Abstract: The over-the-needle catheter is provided with a septum seal within the hub of the catheter. The introducer needle passes through the septum seal and into the catheter. Upon removal of the introducer needle, the septum seal reseals so that blood is prevented from flowing from the patient out of the hub. A male luer adaptor is used to form a connection, for example, to an IV bag by pushing the seal onto a tube secured within the hub and communicating with the catheter or, in another embodiment, by pushing a piercing ring through a slit in the septum seal to form a permanent lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel syringes and catheters for delivering compositions which form solid masses in vivo. These syringes and catheters are particularly useful for delivering embolizing compositions intravascularly.

Abstract: The syringe includes an adapter threaded into the distal end of the barrel and a plunger axially movable within the barrel. A stop and catch cooperate between the adapter and barrel end to prevent rotation of the adapter. Adapter and plunger engagement structures are carried by the plunger and adapter, respectively, to enable joint rotation of the plunger and adapter relative to the barrel to unthread the adapter from the barrel end and withdraw the adapter and needle carried thereby jointly with the plunger into the interior of the barrel. The engagement structures also include an element for engaging the catch in response to axial movement of the plunger to release the adapter for rotational movement relative to the barrel end and subsequent withdrawal of the adapter and needle carried thereby into the barrel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for administering an injectable product in doses, comprising a casing, itself comprising: a reservoir for the product; a piston which forces product out of the reservoir when moved in a feed direction towards a reservoir outlet; a drive member; a driven member which is slaved by the drive member when the drive member is moved in the feed direction, so moving the piston in the feed direction; and a dosing member which may be rotated about the sliding axis of the drive member, to set the product dosage to be administered. The drive member and the dosing member abut each other via at least one dosage stopper each, one of which is provided on the drive member and the other on the dosing member. At least one of these dosage stoppers at least partially encircles the sliding axis of the drive member in the form of a spiral. The at least one spiral dosage stopper exhibits a continuous course with a constant pitch &agr;.

Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment capable of cleanly wiping out a residual liquid, residual blood, or the like. The mixing/charging port includes a disk-like valve having an insertion hole at the center, a seating for supporting a lower part of the periphery of the valve, and a cover for restraining the valve. A fitting hole defined by an inner edge portion of the cover works as an anchor for anchoring an insertion member to the mixing/charging port, the thickness of the center of the valve is larger than the thickness of the periphery of the valve, and the thickness of the edge portion of the cover provided with the fitting hole substantially corresponds to the difference between the thickness of the center of the valve and the thickness of the periphery of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices, methods, and kits for collecting semen and other biological fluids. The devices comprise a container that has an opening that fits on a glans of a penis, preferably only the distal portion of the glans, wherein said opening has an adhesive that detachably adheres the device to the penis. The present invention facilitates stimulating the penis to achieve ejaculation, the hygienic collection and secure storage of semen, and transferring the collected semen to other containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a silhouette that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is in opposite relation to the first portion, and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending sides connecting the first portion to the second portion, wherein the distance between the pair of longitudinally extending sides decreases from the first portion to the second portion. The absorbent article also contains a layered portion with a substantially transparent cover layer and a substantially transparent backsheet layer. At least one flap may optionally extend laterally from a longitudinally extending side.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. A pair of inboard leg gathers are attached to the topsheet on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article and extend at least through the crotch area. The absorbent garment further includes an upper, partial length absorbent structure. The upper absorbent structure has a front edge extending near the front waist opening and a rear edge terminating in the area of the crotch region. A second pair of inboard leg gathers are positioned inboard of the first pair of leg gathers, and disposed on top of the upper absorbent structure. A BM containment pocket is formed beneath the upper absorbent structure. The BM containment pocket reduces mixing of urine and BM and prevents soiling of genitals, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of diaper rash.

