Abstract: Methods for selective cooling or heating of a target site in the human body include a catheter having a supply elongated element and a delivery elongated element, with inlet and exit ports. Blood is withdrawn from the supply elongated element and cooled or heated in a control unit. The treated blood is sent to the targeted area via delivery elongated element. The supply elongated element can act as an insulator for the treated blood in the delivery elongated element.

Abstract: An infusion set for administering a medicament delivered by an infusion pump which can be carried separately from the infusion set as well as an infusion system including the infusion set are disclosed. The infusion set can comprise a disposable part, a reusable part, and an electrically powered functional component. The disposable part can comprise a single lumen infusion cannula that projects from the underside and is the only skin piercing or penetrating element of the infusion set. The reusable part when in the interconnected state is fluidically isolated from the disposable part. The disposable part can comprise a feeding line which fluidically connects an upstream end of the first connector with a downstream end of a cannula to feed and deliver the medicament via the disposable part and bypass the reusable part.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a material comprising an injector barrel in communication with a delivery needle and a plunger, wherein at least a portion of the plunger is slidably disposed within a proximal portion of the injector barrel, and a proximal end of the delivery needle is in communication with a distal end of the injector barrel, and a thermal jacket surrounding at least a portion of the length of the injector barrel is disclosed. The thermal jacket may be used to regulate the temperature of the material to be delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery system for use in the treatment of vascular and vessel-related pathologies, comprising a drug delivery platform that comprises at least one compound capable of exerting an effect on the formation and/or maintenance of a thrombus in the vessel to be treated. The platform is preferably formed by liposomes that are sterically stabilized by grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) onto the liposome surface. The liposomes may further comprise photosensitizers and targeting molecules. The liposomes may be thermosensitive. The compound is suitably tranexamic acid. The drug delivery system is preferably used for the treatment of port wine stains.

Abstract: A series of implementations of open access sleeves for holding one or more closed containers of sterile fluid for use in medical procedures are disclosed. The open access sleeves may be adapted to provide heat to maintain the containers of sterile fluid above the ambient air temperature of the room. The provision of heat may be controlled by a control system. The control system may use a temperature measurement device to obtain a temperature representative of the container of sterile fluid and of the sterile fluid in the container. The access sleeve may be included in a device for maintaining an open volume of sterile fluid within a range of a target temperature to maintain the closed containers of sterile fluid at a temperature near target temperature for open volume of sterile fluid.

Abstract: A device for cooling cutaneous and sub-cutaneous tissues includes an applicator. The applicator has a head and a handle. The head has ports that are operative to dispense a pressurized fluid. The device also has a pressurizing section where the pressurizing section comprises at least one pump. The pump delivers pressurized fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to about 2 bars to the applicator.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates of a high flow rate infusion unit to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are integrated with the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects air from the infusate exiting the laminar flow path, and includes an air vent in contact with the infusate that vents the air from the bubble trap. The valve shuts off the flow of infusate if air is detected in the bubble trap.

Abstract: A renal denervation apparatus includes a treatment element dimensioned for deployment on or within a renal artery of a patient. The treatment element comprises a predefined pattern arranged to complete at least one revolution of the treatment element. The apparatus includes a treatment source. The treatment source and treatment element are configured to cooperatively facilitate communication of an agent from the treatment source to the pattern arrangement of the treatment element. The treatment element is configured to deliver denervation therapy using the agent via the pattern arrangement to one or more regions of the renal artery adjacent the pattern arrangement, such that at least one complete revolution of the renal artery is subjected to the denervation therapy.

Abstract: An implant having an energy converter. The energy converter is designed to convert applied energy to heat, the energy converter being situated in such a way that heat generated from the energy conversion is active at an outer surface of the implant.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature. The stretch resistant member may be formed from a therapeutic and/or bioactive non-metallic material to enhance the therapeutic properties of the vasoocclusive coil.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a connecting member, a catheter shaft, a balloon and a heat-generating member. The heat-generating member is in contact with a fluid in a distal portion of the catheter shaft. A method for treating a patient including introducing a low temperature fluid which flows through the balloon, introducing energy into a catheter shaft, and converting the energy into heat by a heat-generating member to heat the fluid, whereby an organ of the patient is heated and cooled. In the method, a portion of a diseased tissue of the organ is (i) heated from 35 to 40° C. to 60 to 80° C. within 30 seconds, (ii) expanded by applying a pressure of 500 kPa or smaller to the balloon, and (iii) cooled to 45° C. or lower within 40 seconds.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a heat exchanger has a fitting and a mount to which the fitting couples. The fitting has an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. At the proximal portion there is a crossbar, and at the distal portion there are an inlet and an outlet that protrude away from the body. Two wings extend from the body in a direction opposite to that of the inlet and outlet. There is formed on each of the wings a locking protrusion. The mount has a top portion where there is a groove dimensioned to accept the crossbar of the fitting. A longitudinal channel is formed orthogonal to the groove in the mount. Two sidewalls extend from the mount each for accepting a corresponding one of the wings, when the fitting is coupled to the mount. Apertures are provided at the sidewalls at the wings.

Abstract: A compound for injecting locally into an intratumoral space of a body made of a mixture of a biocompatible wax, admixed with biocompatible oil. The compound is liquid at a temperature above body temperature but compatible with the life of healthy cells. It exhibits an increasing viscosity with decreasing temperature and becomes a solid close to body temperature. The compound is then metabolized by the human body.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between a primary fluid (W) and a secondary fluid (X) and a heat exchanger for heat exchange as well as an arrangement and a kit comprising a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second fluid circuit extending through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger further comprises a stack of fluid plates and a membrane arranged between each of the fluid plates where one interspace is formed between each fluid plate and membrane. The first and the second fluid circuit are each constituted by a passage extending through the fluid plates and membranes and along the fluid plates and membranes in at least two interspaces. A primary fluid (W) is passed through the first fluid circuit and a secondary fluid (X) is passed through the second fluid circuit such that the primary fluid (W) is passed along one side of a membrane and simultaneously the secondary fluid (X) is passed along the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: Methods of isolating, treating, storing and processing human milk, as well as nutritional formulations of human milk comprising protective human milk proteins.

Abstract: Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised above body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition liquefies, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A penis erection stimulation system comprises an infusion device (11) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body, at least one reservoir (R1, R2) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body in fluid connection with the infusion device to supply to the infusion device a substance to be injected into the patient's body, and a cooling device implantable along with the reservoir for keeping the content within at least one compartment of the reservoir at a temperature below 37° C. The reservoir preferably comprises at least one first compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate a first substance and at least one second compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate as a second substance a drug for stimulating penis erection, wherein the at least one second compartment is cooled by means of the cooling device.

Abstract: An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into a patient's body, in particular a penis erection stimulation system, comprises an infusion device (11) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body, at least one reservoir (R1, R2) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body in fluid connection with the infusion device to supply to the infusion device a substance to be injected into the patient's body, and a cooling device for keeping the content within at least one compartment of the reservoir at a temperature below 37° C. The reservoir preferably comprises at least one first compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate a first substance and at least one second compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate a second substance, in particular a drug for stimulating penis erection, wherein the at least one second compartment is cooled by means of the cooling device.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described for treating intraluminal locations such as in a patient's lung. The device has an elongated shaft with an inner lumen, preferably defined by an inner tubular member, formed of heat resistant polymeric materials such as polyimide. The device also has an outer surface formed of heat resistant material. High temperature vapor is directed through the inner lumen into the intraluminal location to treat tissue at and distal to the location. An enlarged or enlargeable member, such as a balloon, is provided on a distal portion of the shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the device.

Abstract: An infusion fluid heating apparatus applicable to various types of infusion tube with different length dimensions includes a front-side tube fitting groove or a rear-side tube fitting groove formed on one of surfaces of a heating plate that receives an infusion tube in a first length between an inlet opening and an outlet opening open at the end surfaces of the heating plate. The groove also receives the infusion tube in a second length shorter than the first length. Therefore, the groove uses the second length for a relatively short infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and achieving high versatility. In addition, the tube fitting groove uses the first length for an infusion bag with a relatively long infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and increasing the maximum infusion fluid flow.

Abstract: A system for heating a medical fluid includes a container including a fluid path including an inlet side and an outlet side. A broadband infrared radiation source including a power supply is coupled to a broadband emitter for emitting infrared radiation. The broadband emitter provides a focal location within the fluid path to heat the medical fluid to generate a heated medical fluid. A flow turbulence enhancing structure mixes the heated medical fluid to reduce temperature gradients therein. A fluid detector senses a presence of the medical fluid in the fluid path and generates a fluid sensing signal. A controller is coupled to receive the fluid sensing signal and has an output coupled to the power supply for controlling a power output of the power supply based on the fluid sensing signal indicating a presence of the medical fluid in the container.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates of a high flow rate infusion unit to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are integrated with the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects air from the infusate exiting the laminar flow path, and includes an air vent in contact with the infusate that vents the air from the bubble trap. The valve shuts off the flow of infusate if air is detected in the bubble trap.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for powering an electric device coupled to a patient to reduce transients on patient monitoring devices are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for reducing transient electrical events on a patient monitoring device may include a device that can be powered on or off to cause current flow through a load of the device and which has a line out that is capacitively coupled to a patient during use; and a control circuit to control a periodic coupling of first and second voltage sources to the load out of phase at a predetermined carrier frequency to provide continuous current flow through the load in alternating directions, and to control the periodic coupling of first and second voltage sources to the load in phase at a predetermined carrier frequency to provide no current flow through the load.

Abstract: A heating device (1) is described for a container (7) of a liquid pharmaceutical product having a viscosity of 50-500 cP at 4° C. and contained within a glass container. The device (1) comprises a substantially rigid, thin-walled housing (2) defining an openable chamber for receiving the container (7), a heat source (6) in the chamber comprising a hermetically sealed package containing a super-cooled metal salt fluid or liquid and an actuator (14) for activating the super-cooled metal salt to produce heat, wherein the ratio of the volume of the metal salt to the intended volume of the product is no more than 1:1.

Abstract: A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.

Abstract: Disposable injection devices are disclosed herein. In an exemplary arrangement, the disposable injection device comprises an annular sleeve, a predetermined pre-injection quantity of a substance configured for selective injection, and a temperature control element. The annular sleeve at least partially defines a dispensing chamber therein. The predetermined pre-injection quantity of the substance configured for selective injection is disposed within the dispensing chamber. The temperature control element is operably connected to the dispensing chamber, and is configured to selectively heat the substance to a predetermined temperature. The substance expands from the pre-injection quantity at the predetermined temperature to an injection quantity whereby the injection quantity is greater than a volume defined by the dispensing chamber. In this manner, a predetermined minimum quantity of the substance is self-expelled from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of therapies for solid cancers, in particular, skin cancer. Compositions comprising tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) linked to anchors for anchoring TIMP into a cell membrane and heatlabile vesicles are provided. Also provided are uses of TIMP or TIMP constructs for treating solid cancers in combination with hyperthermic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating baldness in a subject and generating new hair follicles, comprising epidermal disruption and administration of a compound that promotes a differentiation of an uncommitted epidermal cell into a hair follicle cell. The present invention also provides methods for hair removal and inducing hair pigmentation.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: Intravascular closed loop heat exchange catheters are used to manage temperature in burn patients.

Abstract: An intravenous heat exchange catheter and/or an external cooling pad/bladder can be used to maintain hypothermia in, e.g., a cardiac arrest patient, but to accelerate the cooling process the patient first can be infused with cold saline before the opportunity arises to connect the catheter or pad to the patient.

Abstract: Device to thermally affect delimited regions of the body of a patient, wherein it possesses at least one heating or cooling means that can be inserted into a blood vessel of the patient or can be attached to a blood vessel of the patient in order to heat or cool the blood in a portion of the blood vessel that leads into or away from a tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.

