Process and apparatus for cryostatic pre-operative treatment of gangrenous extremeties

摘要

A new technique and new apparatus has been developed to facilitate the physiologic amputation of poor risk patients having gangrene of the leg. This process involves the controlled application of refrigeration through a freezing pad wrapped around the affected portion of the extremity to completely freeze the extremity. The refrigerant circulating throughout the freezing pad is supplied through flexible tubes from a refrigeration unit thus allowing freedom of movement to the patient, limited ambulation and movement of the extremity during the pre-operative period of treatment.