Abstract: A fluid transfer and mixing device for use in the aseptic intermixing of a powder component with a fluid component. The device is of a simple, compact construction that includes a first adapter that can be easily connected to a container containing the powder component and a second adapter that can be removably interconnected with the first adapter and can also be readily connected to a container containing a fluid such as a diluent so as to permit aseptic intermixing of the diluent with the powder. In use a conventional needleless syringe can be easily connected to the first adapter so that the mixture of the powder and diluent can be aseptically aspirated from the first container for subsequent delivery to the patient.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for emergency administration or self-administration of thrombolytic therapy in early stage of a heart attack. The apparatus includes a needle injector for making a venipuncture, a battery operated micro cooler for maintaining low temperature environment for vials with lyophilized thrombolytic and adjuvant drugs, a container with a diluent for reconstitution of the lyophilized drugs, a programmable infusion pump, and a microprocessor for controlling the process of infusion and recording the data. As the system is activated, said container becomes fluidly communicable with the infusion pump and vials with drugs in the cooler. Designed for autonomous execution of several schedules of infusion, it also can be controlled remotely by a qualified operator via an Internet interface.

Abstract: Organs and other tissue structures are isolated and perfused with a therapeutic agent. Isolation is effected by endovascularly positioning catheters having occlusion balloons within the arteries or other blood vessels which supply blood to the organ. Similarly, blood flow from the organ back to the patient's circulatory system is blocked by endovascularly positioning one or more catheters carrying occlusion members within the veins or other blood vessels leading from the organ. The therapeutic agent may then be perfused through the organ in either an antegrade or retrograde fashion using the endovascularly positioned catheters while maintaining isolation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe having a cylinder in which a plunger is reciprocatingly mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold which itself is connected to a source of radiopaque contrast. Retraction of the plunger within the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depression of the plunger forces the contrast through the manifold and into a patient through a catheter. In order to increase the speed of injection and thus the visualization of the contrast, an improved visualization device is provided which may be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandible catheter. The heater may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus to elevate the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity and thereby increases the speed with which fluid may be injected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a catheter within a patient enables the catheter to be easily and securely locked and prevents the catheter from being inadvertently unlocked. The locking catheter includes an elongated body member including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first proximal member, an elongated flexible member, and a second proximal member releasably couplable to the first proximal member to allow selective locking and unlocking of the elongated flexible member therebetween. The second proximal member includes a channel. The elongated flexible member extends from the distal portion of the elongated body member, through the first proximal member, and through the channel of the second proximal member. The elongated flexible member is slidable through the channel thereby allowing the distal portion of the elongated body member to be drawn toward the proximal portion of the elongated body member to form a loop in the distal portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: Four models of apparatuses and their variants are presented. All of them have multiple reservoir cells, a pump, a pump controller, one or more batteries on a flexible pad so that the apparatuses can be adhesive to the user's skin as a big and thick Band-Aid. The user will feel comfortable when he or she bends his to her body. The first model, each reservoir cell contains a medicine bag that contains the medicine. The rest space of the reservoir cells contains the air. Pumping the air into the reservoir cells will press out the medicine from the medicine bags into the user's body. The second model, each reservoir cell contains the medicine and an air bag. Pumping air into the air bags will press out the medicine from the reservoir cells into the user's body. The third model is similar with the second one where the medicine is drawn from the reservoir cells and pressed into the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system to perform a surgical operation. The robotic surgical tool includes a wrist mechanism disposed near the distal end of a shaft which connects with an end effector. The wrist mechanism includes a distal member configured to support the end effector, and a plurality of rods extending generally along an axial direction within the shaft and movable generally along this axial direction to adjust the orientation of the distal member with respect to the shaft. The distal member has a base to which the rods are rotatably connected by orthogonal linkage assemblies. Advancement or retraction of a first rod generally along the axial direction tips the base through a first angle so that the distal member faces a first articulated direction, such as to provide pitch.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a surgical instrument comprising a body formed of diamond, a cutting edge (16), and refracting means (12) through which laser radiation entering the body of the cutting blade is refracted away from a focal point. The cutting blade also includes a reflective surface (14) having a generally parabolic shape formed within the body of the cutting blade which is positioned to reflect laser radiation entering the cutting blade through the refracting means towards the curing edge of the blade.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: A laser operating system, comprising treatment laser beam projector for projecting a treatment laser beam to an affected site to be treated, sighting laser beam projector for projecting a sighting laser beam for aligning the treatment laser beam to the affected site, and an adjuster 36 for adjusting a spot diameter of the treatment laser beam, wherein output of the sighting laser beam projector is adjusted in association with adjusting operation of the adjuster.

Abstract: A laser instrument that can perform effective vaporization of biological tissue and stabilization of the application cap during tissue removal is provided. The laser instrument includes an optical waveguide with a light guide portion that emits light and an application cap coupled to the optical waveguide that transmits light. The laser instrument can be inserted into an endoscope and extended or retracted to position the application cap for vaporization and removal of biological tissue.

