title: Extirpated uterine endometrial cryoablation with ultrasound visualization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of cryoablation of the uterus monitored by ultrasound.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational research (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinic laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight uteri obtained after hysterectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The uteri were subjected to freeze and thaw cycles in a 37 inverted exclamation markC water bath. Ultrasound was used to monitor the advancing ice front and ice ball diameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Specimens were sectioned and stained with tetrazolium red to determine the region of nonviable tissue. The maximum average ice ball diameter as measured by ultrasound was 33.2 mm (range 29.1-35.4 mm). The average maximum diameter of nonviable tissue region was 24 mm (range 21.4-28.4 mm), with depth of tissue destruction ranging from 6 to 12 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cryosurgery at temperatures below -90 inverted exclamation mark C achieves excellent destruction of uterine tissue and complete destruction of endometrium. Ultrasound can be used to monitor freezing.
authors.affiliation: Cryogen Incorporated, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Dobak
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Willems
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents