Abstract: A flexible thermal jacket of a generally thin flat arcuate configuration having a thermal transfer face and a thermal insulating face comprises, a first thin flat sheet of impervious material having an arcuate inner and outer edge, a second sheet substantially identical to said first sheet bonded to the first sheet along the arcuate edges and along lines defining an elongated serpertine passages throughout the jacket, and a generally circular insulating tab formed of inner and outer impervious sheets and an inner thermal sheet secured to the inner edge and operative to close and or cover an opening formed by forming the jacket into a frusto-conical configuration.

Abstract: A suction dissector for performing coronary, systemic or pulmonary thromboendarterectomy including a unitary elongated instrument having an elongated tubular handle section and an elongated tubular probe section having a bore, the handle section having a connector at an outer end thereof for attachment to a source of vacuum, the probe section having a rounded tip and a plurality of ports in the tip for communicating with the bore.

Abstract: A thermometer for measuring the core temperature of a body by measuring infrared radiation emitted by the tympanic membrane of the ear. The thermometer includes a fiber optic fiber bundle assembly which is inserted into the ear canal to a location adjacent to the tympanic membrane. Infrared radiation is conveyed to a thermopile which converts the radiation to an electrical signal. To assure an accurate signal in changing ambient temperature conditions, circuitry is provided which measures the thermopile resistance (heat) just prior and/or just subsequent to taking a temperature reading and nulling this signal. A disposable sheath is provided to cover the end of the fiber optic assembly inserted into the ear canal to prevent cross contamination between patients. The sheath includes an infrared radiation transparent window over the end of the fiber optic so that there are no openings in the sheath within the ear.

Abstract: A temperature probe for insertion into the tissue of an organ, such as a heart, during surgery comprises an elongated needle made of plastic with a large button type head, and having one or more sensing elements disposed at selected positions along the length thereof for sensing the temperatures at various depths, with a surface temperature sensor positioned just beneath the head in the needle.