Cryogenic Freezing of the Entire Prostate Gland

Abstract

The goal of this study was to model cryogenic freezing of the entire prostate, using five cryoprobes, while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. A 3-D model was attempted, but failed due to time constraints; therefore, a 2-D model was constructed. It was determined that probe placement was the key factor in minimizing the time required to freeze the prostate and the extent of damage to the surrounding tissue. Varying probe temperature between -180 deg. and -195 deg.C had little affect on these results. We also increased the temperature of the center probe outside of the range currently used for this procedure. This decreased the frozen area below the prostate where the rectum is located.