Abstract: An ablation system and a method of its use. The system includes a first elongated ablation component carrying a longitudinally extending mechanism for delivery of ablation energy along its length, and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component. The first and second components are provided with a mechanism mounted to and extending along the first and second components for magnetically attracting the first and second components toward one another along the length of the first mechanism for delivery of ablation energy. Preferably, the second elongated ablation component also carries a longitudinally extending mechanism for delivery of ablation energy along its length.

Abstract: A catheter-based microwave antenna cardiac ablation applicator has been developed which unlike previously-developed ablation catheters, forms a wide aperture that produces a large heating pattern. The antenna comprises a spiral antenna connected to the center conductor of a coaxial line, and which is insulated from blood and tissue by a non-conductive fluid filled balloon. The antenna can be furled inside a catheter for transluminal guiding. Once in place at the cardiac target, the balloon is inflated, and the coiled spiral antenna is ejected into the inflated balloon. The wide aperture antenna generates a ring-shaped power pattern. The heat generated from this deposited power is conducted through a volume larger than the spiral diameter, ablating diseased tissue. The resultant lesion profile is both wider and deeper than that of either conventionally-used RF catheter-based ablation electrodes, or that of other microwave applicators, and provides greater heating accuracy and controllability.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical devices, and in particular, ablating probes for ablating, or severing, intraosseous nerves. The ablating probes are used to ablate or sever the pathway of intraosseous nerves after the ablating probe contacts, or is positioned in close proximity to, the intraosseous nerve. Access to the intraosseous nerve may be provided by the ablating probe or another instrument. The invention is also directed to a surgical system for ablating intraosseous nerves that comprises at least one nerve ablating device, e.g., the ablating probes of the invention, and at least one sleeve through which the ablating probe is passed to contact the intraosseous nerve, or the area in close proximity to the intraosseous nerve, thereby facilitating ablation of the intraosseous nerve. Methods of ablating intraosseous nerves are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided which includes a holding formation, a probe shaft, an electric conductor, and a probe tip. The probe shaft is secured to the holding formation and has an elongated section extending therefrom. The electric conductor extends along the elongated section. The probe tip is located on a distal end of the probe shaft opposing the holding formation. The probe tip defines a volatization chamber with a mouth out of the probe tip. The probe tip includes an electrode, to which RF current is provided through the electric conductor. The electrode heats an area adjacent to the probe tip. The electrode also heats a liquid in the first volatization chamber to evaporate the liquid into a vapor pocket that ejects from the first volatization chamber through the mouth out of the probe tip. A pump effect is created so that the liquid maintains the probe tip at a more stable temperature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sealingly joining a graft vessel, such as a coronary bypass graft, to the side wall of a target vessel, such as the aorta or a coronary artery, in an anastomosis.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A multiple diameter tangential set screw particularly for securing a rod within a hook shaped rod receiver includes a threaded mounting segment, a threaded rod engaging segment, and an abutment surface at a transition between the mounting segment and the rod engaging segment. The mounting segment has a larger diameter than the rod engaging segment and is received in a threaded bore formed in the rod receiver. The abutment surface has a concavely radiused surface of revolution. The rod engaging segment is positioned so that threads of the rod engaging segment cut into the surface of the rod to secure the rod from rotational movement. Engagement of the rod engaging segment and the abutment surface cooperate to urge the rod into frictional engagement with the rod receiver and to secure it from axial, radial and rotational displacement relative to the rod receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone fixation device which includes a pair of bone plates and a longitudinal carrier. The longitudinal carrier can be used to permit the bone plates to telescope with respect to one another, such as in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column. A joint also may be used to permit swivelling of the plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis screw (1) comprising a shaft (3) with a thread (2) and a head (4) formed at one end and having a notch (5) for a tool. The shaft region (3) with the thread has a configuration with a uniform thickness, ie. trilobular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw for use with external bone fracture fixation devices, comprising a substantially cylindrical shank (2) with a longitudinal axis (X-X), a head (3) formed at a free end (4) of the shank (2) and having substantially the same thickness as the shank (2), and a threaded portion (5) terminated with a tip (6) at the opposite end from the free end (4). Advantageously, the screw head (3) includes a first flat (7) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) from the free end (4), at least a second flat (8) aligned to the first flat (7) at a predetermined spacing therefrom, and at least a non-flat spacer portion (9) provided between the flats (7, 8). The spacer portion (9) is arranged to enable said shank (2) to be cut off if necessary, and is formed with a groove (11) of predetermined depth to define a location of potential cut off of the shank (2).

