Abstract: A dual function medical pad is disclosed for both controlling patient temperature and providing a patient-to-electrode interface. The pad includes a fluid containing layer for containing a thermal exchange fluid circulated therethrough, wherein the medical pad is operable for thermal exchange with a patient through a first side of the fluid containing layer. One or more electrodes are interconnected to the fluid containing layer on the first side (e.g. electrosurgical return electrode(s), EKG electrode(s), pacing/defribullation electrode(s)). Preferably, an electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrode and extends through the fluid containing layer to a second side thereof. Such electrical connector is interconnected or selectively interconnectable to a signal cable. The pad may further include an adhesive surface which extends over at least a portion of the first side of the fluid containing layer. Preferably, the adhesive surface substantially covers the electrode(s).

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 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: A dual function medical pad is disclosed for both controlling patient temperature and providing a patient-to-electrode interface. The pad includes a fluid containing layer for containing a thermal exchange fluid circulated therethrough, wherein the medical pad is operable for thermal exchange with a patient through a first side of the fluid containing layer. One or more electrodes are interconnected to the fluid containing layer on the first side (e.g. electrosurgical return electrode(s), EKG electrode(s), pacing/defribullation electrode(s)). Preferably, an electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrode and extends through the fluid containing layer to a second side thereof. Such electrical connector is interconnected or selectively interconnectable to a signal cable. The pad may further include an adhesive surface which extends over at least a portion of the first side of the fluid containing layer. Preferably, the adhesive surface substantially covers the electrode(s).

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 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: 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. In some arrangements, transverse members 24, 26 or dimples 624 on insulating base member 618 are provided to define tortuous fluid passageways in fluid containing layer 12.

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.

Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.