Abstract: A fluid warming device includes axially or longitudinally slidable covers that retain a removable heat exchange body in a housing in heat exchange communication with a heater assembly while allowing flow through the heat exchange body to be observed. In another aspect, a fluid warming system increases or decreases power to a heater assembly to adjust the fluid temperature to ensure that the fluid is at an appropriate temperature when it reaches the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for surgery on a hollow organ comprises a source of a biocompatible gellable fluid in a flowable state and an insertion device for introducing the gellable fluid into a hollow organ of a patient, the gellable fluid transitioning from the flowable state to a gel-like state to form a gel mass within the hollow organ to support a wall of the hollow organ in combination with a state control apparatus for transitioning the gel mass from the gel-like state to the flowable state and a removal device for removing from the hollow organ the gellable fluid in the flowable state.

Abstract: A high flow rate infusion unit includes a heating unit with opposing, electrically-operated heating plates that contact a heat exchanger to heat infusate flowing therethrough. Pressure infusers on the infusion unit are operable to provide infusate at a high flow rate. A flat, elongate heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are disposed within the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects bubbles and vents air from infusate exiting the fluid flow path, and the valve shuts off the flow of infusate if the volume of air in the bubble trap exceeds a predefined limit.

Abstract: A non-electric heater apparatus for controllably heating and cooling fluid medicaments flowing from a medicament dispenser through the fluid delivery member of the apparatus by adding a suitable solution or solvent to a chemical component, such as magnesium chloride, or the like, to create an exothermic process that can be used to heat the fluid delivery member and the fluid flowing there through.

Abstract: A novel dispensing system for dispensing medicaments to a patient that includes means for controllably heating fluid medicaments within the dispensing system by converting a chemical component, such as calcium chloride or the like, into a solution or solvent by adding a suitable solution or solvent to create an exothermic process causing an increase in temperature of the mixed solution.

Abstract: An economical yet effective apparatus and associated method heats and pressurizes a fluid-filled bag of the type used in a surgical setting. The apparatus includes an inner sealed flexible jacket including a sodium acetate solution and activator button therein operative to heat the fluid-filled bag. An outer sealed flexible jacket adjacent to the inner jacket includes a gas inlet for inflation thereof thereby applying pressure to the fluid-filled bag through the heated inner jacket during use.

Abstract: A fluid warming cassette system in which the cassette has a stiffening frame structure and an integral handle is provided to support a parenteral fluid container. The fluid container is desirably thin to minimize heat exchange inefficiencies. The frame structure permits the thin fluid container to be inserted into the narrow space between fixed position warming plates of a warming unit. The frame structure has a quadrilateral shape with sides and ends. The fluid container is attached, at its periphery to the sides and ends of the frame structure, within the quadrilateral shape. Part of the frame structure is formed into a handle to assist in both the insertion and removal of the cassette from a warming unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.

Abstract: Medical device for the delivery and/or the extraction of fluid to and/or from a patient, said medical device comprising a pumping unit (1) for pumping a fluid, a warming chamber (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) and containing a heating element (5) for warming said fluid, fluid volume measuring means (13-18) and a fluid line crossing said pumping and warming units (1, 2), characterized by the fact that said heating element (5) is adapted to be fully immersed in the fluid which is crossing said warming chamber (2) and by the fact that said fluid measuring means comprise temperature sensing means adapted to measure the fluid temperature on at least two separate points and electrical parameter measuring means for determining at least one electrical parameter such as current, power or frequency applied to said heating element (5). The invention also includes a method for using this device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermorod for active drug release capable of actively releasing drugs according to temperature and a method of manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing a thermorod for active drug release that generates heat by means of eddy current loss and hysteresis loss in an induced magnetic field comprises: processing the thermorod into a certain shape; preparing a mixed-drug specimen by mixing a drug with a high molecular compound acting as a support of the drug; and forming a mixed-drug layer on the surface of the thermorod by using the mixed-drug specimen. Also, the thermorod for active drug release manufactured by the method is provided. Therefore, the method and thermorod prepared by the method may be useful to effectively perform the drug administration and anti-cancer drug treatment of affected parts since they may be used to perform local hyperthermia at 36.5° C. or above and to actively control the active drug release and delivery according to temperature as well.