Abstract: Systems for phase-change particulate slurry cooling equipment and methods to induce hypothermia in a patient through internal and external cooling are provided. Subcutaneous, intravascular, intraperitoneal, gastrointestinal, and lung methods of cooling are carried out using saline ice slurries or other phase-change slurries compatible with human tissue. Perfluorocarbon slurries or other slurry types compatible with human tissue are used for pulmonary cooling. And traditional external cooling methods are improved by utilizing phase-change slurry materials in cooling caps and torso blankets.

Abstract: A radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter uniformly heats tissues in contact with the balloon to achieve thermotherapy such as ablation or hyperthermia safely and properly for a diseased part. The radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter includes a catheter (4) having an outer shaft (2) and an inner shaft 3 extended through the outer shaft so as to be slidable relative to the outer shaft, an inflatable balloon (6) capable of being inflated so as to be in contact with a target lesion (18) and provided between respective front end parts of the outer and the inner shaft, and a radiofrequency electrode (8) extended in a wall of the balloon or inside the balloon to be used for radiofrequency energy supply in combination with a counter electrode (53). The counter electrode is disposed at a predetermined position, for example, inside the balloon, in the wall of the balloon, in a position neighboring the balloon or on the patient's body surface. A lead wire (10) electrically connects to the radiofrequency electrode.

Abstract: A catheter with three spiral heat exchange elements surrounding a central supply tube and communicating with a source of heat exchange fluid in a closed loop for effecting patient temperature control and at least two infusion lumens for providing access to the central venous blood supply when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. An anchor can be provided to suture or tape the catheter to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An injection apparatus including a distally arranged cooling element, wherein the cooling element is detachably coupled to the injection apparatus or to a needle protecting device coupled to the injection apparatus, and a corresponding or complementary cooling container.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.

Abstract: A catheter and method are provided for modifying a temperature of a patient. The catheter includes a heat transfer element (“HTE”) having surface irregularities shaped to create turbulence in a surrounding fluid. The catheter also includes a supply catheter to deliver a working fluid to an interior of the heat transfer element and a return catheter to return a working fluid from the HTE. A guidewire lumen is provided to receive a guidewire. The guidewire may have a temperature-monitoring device disposed at its distal tip from which feedback may be provided to control the temperature of a source of the working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid warming cassette. The cassette has two polymeric films and at least two guide rails. A difference between this fluid warming cassette and those of the prior art is that this fluid warming cassette has a tongue section thereon. This tongue section assists the user insert the cassette into a warming unit's aperture. That aperture is relatively narrow because the heating elements of the warming unit must be sufficiently close to the cassette to alter the temperature of the fluid in the cassette to a desired temperature. In addition, the user can confirm if the cassette is properly inserted into the warming device's aperture by seeing that the tongue portion is sticking out of the other end of the warming device's aperture.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a parenteral fluid warming system. The system has at least first and second fluid warming bags and a warmer device. Each of the at least first and second fluid warming bags have an inlet, an outlet, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the outlet from the first bag directs the fluid into the inlet of the second bag. In an alternative version of the first embodiment, the first bag and the second bag are a interconnected to each other. The warmer device has at least first and second energy reservoirs that correspond with the number of fluid warming bags. Each energy reservoir also has at least one heater unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reservoir (100) for dispensing free-flowing substances, which comprises the following features: (a) reservoir (100) has flexible reservoir walls (2 and 3); (b) reservoir walls (2 and 3) are one-piece or connected to one another; (c) reservoir walls (2 and 3) form a sealed container, which has at least one opening (12); (d) reservoir walls (2 and 3) are connected at least partially to at least two flat standing elements (6), which are separated in the standing area of reservoir walls (2 and 3); (e) opening (12) has a closure (13), whereby at least portions of reservoir walls (2 and 3) and/or standing elements (6) consist of a composite material, which (i) consists of plastic laminates, or (ii) consists of at least one plastic laminate and an aluminum laminate, here, the laminates are connected to one another. Reservoir (100) is provided preferably to accommodate contrast media.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a method of controlling a medical fluid heater is provided. The method includes the steps of determining a first heater control output based on a number of measured inputs for the heater and at least one mathematical relationship between at least two of the measured inputs, determining a second heater control output based on at least one fuzzy logic membership function and at least one fuzzy logic rule, and determining a third heater control output based on the first and second outputs and using the third heater control output to control the heater.

Abstract: A temperature-setting device for providing a predetermined temperature to a quantity of fluid circulating therethrough, a thermal treatment apparatus including such device for selectively treating a targeted tissue adjacent a subject's body cavity, and techniques using such thermal treatment apparatus are provided. The temperature-setting device comprises: an electrically conducting tubular element, a housing element for receiving the tubular element; and a transformer electrically connectable to the housing element. The tubular element functions as a resistor and heats the fluid circulating therethrough. Alternatively, the housing element comprises a thermal conducting member disposed within a bath of a cooling substance, the thermal conducting member having a recess for receiving the tubular element.

