Abstract: An inventive medical thermal exchange pad is provided that includes a pliable fluid containing layer and at least a first plurality of adjacent fluid channels of coincidental configurations with the fluid containing layer. A second plurality of fluid channels may also be provided in the fluid containing layer, wherein the second plurality of fluid channels are of coincidental configurations different than those of the first plurality of fluid channels. The pad may be defined to include a central segment with one or more flap segments separately and pivotably interconnected to the central segment. In particular, a plurality of side flap segments may be provided, wherein U-shaped portions of one of the first and second plurality of fluid channels extend through at least one of the side flap segments. Further, end flap segment may be provided. In one embodiment, fluid inlet and outlet ports to/from fluid circulation layer may be disposed in the end flap segment.

Abstract: An improved patient temperature exchange system and method is disclosed for use with one or more interconnectable patient contact pads. In one embodiment, the system includes a circulating pump for drawing fluid through the interconnected pad(s) under negative pressure, and for pumping the fluid through one of more heat exchange devices into a circulating reservoir. A make-up reservoir may be provided for gravity fluid flow into the circulating reservoir during the filling of the interconnectable pad(s) and for receiving fluid upon emptying of the interconnectable pad(s). During normal heating/cooling operations, the circulated fluid does not pass through the make-up reservoir, thereby yielding a highly responsive system. The make-up and circulatory reservoirs may be directly interconnected, with the make-up reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure (e.g. via a non-spill vent).

Abstract: An improved patient temperature exchange system and method is disclosed for use with one or more interconnectable patient contact pads. In one embodiment, the system includes a circulating pump for drawing fluid through the interconnected pad(s) under negative pressure, and for pumping the fluid through one of more heat exchange devices into a circulating reservoir. A make-up reservoir may be provided for gravity fluid flow into the circulating reservoir during the filling of the interconnectable pad(s) and for receiving fluid upon emptying of the interconnectable pad(s). During normal heating/cooling operations, the circulated fluid does not pass through the make-up reservoir, thereby yielding a highly responsive system. The make-up and circulatory reservoirs may be directly interconnected, with the make-up reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure (e.g. via a non-spill vent).

Abstract: The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest (24) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest (24). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane (28). A spacing structure maintains a spaced relation between an interior side (30) of the flexible membrane (28) and the tissue region of interest (24) to define a fluid circulation space (34) for fluid flow therebetween. Thermal exchange fluid is drawn into the fluid circulation space (34) though an inlet (60) in the flexible membrane and out of the fluid circulation space (34) through an outlet (64) in the flexible membrane (28) under negative or nearly negative gauge pressure. The fluid directly contacts the tissue region of interest (24), resulting in cooling/heating of the tissue region of interest (24).

Abstract: A medical pad 10 includes a thermal exchange layer capable of absorbing and/or releasing heat to a patient and an adhesive surface 16A disposed on a skin-contacting side of the thermal exchange layer for adhering the pad 10 to the skin of the patient. The thermal exchange layer may comprise a fluid containing layer 12 for containing a thermal exchange fluid 14 capable of absorbing thermal energy from and/or releasing thermal energy to the patient. The pad 10 may also include a conformable thermally conductive layer 16 between the adhesive surface 16A and the fluid containing layer 12 and an insulating layer 18 on the non-skin contacting side of the fluid containing layer 12. A related fluid circulating system 40 including a pump 42 connected downstream from a fluid outlet 22 and a fluid reservoir 44 connected upstream from a fluid inlet 20 may be employed to circulate the fluid 14 though the fluid containing layer 12.

Abstract: A method and system to provide for the controlled heating of the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) for patients receiving such treatment. The system employs a catheter device which may be positioned proximate to the POAH and which emits radiant energy. The radiant energy provides for the heating of the POAH and a cooling apparatus may further be provide for cooling bodily tissues near the POAH which are heated. Feedback sensors may be positioned at various locations on the patient in order to determine an optimal position for the catheter device and to monitor the core body temperature. A control apparatus included with the system controls the amount of heating the POAH receives based on the feedback signals received from the sensors.