argon + helium

Argon + helium refers to the combination of gases used in advanced cryosurgical systems, commonly known as the **argon-helium knife** or **lancet**. This technology leverages the Joule-Thomson effect to achieve rapid, targeted tissue destruction. High-pressure argon gas is released through a cryoprobe to induce extreme cooling (reaching temperatures between -140°C and -190°C), which causes the formation of intra- and extracellular ice crystals, leading to mechanical cell rupture and microvascular stasis. Subsequently, high-pressure helium gas is used to rapidly warm the probe (thawing), a process that further disrupts cell membranes and ensures complete necrosis of the targeted tumor tissue. This modality is primarily utilized for the percutaneous or intraoperative ablation of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liver cancer, and prostate cancer, particularly in patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional surgical resection.

Brand names

Cryo-HitSeedNetVisual-ICEArgon-Helium KnifeArgon-Helium Lancet

Other names

argon-helium cryoablationAr-He cryosurgeryargon-helium cryotherapy