Abstract: An installation for delivering calories to all or part of human or animal cell tissue via a liquid comprises: a heating unit heating the liquid; an injection unit injecting the liquid into the heating unit; a dispenser for dispensing the heated liquid; and a transporter for transporting the liquid from the heating unit to the dispenser. The installation allows the heated liquid to be dispensed from the dispensing means in a pulsed operation.

Abstract: Combination catheters/stents includes matable female and male members which, when engaged, deliver the desired therapy, typically a thermal therapy, to the targeted tissue in the body. At the conclusion of the delivery of the therapy regimen, the female and male matable members disengage allowing one member (the stent portion) to remain in the body proximate the treatment site of the subject while the other member (primarily the catheter portion which with the stent portion allows delivery of desired treatment) can be removed from the body of the subject. The combination catheter/stent requires only a single insertion procedure reducing the trauma potentially introduced to tissue (either along the lumen or at the targeted treatment site) in the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter with two lumens and a cooling system. The first lumen has a proximal end and communicates with a port at the distal end. The second lumen has a proximal end and communicates with a side port. The proximal ends of the lumens are connected to the cooling system. The cerebral spinal fluid can be drained from the side port of the first lumen. Methods for cooling the brain to prevent neurologic damage during head trauma or inadequate perfusion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: Cooled and oxygenated blood is shunted from the proximal aorta into the open ends of intercostal arteries severed during thoracoabdominal aortic surgery to prevent or minimize the effects of spinal ischemia. This cooled perfusion can be accomplished with a variety of perfusion assemblies. For instance, a single vessel perfusion assembly can be employed to shunt the oxygenated blood from the aorta to the lumen of a single intercostal artery. Cooled perfusion can also be performed with a branched multiple vessel perfusion assembly, which includes a branched conduit comprising a common portion and branch portions. In operation, oxygenated blood flows from the aorta into the inflow cannula, through the blood flow conduit, out of the one or more outflow cannula, and into the intercostal arteries.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument that can be inserted into the human body, this instrument being provided with at least one channel for a fluid and, in particular, a gas which is introduced into the inside of the body. The present invention is distinguished by the instrument being provided with a heating means.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes that develop significant back pressure to enhance uniform delivery of the drug over an infusion section; catheters that have two or more infusion sections spaced apart along the length of the same catheter, catheters that include two or more infusion sections serviced by independent lumens (such that, e.g., different drug solutions can be delivered to the different infusion sections); implantable drug delivery systems with pumps and multiple reservoirs from which drugs can be delivered; systems that are capable of delivering drug solutions with selected densities; etc.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for apparatus and methods to control the temperature of fluids being administered to patients. The apparatus consists of an I.V. reservoir, fluid administration or I.V. tubing, an in-line heater, a heater controller, a temperature sensor located near the patient and feedback circuit connecting the temperature sensor to the heater controller. A method is disclosed which provides for overheating of the fluid so that it cools down to the desired temperature (usually body temperature) by the time it reaches the patient.

Abstract: Plural coolant inlet holes are provided into a balloon of a closed loop intravascular cooling catheter to increase the effective surface area of the balloon available for heat exchange. The coolant may be a mixture of water and ethanol.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting a thermally sensitive gelation material to remote sites within a patient's body by maintaining the thermally sensitive gelation material in a liquid state until it is delivered to a target area within the body.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a patient by inducing therapeutic hypothermia in the patient using an intravascular heat exchange catheter in conjunction with infusing tissue preservative substances into the patient.

Abstract: Devices and method for treating various incompetent anatomical valves by thermally damaging the nearby supporting tissue of the body vessel controlled by the valve.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders characterized by low cardiac output. The devices, systems and methods use intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in combination with hypothermia of all or a portion of a human or veterinary patient's body to improve coronary perfusion and cardiac output. To effect the hypothermia, a heat exchange catheter may be positioned in the a patent's vasculature separately from the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter. Alternatively, a combination Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation/heat exchange catheter may be utilized. Such combination catheter comprises a) a catheter sized for insertion into the aorta, b) a counterpulsation balloon and c) a heat exchanger. A drive/control system receives temperature and eletrocardiograph signals and drives the inflation/deflation of the counterpulsation balloon as well as the heating/cooling of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for warming a fluid includes a fluid warmer having a housing that retains therein a heating element, and cartridge that is retained inside the housing and which receives heat from the heating element. The cartridge has a rigid plate having a first surface and a second opposing surface, with the plate having a meandering path provided therein. The cartridge also has a sheet of film that covers the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A method and expandable device for thermally affecting tissue in which there is a fluid conduit. An expandable element includes a wall defining an inner volume. The wall has a tissue contact region which is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. The tissue contact region is operable to have a first contact surface area and a second contact surface area in which the second contact surface area is larger than the first contact surface area. A port is formed through the wall and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Devices and methods to deliver cooled fluid to an internal site in the body are disclosed. A catheter includes an elongated member having a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough to a distal end of the elongated member. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the fluid flowing through the lumen near the distal end. One method for treating an ischemic tissue region before reperfusion includes inserting a balloon catheter into a coronary vein that provides access to the ischemic tissue region. The balloon is inflated to occlude the coronary vein and cooled fluid is delivered from the balloon catheter and distal to the balloon. Another method involves inserting a catheter into a coronary artery where a lesion is obstructing blood flow through the artery. The distal end of the catheter is positioned at a location distal to the lesion and cooled fluid is provided from the distal end of the catheter to the ischemic tissue region.

