To the traditional methods of altering or removing tissue, a new technique has been added: freezing. Interest in the surgical use of extreme cold goes far back into the history of medicine. Only in recent years has the scientific information provided by cryobiologists and the improved instrumentation provided by cryogenic engineers permitted controlled and deliberate employment of this physical agent.
In this text, the author outlines the technique and instrumentation he has developed in his extensive clinical experience. Greatest emphasis is placed upon the details of lens extraction, although the outline of other potential applications indicates that cryosurgery will doubtless play an increasingly important role in ophthalmic surgery of the future.
Although it would be of interest to have incorporated more information concerning the cryobiologic and cryogenic engineering principles involved, this book should serve as a helpful text for the ophthalmologist who is beginning his experience in cryosurgery.