Medial branch smart tip needle

Abstract

Cryogenic methods, systems, and devices cryogenic system for alleviating lower back pain in a patient. The cryogenic device includes a handpiece having a size and shape suitable for supporting in a hand of an operator and a needle probe coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece. The needle probe includes a probe body, at least one needle coupled the probe body, and a silica supply tube extending within the needle lumen. The system includes an introducer configured to receive and position the at least one needle proximate to a location of a target tissue associated with lower back pain, wherein the cryogenic device is configured to provide a desired ice ball shape that remains on a distal portion of the introducer after the at least one needle is removed therefrom. The system further includes a needle guard configured to house the needle probe.