A practical device to produce consistent, controlled cryoinjury on the skin

It has long been known that sensitivity to cold-induced damage can vary greatly between different cell types, with lethal temperatures reportedly ranging from −2 °C for canine osteocytes, to −70 °C for mammary adenocarcinomas. This suggests that, for certain applications, “therapeutic windows” may exist wherein the cryosurgery temperature could be controlled to specifically target more cold-sensitive cell types, while sparing less sensitive cells. However, this potential selectivity has not been developed into practical clinical treatments, in part because of a lack of available investigative tools that can provide consistent, reproducible cooling within the desired temperature range. Here we describe an experimental cryosurgery tool that allows user control over the three key cryosurgery parameters – temperature, pressure, and duration. The tool is composed of inexpensive components that are generally accessible in most laboratory settings, and could be a practical investigative tool for developing and optimizing novel topical cryosurgery approaches.