Abstract: Devices and methods to deliver cooled fluid to an internal site in the body are disclosed. A catheter for infusing a fluid to a site internal to the body includes an elongated member having a distal end positionable to be near the internal site and a lumen extending longitudinally through the member to the distal end of the member. An element cools fluid as it flows through the lumen before the fluid exits the lumen at the distal end. A method of performing an interventional procedure includes inserting a guide catheter into an aorta and seating a distal end of the guide catheter in a coronary ostium. A lesion is treated to eliminate an impediment to blood flow through a vessel, the treatment permitting increased blood flow through the vessel. Cooled fluid is provided to the ischemic tissue region caused by the lesion.

Abstract: A fluid circuit for circulating coolant in a closed loop between an intravascular catheter and a heat exchange system includes a buffer IV bag in fluid flow series with the catheter between the catheter and a pump that pumps the coolant to the heat exchange system. A conventional IV bag is connected by means of a spike and tube to the buffer bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for efficiently cooling the myocardium while minimizing blood dilution as well as volume buildup within the patient. A flow of cooled fluid is conducted through a percutaneously introduced catheter into the aorta where only a portion thereof is discharged while the remainder is withdrawn from the patient. The much greater flow rate through the catheter that can thereby be maintained without adverse physiological effect serves to minimize the heat gained by the fluid as a result of the catheter's immersion in blood at body temperature. By arranging the catheter such that the return flow surrounds and thereby insulates the supply flow, even colder fluid can be delivered to the myocardium.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid warming system with a removable heat exchanger includes a presence detector. The system is for warming an IV fluid before infusion into a body. The system includes a warming unit for warming the IV fluid and an inlet slot for receiving a heat exchanger, preferably embodied as a cassette. The heat exchanger is sized to fit into the inlet slot of the warming unit. The heat exchanger has a heat exchanger membrane with an internal fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. While the heat exchanger is in the warming unit, the IV fluid flows through the internal fluid pathway of the heat exchanger, warming the fluid. A heat exchanger presence detector is part of the warming system. The presence detector detects the presence of the heat exchanger when it is received in the warming unit. The presence detector enables the heating operation of the warming unit when the presence of the heat exchanger is sensed.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprising an elongate distal section and a flexible and expandable balloon accommodating said distal section, further comprising means for the supply of a pressure medium for expansion of said balloon and heating means for heating said medium, further comprising an intermediate section and a a proximal section containing a central tube, whose distal part is provided with at least one outlet for said medium within said balloon, and whose intermediate part is surrounded by an axially extending tube. The catheter has a first annular space containing a heat-insulating medium and a second annular space for a cooling medium. The invention also provides for a method for treatment by pressure and chat of a mammalian duct or cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having two elongate catheters, a pump, and a refrigeration system. Each catheter has a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen therebetween and communicating with a distal port. The proximal ends of the catheters are connected to the pump and the refrigeration system. The distal ends are adapted for insertion into the subarachnoid space. The cerebral spinal fluid is aspirated from the first catheter to the pump, cooled to below body temperature, and returned to the second catheter. The flow rate of the cerebral spinal fluid is adjusted according the CSF pressure and temperature. Also described are methods of using the devices in treating patients suffering from neurologic complications that arise as a result of inadequate cerebral perfusion, such as cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, low cardiac output states, stroke, head injury, cerebral aneurysm surgery, open and closed cardiac surgery and aortic surgery.

Abstract: Flexible treatment catheters are configured to be inserted into a body lumen or cavity to deliver heated fluid through at least one fluid lumen therein to thermally treat or ablate a targeted site in a biological subject. The flexible treatment catheters can include improved thermally insulated regions comprising a mixture formed of liquid elastomeric (such as a polyurethane) mixture (which transitions to a solid state) and miniaturized hollow plastic bodies positioned between the outer wall of the treatment catheter and the fluid lumen. The thermally insulated region is configured such that, measured ex vivo, the treatment catheter can present a maximum temperature of below about 45° C. on the external surface of the outer wall of the treatment catheter when the treatment catheter circulates fluid having an inlet temperature of above or between about 60°-62° C.

