Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for infusing a fluid into a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a volume of fluid and a temperature altering device in close proximity to the volume of fluid. The temperature altering device is employed to heat or cool the volume of fluid to a desired temperature. A positive pressure device is provided to place the volume of fluid under positive pressure while at the desired temperature. A transfer member is further provided to transfer at least some of the fluid into the patient while at the desired temperature.

Abstract: An endovascular catheter device capable of heat and gas exchange with a patient's bloodstream comprises a catheter shaft, a heat exchanger, and a gas exchange element. The heat exchanger and the gas exchange element are in fluid communication with one or more internal lumens of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft may be connected to a control system that permits a heat exchange fluid to be delivered to the heat exchanger, and that permits a gas to be delivered to the gas exchange element. The catheter device may also comprise one or more flow disruption devices to disrupt the laminar flow of blood around the catheter device. The catheter device may be used to cool and oxygenate a patient's blood, and improve organ function.

Abstract: An endovascular heat transfer device which can have a smooth exterior surface, or a surface with ridges and grooves. The device can have a plurality of elongated, articulated segments, with each having such a surface. A flexible joint connects adjacent elongated, articulated segments. The flexible joints can be bellows or flexible tubes. An inner lumen is disposed within the heat transfer segments. The inner lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the heat transfer element.

Abstract: A novel process for paving or sealing the interior surface of a tissue lumen by entering the interior of the tissue lumen and applying a polymer to the interior surface of the tissue lumen. This is accomplished using a catheter which delivers the polymer to the tissue lumen and causes it to conform to the interior surface of the lumen. The polymer can be delivered to the lumen as a monomer or prepolymer solution, or as an at least partially preformed layer on an expansile member.

Abstract: A medical device and method for thermally affecting tissue are provided. The device includes a fluid inlet conduit a fluid outlet conduit and a shapeable body operatively connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet conduit. The shapeable body defines a tissue contact region and the shapeable body has a height, a length, and a width in which the height is less than the length and the width. The shapeable body further includes a first channel and a second channel which are substantially parallel from the proximal end of the shapeable body to the distal end of the shapeable body and which are in fluid communication. The shapeable body further has a malleable conformation such that the body retains a first shape until manipulated to a second shape.

Abstract: Methods for (a) preventing hypoxic damage to a potentially transplantable organ or tissue prior to explanation of that organ or tissue from the body of a mammalian transplant donor and (b) preventing rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue in a human or veterinary transplant recipient. The methods comprise placing a heat exchange apparatus in the vasculature of the donor or recipient and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool at least a portion of the body of the donor or recipient to a temperature below normothermia (e.g. below normothermia and sometimes between about 30° C. and about 36° C.).

Abstract: An injector 20 that may be used to deliver radiographic contrast media and/or flushing solution into a patient's vascular system for the purposes such as obtaining enhanced diagnostic x-ray images. The injector includes the following features: (1) a syringe mount 26 for attachment of a syringe 28 to the injector 20; (2) display 34 and controls 90 for volume and flow rates; (3) automatic limiting of the operating pressure of the injector 20 as determined by the selection of a flow rate; (4) a syringe cradle 48 having a warming capability; (5) a purge/retract trigger 36 for control of the injection procedure having intuitive direction (i.e.

Abstract: A central nervous system (CNS) catheter assembly adapted for use as a ventriculostomy catheter and a spinal catheter includes a catheter body defining at least one lumen therethrough having a drug delivery branch and a monitoring/sensing branch. The drug delivery branch and the monitoring/sensing second branch are in fluid communication with the lumen. Openings are disposed in fluid communication with the lumen and being located at proximal ends of the drug delivery branch and the monitoring/sensing branch. Another opening is disposed at a distal end of the main body. The assembly further includes a component such as an intracranial pressure/osmotic pressure monitoring system, a fluid drainage system, an attachable introduction aid, a patient surface attachment aid, a micromanipulator and a comprehensive intracranial pressure evaluation and relief system. The assembly optionally includes a filter assembly containing a proton exchange membrane.

Abstract: A central nervous system (CNS) catheter assembly (20) adapted for use as a ventriculostomy catheter and a spinal catheter includes a catheter body (28) defining at least one lumen (30) therethrough having a drug delivery branch (22) and a monitoring/sensing branch (24). The drug delivery branch (22) and the monitoring/sensing second branch (24) are in fluid communication with the lumen (30). The assembly further includes a filter assembly (36) disposed in fluid communication with the drug delivery branch (22) and a valve assembly (54) disposed in fluid communication with the monitoring/sensing branch (24). Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a temperature control system (170) for use in controlling the temperature of a location within the central nervous system such as the brain or the spinal cord.

