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Abstract

A surgical system and method for destroying unwanted internal structures including a cryosurgery probe or probes, an ultrasonic or MRI robe and a computer system is described. The ultrasonic or MRI probe provides data signals that are processed by the computer system to provide an image of the structures involved in the freezing procedure. The cryosurgery probes can be inserted in the body and activated manually or by the computer system to provide freezing capable of destroying internal tissue. By calibrating the effects of the cryosurgery probe or probes as a function of power and duration, the surgical procedure can be controlled by including overlaying images of the regions already affected by the cryosurgery probe or probes on the images previously provided by the ultrasonic or MRI probe. This image reconstruction can be performed in real time providing immediate feedback to the attending physician. The computer system can also monitor system parameters such a freezing power and duration. This system has particular application to procedures involving the prostate gland where the cryosurgery probe or probes can be inserted intra-perineally and the ultrasonic probe or MRI can be inserted intra-perineally or trans-rectally.

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First Claim