Abstract: A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: Disposable, zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature probes are constructed using a support assembly constituted of a flexible substrate that supports elements of the probe. One support assembly embodiment includes a folded substrate with a heater and thermal sensors disposed on it. Another support assembly includes multiple sections separable into strata supporting a covering guard heater, a central thermal sensor, and a thermal sensor displaced at least radially from the central thermal sensor.

Abstract: A disposable, zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature probe is constructed using a support assembly with multiple sections folded together or separated into strata during assembly of the probe. The sections support elements of the probe, including thermal sensors and a thermal resistor between the thermal sensors. Optionally, one of the sections supports a heater.

Abstract: A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.

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 tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a support member disposable within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to a limb whose extremity is received in the cover.

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 warming device includes a poncho-type patient gown having a major body portion with inside and outside surfaces, a central panel in the major body portion, opposing sleeve portions in the central panel, and a head opening in the central panel, between the sleeve portions. An inflatable convective warming apparatus is supported on a surface of the patient gown, extending from a lower edge of the patient gown at least to the head opening.

Abstract: A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device has a flexible treatment portion that includes one or more parts and holes arranged in an openwork. A treatment area is defined in the openwork. The treatment portion is deployed such that the treatment area is positioned over tissue to be treated. The openwork minimizes contact between the tissue treatment device and the tissue being treated. A flexible cover is secured against the flexible treatment portion to close the holes and form a treatment volume in the openwork. The minimal contact between the tissue treatment device and the tissue being treated promotes a desired clinical objective.

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 warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting one or more convective apparatuses disposed to warm a patient perioperatively. The warming device may include an upper body convective apparatus supported on the inside of the clinical garment between its sleeves. The construction of the upper body convective apparatus includes pulling elements that draw folded components of the apparatus from sleeves of the clinical garment when pulled. The warming device may include a multi-section convective apparatus disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and having separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming. The construction of the multi-section convective apparatus includes a therapeutic warming section with an inlet port positioned for convenient and safe access when the lower portion of the warming device is disposed to drape over the lower limbs of a person while the therapeutic warming section is being operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a person includes an inflatable cover having two inlet ports and a plug removably received in one of the ports. With the plug received in the one port, the cover can be inflated by way of the port without the plug.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with comb-shaped, interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A fluid warming cassette for use in a fluid warming system includes a first sheet, a second sheet and a flexible spacer having a serpentine opening. At least one of the first and second sheets is a flexible plastic sheet. The spacer is positioned between the first and second sheets and the first and second sheets are joined together over the spacer to form a fluid container having a fluid channel. The fluid container includes a fluid channel with inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid warming cassette is capable of operating under negative pressure without collapse of the fluid channel in the cassette.

Abstract: A thermal blanket for warming the limbs includes a surface, an inactive region of the surface adapted to lie against the thoracic and/or abdominal area of a person extending at least from the thighs to the abdomen of the person, active regions of the surface adapted to circulate pressurized air to limbs of the person, and an inflatable pneumatic structure adapted to distribute pressurized air to the active regions. When warmed, pressurized air is introduced into the pneumatic structure, prewarming and/or comfort warming is provided.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity or a portion of an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a flexible, absorbent support member. Defined sections of the support member may be removed from the support member to form an opening therein. The support member is for being positioned within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to the extremity or extremity portion that is received in the cover. The support member may be impregnated with a medicament. The removable sections allow formation of an opening that may be customized or adapted to the area of tissue that is to receive treatment. This permits the tissue treatment device to be adapted for use with treatment areas that vary in size, shape, contour, and composition.

Abstract: A clinical garment having a lower hem and sleeves includes permeable surfaces inside near peripheral portions, a duct in communication with the permeable surfaces, and at least one inlet port opening into the duct. When worn by a patient, the permeable surfaces are positioned adjacent the patient's limbs. Warmed pressurized air may be introduced into the duct and conducted to the permeable surfaces. The warmed pressurized air circulates through the permeable surfaces to warm the adjacent limbs.

Abstract: A method of drug delivery utilizes a transdermal device that contains a phase change material and a first material such as a drug, a pharmaceutical, or a medicament mixed with or disposed near the phase change material. The phase change material is one that transitions from solid to liquid form when heated. A second material is disposed, suspended, or held in the solid form of the phase change material. The phase change material changes to a liquid state in response to heat and the second material that is disposed, suspended, or held in the phase change material is released and comes into contact with the first material. Advantageously, such second materials may include substances such as pharmaceuticals that boost or supplement the effect produced by a drug delivered transdermally by the device, or drug antagonists, or nicotine.