Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved technologies relating to medical fluid heating systems and apparatus. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and apparatus for heating a fluid and, more particularly, for quickly and controllably heating a flow of blood or a blood product, for example, for infusion into a patient or for hyperthermia treatment. In particular, in a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and apparatus featuring single flow path fluid heating (“single path flow”). Moreover, in a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus, and related method for efficiently utilizing the thermal energy of an infusate stored in a reservoir (“slack time heating”). Furthermore, in a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid heating system and apparatus featuring a vacuum release valve designed to prevent the undesired orientation of deformed inflow tubing (“vacuum release valve”).

Abstract: Described herein is a system for heating and/or cooling a fluid that includes a temperature forcing device having a bottom plate and a top plate hingedly coupled to the bottom plate. At least one of the bottom plate and the top plate has a recess or other area for receiving at least one flexible fluid holder (e.g., a polymer bag). The bottom plate and/or top plate also has at least one protrusion and/or recession in its interior wall(s) such that a fluid passageway in the flexible fluid holder is defined when the fluid holder is placed between the top and bottom plates, and the plates are closed together. The fluid holder then has a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and/or cooled and a fluid outlet for delivering the fluid. The fluid, upon being heated and/or cooled by the temperature forcing device, may then be delivered to a patient or may be delivered to another system component, e.g., for additional heating/cooling.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for heating and/or cooling a fluid that includes a temperature forcing device having a bottom plate and a top plate hingedly coupled to the bottom plate. At least one of the bottom plate and the top plate has a recess or other area for receiving at least one flexible fluid holder (e.g., a polymer bag). The bottom plate and/or top plate also has at least one protrusion and/or recession in its interior wall(s) such that a fluid passageway in the flexible fluid holder is defined when the fluid holder is placed between the top and bottom plates, and the plates are closed together. The fluid holder then has a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and/or cooled and a fluid outlet for delivering the fluid. The fluid, upon being heated and/or cooled by the temperature forcing device, may then be delivered to a patient or may be delivered to another system component, e.g., for additional heating/cooling.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a flow reversing valve, along with associated methods and systems for providing forward flow, reverse flow, and bypass flow modes of operation, and integrating them into patient treatment systems, including those used for treating and inducing hyperthermia.

Abstract: An IV pole mountable, therapeutic infusate processing device is incorporated into a hypothermia system to receive therapeutic fluid(s), such as normal saline, peritioneal dialysis solution, or other crystalloid solution, to heat such therapeutic fluid(s) a few degrees centigrade above normal body temperature and to direct the resulting heated infusate to and through a selected anatomical portion of a patients body to raise the temperature of that body portion so as to affect any cancerous or other tumors that may be located therein. The processing device is provided with touch screen controls and visual indicators to facilitate its proper use; while the system further includes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor the hyperthermia processing to insure patient safety.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for heating and/or cooling a fluid that includes a temperature forcing device having a bottom plate and a top plate hingedly coupled to the bottom plate. At least one of the bottom plate and the top plate has a recess or other area for receiving at least one flexible fluid holder (e.g., a polymer bag). The bottom plate and/or top plate also has at least one protrusion and/or recession in its interior wall(s) such that a fluid passageway in the flexible fluid holder is defined when the fluid holder is placed between the top and bottom plates, and the plates are closed together. The fluid holder then has a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and/or cooled and a fluid outlet for delivering the fluid. The fluid, upon being heated and/or cooled by the temperature forcing device, may then be delivered to a patient or may be delivered to another system component, e.g., for additional heating/cooling.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved technologies relating to medical fluid heating systems and apparatus. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and apparatus for heating a fluid and, more particularly, for quickly and controllably heating a flow of blood or a blood product, for example, for infusion into a patient or for hyperthermia treatment. In particular, in a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and apparatus featuring single flow path fluid heating (“single path flow”). Moreover, in a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus, and related method for efficiently utilizing the thermal energy of an infusate stored in a reservoir (“slack time heating”). Furthermore, in a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid heating system and apparatus featuring a vacuum release valve designed to prevent the undesired orientation of deformed inflow tubing (“vacuum release valve”).

Abstract: Presented herein are various systems, methods, and apparatuses for heating infusate by an induction heater e.g., an electromagnetic heater, and storing thermal energy in a reservoir of thusly heated infusate. In certain embodiments, a system includes a reservoir for containing an infusate, a fluid heater, a diversion valve, a patient line, and a recirculation line.