Cryocor, Inc.

Ge Medical Systems Global Technology, LLC

Ravikumar Kudaravalli

Eric Ryba

David J Lentz

Hong Li

A catheter-based system for performing a cryoablation procedure uses a precooler to lower the temperature of a fluid refrigerant to a sub-cool temperature (&#x2212;40&#xb0; C.) at a working pressure (400 psi). The sub-cooled fluid is then introduced into a supply line of the catheter. Upon outflow of the primary fluid from the supply line, and into a tip section of the catheter, the fluid refrigerant boils at an outflow pressure of approximately one atmosphere, at a temperature of about &#x2212;88&#xb0; C. In operation, the working pressure is computer controlled to obtain an appropriate outflow pressure for the coldest possible temperature in the tip section.

Refrigeration source for a cryoblation catheter

A system for detecting leaks and occlusions in a cryoablation catheter requires monitoring pressure in the catheter at the end of two predetermined time intervals. The catheter includes a catheter tube, a cryo-chamber at the distal end of the catheter, and a supply line for introducing fluid refrigerant into the cryo-chamber. Also included is a pressure sensor mounted in the cryo-chamber for measuring a tip pressure. During the first time interval, fluid refrigerant is prevented from flowing through the catheter while the catheter is evacuated by a vacuum pump. The tip pressure is then measured to detect leaks. During the second time interval, fluid refrigerant is introduced into the cryo-chamber while evacuation continues, and the tip pressure is measured to detect occlusions.

System for detecting leaks and occlusions in a cryoablation catheter

Refrigeration source for a cryoablation catheter

MRI systemis provided. The MRI systemincludes a magnet assembly. A first cryogen cooling fluidis utilized to cool the magnet assembly. A first supply linecommunicates the first cryogen cooling fluidto the magnet assembly. A first return linecommunicates the first cryogen cooling fluidaway from the magnet assembly. A blower assemblyis positioned between and in communication with the first supply lineand the first return line. A regenerative heat exchangeris in communication with the first supply lineand the first return line. The regenerative heat exchangertransfers thermal energyfrom the first supply lineto the first return line. The regenerative heat exchangeris positioned between the blower assemblyand the magnet assembly. A second supply linetransports a second cryogen fluidthrough a pre-cooler assembly. The pre-cooler assemblyis positioned between the regenerative heat exchangerand the magnet assembly. The pre-cooler assemblytransfers thermal energyfrom the first supply lineto the second supply line

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Florence, SC, United States of America

Ravikumar Kudaravalli