the thermally transmissive region of the catheter proximate the area of tissue to a temperature sufficient to trigger an angiogenic response in said area of tissue;
• cooling a portion of the area of tissue to a temperature in the range of −20° C. to −80° C. for a duration of five seconds to five minutes, without penetrating the area of tissue;
• allowing the area of tissue to warm;
• and
• removing the catheter from the area of tissue.