Abstract: In a convective treatment system a wind-actuated instrument mounted near an end of an air hose provides, generates, issues, or sounds an audible alarm when the end becomes disconnected from a convective device and pressurized air continues to flow through the end. The instrument may be mounted on an interface device receivable on the end. The interface device may include means for reducing or stopping the flow of air through the end in response to the disconnection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.

Abstract: An apparatus having an inflatable balloon near a distal end of a multi-lumen catheter, with a plurality of blood flow passageways formed through the interior of the balloon from a proximal face of the inflated balloon to a distal face of the inflated balloon. A heat transfer solution is introduced through a supply lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon in a selected blood vessel; this allows blood to flow through the blood flow passageways of the balloon, from one exterior face of the balloon to another exterior face. The heat transfer solution continues to circulate around the blood flow passageways inside the balloon, to change the blood temperature, eventually exiting the balloon through a return lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A novel improved enhanced cardiac surgical method yields unexpected results by having an enhanced intraluminally emplaced cooling system. In preferred device embodiments improvements include a first means for draining venous blood from at least one of the right atrium, superior vena cava and inferior vena cava and an improved means for cooling involved luminal surfaces. Tissue insult and injury is substantially mitigated by engagement of the cooling means with select aspects of involved atrial tissue to facilitate transfer of heat. Methods for making embodiments of the invention are provided. A method for the treatment of cardiac disease using the improved enhanced cardiac surgical cooling system, and an article of manufacture, comprising packaging material and the device are also taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for warming blood or other physiological fluids, comprising a conduit through which the fluid can be conducted, and heating means for warming the fluid flowing through the conduit, the heating means comprising at least one source of infrared radiation, and the conduit being at least partly transparent to the radiation emitted by the infrared source during operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling patient temperature uses a central venous line catheter having axially spaced distal and proximal heat exchange balloons. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the balloons. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: A method of regulating the temperature of a patient by inserting a heat exchange catheter into a colon of a patient. The heat exchange catheter is inflated with a heat exchange fluid from a temperature control unit wherein the heat exchange fluid is not infused into the patient. The heat exchange catheter has a catheter body with an inflow lumen, an outflow lumen, and an irrigation lumen for irrigating the colon.

Abstract: A medical tubing is used for heating an intravenous fluid immediately prior to the fluid's introduction into a patient. The medical tubing comprises an internal web with a heating element along a length of the web, which heats fluid passing through the tubing. Temperature sensors at an entrance and exit of the tubing communicate the temperatures of the unheated and heated fluid, which provides a feedback control circuit for regulating the amount of heat delivered to the fluid. Current carrying wires in the web dissipate heat and thereby heat the web, which in turn heats the fluid in the tubing. A heat controlling unit adjusts an electrical current transmitted to the current carrying wires in the web. The web may be formed separately from the tubing and subsequently inserted therein, or formed integrally with the tubing by, for example, an extruding process.

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: A system for controlling patient temperature uses a central venous line catheter having axially spaced distal and proximal heat exchange balloons. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the balloons. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.

Abstract: An insufflation device including a flexible tube, at least one resistive heating conductor having a first end and a second end, the at least one resistive heating conductor substantially disposed within the flexible tube and a temperature controller disposed within the flexible tube, the temperature controller electrically connected to the first end.

Abstract: A method of cooling an organ. A portion of a body fluid bathing an organ is withdrawn while a cool fluid is infused. A separate portion of the body fluid can be cooled during the withdrawing. A volume of up to about 5% of the body fluid can be withdrawn. A catheter is provided with a cooling mechanism to contact and cool the body fluid. The catheter can have an inlet port to withdraw body fluid and an outlet port to allow infusion of a cool fluid. Additionally, an organ cooling pump assembly is provided including a pump and a catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus having a steerable distal end portion for insertion in a body lumen comprises a superlastic shape memory member which adopts a memorized shape in an unloaded austenitic state, and stationary heating means for heating at least a portion of the superlastic shape memory member to a temperature above the temperature inside the body lumen. Heating the superlastic shape memory member inside the body lumen causes it to increase in stiffness and tend toward the memorized shape, and subsequent discontinuation of heating causes the superlastic shape memory member to decrease in stiffness, allowing the distal end portion to be deformed from the memorized shape, thereby resulting in movement of the distal end portion which assists in steering it through the body lumen. Preferably, the elongate shape memory member is tubular, having a lumen extending therethrough, and the heating means comprises electrical heating means.

Abstract: A system for controlling patient temperature uses a central venous line catheter having axially spaced distal and proximal heat exchange balloons. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the balloons. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for infusing a fluid into a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a volume of fluid and a temperature altering device in close proximity to the volume of fluid. The temperature altering device is employed to heat or cool the volume of fluid to a desired temperature. A positive pressure device is provided to place the volume of fluid under positive pressure while at the desired temperature. A transfer member is further provided to transfer at least some of the fluid into the patient while at the desired temperature.

