Integrated cryosurgical system with refrigerant and electrical power source

A method for treating target tissue in a patient, said method comprising:

• providing a cryogenic device having a body with a cooling fluid supply path, a cooling fluid source, a probe coupled with a distal region of the body and having a lumen, a heater element in thermal engagement with the cooling fluid source and a power source;
• heating the cooling fluid source with the heater, the power source providing power to the heater, wherein the power source has sufficient power to heat the cooling fluid to at least a desired temperature and wherein the power source has insufficient power to heat the cooling fluid above a critical temperature which results in rupture of the cooling fluid source;
• engaging the probe with the target tissue;
• and
• cooling the target tissue with the probe so as to remodel the target tissue.

A system for cooling a target tissue in a single patient, said system comprising:

• a probe having a proximal portion, a distal target tissue engaging portion, and a cooling fluid supply lumen therebetween, the probe insertable distally into the target tissue;
• a cooling fluid source containing a quantity of cooling fluid;
• a heater element thermally engaged with the cooling fluid source;
• and
• a battery or power source adapted to provide power to the heater element so as to heat the cooling fluid,
• wherein the power source has sufficient power to heat the cooling fluid to at least a desired temperature, and
• wherein the power source has insufficient power to heat the cooling fluid above a critical temperature which results in rupture of the cooling fluid source, and
• wherein the battery has sufficient power to operate the cryogenic device to cool the target tissue adjacent a plurality of insertion sites so as to remodel the target tissue and cosmetically enhance an appearance of the patient.