Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides thermally conductive grafts and methods of passively cooling a hyperthermic region and preventing epilepsy, neural inflammation, and other neurological abnormalities using a thermally conductive graft including a thermally conductive matrix disposed between two opposed surfaces.

Abstract: Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures.

Abstract: Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positionable within the fluid filled space and the second end portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity. The rotating element is configured to rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A device for cooling the central nervous system (e.g., the brain) is disclosed that is specifically designed to provide cooling of an injured central nervous system for neuroprotective, antiepileptogenic, and/or antiepileptic treatments. In one embodiment, a portion of the cooling device is placed in a recess formed by removal of a portion of a patient's skull. An embedded heat-collecting portion of the cooling device is formed to fit in the location of the formed recess and a thermally conductive material of the heat-collecting portion is placed adjacent the dura mater to provide the desired degree of cooling. A heat-dissipating external plate is in thermal contact with the internal plate, and can be selectively sized according to a specific purpose.

Abstract: A device for cooling the central nervous system (e.g., the brain) is disclosed that is specifically designed to provide cooling of an injured central nervous system for neuroprotective, antiepileptogenic, and/or antiepileptic treatments. In one embodiment, a portion of the cooling device is placed in a recess formed by removal of a portion of a patient's skull. An embedded heat-collecting portion of the cooling device is formed to fit in the location of the formed recess and a thermally conductive material of the heat-collecting portion is placed adjacent the dura mater to provide the desired degree of cooling. A heat-dissipating external plate is in thermal contact with the internal plate, and can be selectively sized according to a specific purpose.