Abstract: Improved methods of, apparatuses, devices and kits are disclosed for preparing and implanting a meniscal implant by surgical means into a recipient in need thereof. The bone bridge of the replacement meniscus is pre-shaped to fit into a slot in the recipient's tibia. The positioning of the slot is accomplished by an alignment procedure that conforms the slot to the angle of the dorsal tibial plane. Also disclosed are devices and corresponding methods to size the bone bridge section of the implants that have improved efficiency and increase the quality of implant and success of meniscal implant procedures.

Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument with a main part and at least one movable part movable relative thereto, with a handle arranged on the main part and having a stationary handle portion and a handle portion an actuatable handle portion which actuates the movable part, and a locking device in which, in a first position, the movable part is arranged in an initial position, and in a second position, the movable part is changed over into a cleaning position and the movable part in this position is arranged captive with respect to the main part.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of a shape memory securing member into a confined space, the device having an exit for the securing member and means to move the securing member through the exit, the device further including a magazine having a plurality of channels each of which can store a securing member is described. Preferably, each securing member is restrained in the device in a first configuration, and upon passing through the exit adopts a second configuration. One form of the magazine is a barrel. The barrel may be rotatable around an axis, and the channels can be disposed parallel to said axis or may lie in a helical configuration. This arrangement can be likened to a “revolver barrel” on a firearm. One advantage of the present invention in surgery is that it can store several sutures or ligature multiple placements without the need to withdraw the instrument from the patient.

Abstract: Instrumentation for facilitating cutting an opening in a side wall of a body conduit in a patient. A tubular structure defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal end portion configured to cut a section of the body conduit to create the opening. A tissue holding structure is provided which is axially movable within the lumen of the tubular structure. The tissue holding structure includes a piercing portion to permit passage of the tissue holding structure through the body conduit from an entrance side to an exit side thereof. The tissue holding structure also includes a retention member to secure the section of the body conduit to the tissue holding structure during movement of the tissue holding structure to approximate the entrance side of the body conduit with the sharpened distal portion of the tubular structure to enable the sharpened distal structure to cut the body conduit. A connector is also provided for attaching a new length of tubing to the body conduit at the opening made by the cutting.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A medical clip (10) comprising upper and lower jaws and adapted to be latched by latching of the upper jaw (14) against the lower jaw (12) in which the upper jaw (14) is provided with stress relief means.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device for performing direct cardiac massage including an inflatable bladder mounted on a rigid inflation tube. The rigid inflation tube is used to push the bladder into the sternocostal space through an incision in the upper abdomen just below the xiphoid process. A tear-away insertion sleeve is provided over the balloon, so that the device may easily be inserted in to the body. The insertion sleeve includes various features that assist in placement of the device and removal of the sleeve. After insertion into the sternocostal space and removal of the insertion sleeve, the bladder is repeatedly inflated and deflated to massage the heart and provide blood flow.

Abstract: A device for the removal of a blockage in a passageway such as a dialysis graft or in a body passageway includes a catheter for reception and aspiration of the blockage and an occlusion engaging element distal of the distal end of the catheter which occlusion engaging element is supported on a wire that extends through the catheter. At the distal end of the catheter, there is a device such as a multi-wing malecot expansion device that is expanded after the catheter is placed in position so as to block the occlusion from passing around the outside of the catheter. The support wire can be a movable core guide wire which has a braided device on its distal end. When the core is as distal as possible of the distal end of the shell, the braid is in a collapsed minimum diameter state for insertion through the catheter and through the occlusion. Proximal movement of the core causes the braid to expand to the wall of the graft.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sealing access openings into blood vessels using an expandable member in the blood vessel on a control member that extends out through the access opening and an applicator which inserts a preformed sealing material into the access opening over the control member to keep the control member and expandable member centered in the access opening and withdrawing the collapsed expandable member back through the sealing material after the access opening is sealed.

