[Reproducibility of the temperature field created by a cryosurgical applicator]

The relation between the non-reproducibility of the thermal field of the cryoapplicator and conditions of the thermal contact are reduced. Investigations of the thermal field were made on a model of tissue in a 3% aqueous gelatin solution. The results of the study show the nature of the thermal contact between the applicator and the tissue to play a significant part in the non-reproducibility of the cryoprobe thermal field. With any mode of the cryogenic action there exists a temperature differential on the borderline tissue--applicator. In the absence of adhesion this differential becomes quite considerable. To reduce the region of non-reproducibility of the thermal field it is necessary that cryosurgical operations be carried out with the applicator kept frozen to the tissue.