Vented cryosurgical system with backpressure source

Abstract

The cryosurgical system comprises a Joule-Thomson cryoprobe including a Joule-Thomson nozzle and a cryoprobe outlet. The Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryoprobe outlet. A high pressure gas supply line is aligned to supply gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An operating cut-off valve is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the valve being operable to supply and cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. A vent valve assembly is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the vent valve assembly being operable to vent gas from the high pressure supply line immediately upon operation of the operating cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An interlock controls the vent valve assembly, the interlock being operable to open the vent valve assembly immediately upon operation of the cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. A backpressure source is operably connected to the cryoprobe outlet for supplying backpressure to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe to minimize residual flow through the Joule-Thomson nozzle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.