Abstract: A patient control system uses a patient-implanted catheter in thermal communication with a fluid bath via a circulating fluid circuit. A controller automatically controls the temperature of the fluid bath as required for selectively cooling or heating the patient in accordance with patient temperature measurements. The controller thermally decouples the catheter and patient from the fluid bath during changes in fluid bath temperatures in order to overcome the effects of system thermal mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues. A flexible catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. A compressed refrigerant is pumped through the catheter to an expansion element near the distal tip of the catheter, where the refrigerant vaporizes and expands to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen to circulate working fluid wherein at least one of the inlet or outlet lumens is shaped to induce mixing in the body fluid flowing pass it. In one embodiment, at least one lumen is shaped to induce turbulence flow in the body fluid.

Abstract: A catheter system for controlling the body temperature of a patient by modifying the temperature of blood flowing within a blood vessel of the patient. The catheter system comprises a catheter body having a heat exchange region in contact with the blood; and a mechanism for moving the heat exchange surface, thereby increasing heat exchange between the heat exchange surface and blood flowing past the heat exchange surface. Various methods of moving the heat exchange surface are disclosed.

Abstract: A central venous catheter includes coolant supply and return lumens which communicate coolant to and from first and second heat exchange membranes arranged along the distal segment of the catheter. The coolant in the heat exchange membranes removes heat from the patient. Additional lumens are provided for conventional central venous catheter uses.

Abstract: A method and device for keeping infusion fluids warm in which not only an infusion bag but also a tube extending from this and a cannula attached to the end of the tube are surrounded by a continuous heat-insulating cover, which heat-insulating person into whom the cannula is inserted.

Abstract: A method and expandable device for thermally affecting tissue in which there is a fluid conduit. An expandable element includes a wall defining an inner volume. The wall has a tissue contact region which is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. The tissue contact region is operable to have a first contact surface area and a second contact surface area in which the second contact surface area is larger than the first contact surface area. A port is formed through the wall and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidity of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator (8), humidifier (5), and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing (23), while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing (3) having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire (10), a ribbon of PTC material (120), or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubing, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics.

Abstract: Patients having diminished circulation in the cerebral vasculature as a result of cardiac arrest or from other causes are treated by flowing an oxygenated medium through an arterial access site into the cerebral vasculature and collecting the medium through an access site in the venous site of the cerebral vasculature. In addition to oxygenation, the recirculating blood may also be cooled to hypothermically treat and preserve brain tissue. Isolation and cooling of cerebral vasculature in patients undergoing aortic and other procedures is achieved by internally occluding at least the right common carotid artery above the aortic arch. Blood or other oxygenated medium is perfused through the occluded common carotid artery(ies) and into the arterial cerebral vasculature. Usually, oxygen depleted blood or other medium leaving the cerebral vasculature is collected, oxygenated, and cooled in an extracorporeal circuit so that it may be returned to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting a thermally sensitive gelation material to remote sites within a patient's body by maintaining the thermally sensitive gelation material in a liquid state until it is delivered to a target area within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing hypothermia of the body of a patient, or of a selected organ, while delivering a medicament to a selected blood vessel. A flexible coaxial catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in a selected artery. A chilled fluid is pumped through an inner supply conduit of the catheter to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery distal to the tip of the catheter. The medicament, such as a vaso-dilator, is delivered either separately or mixed with the chilled fluid, through a very small exit port in or near the heat transfer element.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter system (apparatus and method) for controlling patient temperature includes a generally tubular elongated body having lumens for circulating a heat exchange fluid in a plurality of heat exchange elements provided at spaced intervals along the length of the elongated body. The heat exchange elements preferably comprise inflatable balloons. Heat exchange occurs between the fluid in the balloons and blood in the blood vessel. Each balloon preferably is sized such that, when inflated, each balloon blocks no more than approximately 30% to 75% of the blood vessel in which it is intubated. The catheter preferably has two to four balloons, each of which may have a different shape. The catheter also preferably has three to five infusion lumens for providing access to the patient's blood at different locations in the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A heat exchange catheter having an open core includes a catheter body for use in the central vasculature of a patient. The catheter body having a balloon with at least one heat exchange lumen for exchanging heat with flowing blood. The balloon inflates from a collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration the balloon facilitates the flow of heat exchange fluid through the heat exchange lumen, which wraps in a helical pattern to define the open core and to enable blood to flow through the open core during use of the catheter. The open core defines an inside and an outside, the heat exchange lumen has non-contiguous helical winds to allow flowing blood to mix between the inside of the open core and the outside of the open core.