Abstract: A percutaneous tissue track closure assembly (2) includes a semipermeable barrier (26) mounted to the distal end of a tubular barrier carrier (20). The barrier is passed down a tissue track (12) and into a blood vessel (18) where the barrier is expanded to close off the blood vessel opening (14). A syringe device is used to drive a hemostatic flowable material (30) through a delivery tube (34) and into the tissue track. The semipermeable barrier permits blood to flow therethrough but prevents passage of the hemostatic flowable material therethrough. The hemostatic material includes a material which swells upon contact with blood, and a blood clotting agent. After an appropriate period of time, the barrier is collapsed and the barrier carrier and delivery tube are removed from the tissue track.

Abstract: A method and the apparatus for anastomosing two hollow viscera that can be performed percutaneously or through the patients mouth. The apparatus includes an anchor assembly including a stationary T-bar anchor secured to the distal end of a suture and a sliding anchor that is attached to the suture proximal to the stationary T-bar anchor. The sliding anchor is held in place on the suture but can be slid along the suture when pressure is applied to it. The anchor assembly is inserted through the abdominal wall, into the stomach, and then through the stomach into the jejunum. The stationary anchor is then released into the jejunum and the sliding anchor is released in the stomach. A pusher is then used to push or slide the sliding anchor distally until the tissue between the stationary and sliding anchors are in close contact. After the anchor has been placed, the suture can be severed at the sliding anchor.

Abstract: A pacifier nipple (2) including a shaft member (3) with a fastening portion (4) to fix the nipple (2) to a pacifier shield (5), and a head member (6) which is located opposite the fastening portion (4) and wide relative to the shaft member (3), wherein the head member (6), on its external side, comprises at least one thickened region (7) forming at least one raised part (7′; 7a; 7b; 7c), and that at least one saliva flow channel (8) is provided in the thickened region (7).

Abstract: One embodiment includes a capacitor having a first anode stack having a first number of anode foils, a second anode stack having a second number of anode foils, where the first number of anode foils is different than the second number of anode foils. Another aspect provides a capacitor having a case having a curved interior surface, and first, second, and third capacitor modules that confront the curved interior surface of the case. One aspect provides a capacitor having one or more anodes and a cathode structure comprising a plurality of integrally connected cathode plates, the cathode structure having a serpentine shape, interweaving under and over each of the one or more anodes. One aspect provides a feedthrough assembly having an electrically conductive member dimensioned to extend at least partially through a feedthrough hole of a case of the capacitor, the conductive member having a passage therethrough.

Abstract: A support surface for general skin cooling, or reducing the incidence and promoting the healing of bedsores, includes: (a) at least one thermal layer comprising: a phase change material having a melting point of between about 18 and 32 degrees Centigrade; a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the phase change material is substantially evenly distributed; and a fluid-impermeable, conformable envelope surrounding the phase change material and the carrier; (b) at least one conformable compression support layer beneath and adjacent to the thermal layer; (c) at least one conformable base support layer beneath and adjacent to the compression layer, the base support layer having a higher indentor load deflection (ILD) than the compression layer. A preferred embodiment, with or without the thermal layer, includes a heat tube layer. Another preferred embodiment includes an envelope containing phase change material in a carrier material, without either of the support layers.

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 system of the present invention includes a heat exchange catheter for warming flowing blood within a blood vessel. The heat exchange catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with electrodes. The electrodes generate an electric field that radiates heat to the flowing blood. The electrodes comprise discrete bands that serially align and are spaced apart from each other. Each electrode has a polarity, and for each electrode there is an adjacent electrode having an opposite polarity. A support centrally aligns the catheter body within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for performing selective hypothermia to the brain and spinal cord for injury protection without the need for systemic cooling. A flexible catheter is inserted into the cerebral lateral ventricle or spinal subdural space. The catheter has three lumens with a heat transfer element. Two lumens of the catheter circulate a coolant and communicate at the distal heat transfer element for transfer of heat from the cerebrospinal fluid. The third lumen of the catheter allows for drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid. In another embodiment, the catheter has two lumens that circulate the coolant and communicate at the distal heat tranfer element. In another embodiment, a larger surface area cooling template is placed in the subdural space of the brain or the subdural/epidural space of the spine. The template has a conduit that circulates a coolant through the lumen of the template thereby cooling the surrounding brain or spinal cord.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.