Abstract: An inflatable air blanket of the type adapted to treat hypothermia and the like is disclosed. The blanket comprises an air barrier layer, substantially impervious to airflow, and an underlying heat transfer layer adapted to permit penetration and diffusion of air therethrough. The barrier layer and heat transfer layer are joined together to form an envelope or chamber adapted for reception of warm air. The heat transfer layer may comprise a laminate-like non-woven web structure with outer layers thereof including a bonding material disposed in a reticular pattern thereon. Air from the envelope or chamber penetrates and uniformly diffuses through the heat transfer layer to gently impinge upon the treated patient.

Abstract: A disposable physiological fluid warmer formed as a small compact box which may be attached to a patient's arm. The warmer includes two chambers within the box containing a heat exchanger element constructed from a continuous length of stainless steel tubing in the form of two parallel coils which are connected to one another by a straight length of tubing. A passage is provided along one side of the box between the chambers such that a warming fluid may be introduced through an aperture in the box into one of the chambers, flow into the other chamber, and then exit the warmer through another aperture in the box. A physiological fluid to be warmed is supplied to the coils through a first flexible plastic inlet tube and discharged for infusion into a patient through a second flexible plastic tube. The second tube has a length of less than one foot in order to minimize the amount of heat lost from the fluid as it travels from the warmer to the patient.