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 delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.

Abstract: A device for warming fluids being administered intravenously to a patient. The heating assembly comprising a warming pouch is wrapped and secured around a tube through which fluid is intravenously provided to the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and controlling the temperature of an organ during surgery, and are particularly useful for monitoring and controlling the temperature of the heart during surgery. The subject systems include a temperature sensor for application to the organ, reservoirs for containing temperature-controlled fluids to be delivered to the organ, a temperature regulator for regulating or maintaining the temperatures of such fluids, a pump for transferring the fluids from the reservoirs to the organ, a display for displaying certain system operating parameters and other information, a user interface module and a controller for controlling the functions of the system based on certain system operating parameters. The subject methods generally involve monitoring the temperature of an organ and, based on the organ's temperature, controlling the application of temperature-controlled fluids to the organ.

Abstract: An improved surgical console for use with a handheld tissue fragmentation device includes portable base having an upper portion. An adjustable display head is mounted to the upper portion of the base. The display head provides rotational and translational adjustment relative to the base. An aspiration system is coupled to the fragmentation device for aspirating fluid and tissue fragmented by the fragmentation device from a surgical site. An irrigation system is also coupled to the fragmentation device for supplying irrigating fluid to the surgical site for suspending tissue fragmented by the fragmentation device. A power system is coupled to the fragmentation device for energizing a transducer of the fragmentation device for fragmenting tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for selectively cooling or warming tissue within a patient's vasculature. The present invention utilizes novel heat exchanging devices, which reside inside the catheter body for selectively altering the temperature of fluid that flows through the catheter shaft. In addition, the present invention utilizes novel pumping devices, which reside within a patient's vasculature for withdrawing oxygenated blood into the catheter body where heat exchange occurs across a heat transfer interface for selective cooling or warming of the blood occurs. The present invention can be used in a multiplicity of medical disciplines where it is advantageous to selectively alter the temperature of tissue, including beating heart applications, as well as stopped heart medical interventions.

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 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: 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 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: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material in a flowable form into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material then forms a gel in the body due to a temperature inside the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A catheter with metal heat exchange elements communicating with a source of coolant 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: Patients having diminished circulation in the cerebral vasculature as a result of stroke or from other causes such as cardiac arrest, shock or head trauma, or aneurysm surgery or aortic surgery, 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. Usually, the cold oxygenated medium will comprise autologous blood, and the blood will be recirculated for a time sufficient to permit treatment of the underlying cause of diminished circulation. In addition to oxygenation, the recirculating blood will 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.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter having an expandable cooling chamber in which the cooling fluid, preferably a gas, serves to expand the expandable cooling chamber while simultaneously cooling the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryoablation catheter, comprising an outer tubular body with a closed distal end to form a fluid cooling chamber and an inner tubular member having a proximal end adapted to receive fluid suitable for cryoablation and a distal end coupled to a fluid expansion nozzle wherein the inner tubular member is movable in an axial direction to thereby change the position of the nozzle within the fluid cooling chamber.

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: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.

Abstract: A targeted tissue region in a body is treated by a tissue heating element attached to a carrier. The carrier is intended, in use, to be temporarily mounted to an exterior of a catheter body, such as an endoscope. The catheter body is deployed, with the carrier mounted on it, into the targeted tissue region. The tissue heating element is operated, e.g., to form one or more tissue lesions, after which the catheter body is retrieved from the targeted tissue region. The carrier can then be removed from the catheter body, allowing the catheter body to be subsequently used for another purpose.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for controlled heat aided dermal drug delivery is disclosed. The apparatus has a temperature control component and a drug delivery component. The temperature control component may and dermal drug delivery component are an integrated unit. The apparatus also comprises means to prevent exchange of substance(s) among the heat generating component, the drug delivery component and the outside environment. The apparatus is designed to be easy to use.

Abstract: A novel intravenous (“IV”) warming unit warms and keeps warm intravenous fluid bags for use at remote sites under arctic conditions. The IV fluid warming unit is made of fabric cut and sewn to form a suitcase-like folding receptacle, or satchel. The satchel has four inside pockets along one inside surface and overlapping webbing on the other inside surface. Chemical heating pads are activated and placed inside the pockets and IV fluid bags placed under the webbing. When the satchel is closed, the chemical heating pads warm and keep warm the IV fluid bags. In use, the satchel is placed on top of the chest of a patient so that the satchel warms the patient from the outside while the warmed IV fluid warms the patient from the inside.