Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for stimulation or recording of accommodation of an eye. Accommodation of an eye naturally occurs through contraction of the ciliary muscle. Embodiments described herein can deliver electrostimulation to the ciliary muscle through a pair of electrodes which deliver power over an area of the sclera which is both positioned above and over an area which is substantially equivalent to the surface area of the ciliary muscle. In further embodiments, electrical impulses produced by the ciliary muscle can be received by one or more electrodes positioned proximate the ciliary muscle. Thus, by embodiments described herein, accommodation of the eye can be reproducibly achieved by external stimulation of the ciliary muscle or measured based on electrical impulses generated by or in conjunction with the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Vascular pressures and oximetry are optimized through administration of fluids and other support prior to manipulating temperature in a therapeutic hypothermia procedure. Temperature and active hemodynamic management are utilized, through measurement and adjustment of temperature and hemodynamic parameters through the use of an internal cooling device, such as endovascular catheter, and/or an external temperature-altering device, to ensure that temperature management is optimized, and hemodynamics and tissue resuscitation are optimized prior to and during temperature manipulation.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to generating fluid flow. A pump is positioned adjacent to a heat source. The pump includes a primary chamber having a primary rotational element configured to rotate on an axis, and a secondary chamber having a secondary rotational element configured to rotate on the axis, with a heat transfer element positioned between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The primary rotational element is coupled with the secondary rotational element along the axis. A primary fluid is received in the primary chamber with a primary fluid flow, which rotates the primary rotational element. A secondary fluid flow is generated in the secondary chamber by the primary rotational element causing a rotation of the secondary rotational element on the axis.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a fluid cooling supply system for chilling and delivering liquid coolant to a patient. The fluid cooling supply system includes a cooling device and a heat exchanger device. The heat exchanger device is biased to the cooling device and is in fluid communication with a treatment device in a patient. The fluid cooling supply system includes at least one biasing mechanism to provide a given biasing force between the heat exchanger device and the cooling device to effectuate and improve heat transfer. The liquid coolant may be circulated through an energy delivery device positioned in an airway of a patient to preserve tissue. The system is controlled to circulate liquid coolant at a given temperature and pressure for a selected amount of time during pulmonary treatment of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. The control unit includes a heater/cooler device for providing heated or cooled fluid to a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fluid heat exchange medium circulating to the heat exchange catheter, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A method to characterize shape variations in brain ventricles during embryonic growth in mammals, the method including extracting a brain ventricle skeleton from one or more images, calculating a volume profile for the skeleton using the extracted images, partitioning the brain ventricle based on the volume profile along the skeleton, the brain ventricle being partitioned into two lateral ventricles and a main ventricle, the main ventricle being further partitioned into three sub regions, determining volume vectors of the two lateral ventricles and the three sub regions, computing a means square error between the determined computed volume vectors and a pretrained mean volume vector of embryos during different gestational stages, and classifying the embryo to the gestational stage having the lowest mean square error.

Abstract: Improved approaches to provide or facilitate transdermal chemical delivery to an individual are disclosed. The individual can wear an electronic transdermal chemical delivery device that delivers at least one chemical to the individual's body.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for ex vivo organ care. More particularly, in various embodiments, the invention relates to caring for a liver ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: A catheter includes a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid. The catheter also includes a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the paths is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, where the distal heat exchange region includes first and second helical paths and is made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: The cooling system for patients with fever is a mechanical, fluid-based system for cooling patients suffering from fever. The cooling system for patients with fever includes a reservoir for containing a cooling fluid, which is maintained at a desired temperature. A temperature sensor is received in the reservoir. The temperature sensor is immersed in the cooling fluid for measuring the temperature thereof. A chiller is also received in the reservoir for selectively cooling the cooling fluid when the temperature thereof, measured by the temperature sensor, is above a pre-set temperature threshold. The reservoir communicates with a cooling pad, which is formed from a padded layer having at least one channel embedded therein. At least one pump and tubing is provided for circulating the cooling fluid through the reservoir and the cooling pad. In use, the cooling pad is applied to the skin of a patient with a fever.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: A controlled temperature therapy system has a pump, a reservoir, and a therapy component. The reservoir has an inlet in communication with the therapy component and an outlet in communication with the pump. The reservoir may also include a baffle adjacent the outlet. The inlet may be a moveable inlet, a nozzle or include a flow directing surface.

Abstract: A conditioning garment has an array of tubes (11) for passing heated/cooled fluid to heat/cool a wearer of the garment. The array of tubes (11) terminate at a connector (16) for connection to a source of heated/cooled liquid. The connector (16) comprises a male part (15) and a female part (17) with a releasable latch (22, 34, 40) acting between the male and female parts (15, 17) to hold the male part (15) in engagement with the female part (17). The releasable latch includes a release member (40) moveable in a rectilinear path away from the connector (16) to release the latch and allow separation of the male part (15) from the female part (17). The male and female parts (15, 17) are self-sealing on disengagement. This allows for automatic separation of the male and female parts (15, 17) in an emergency.

Abstract: In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling, fluid removal and/or energy removal. The present invention provides for removal of fluid and cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of mucus to the dry fluid yields evaporation of body fluid, removal of energy, cooling of the anatomical feature, and systemic cooling. Therefore, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, like the brain after cardiac arrest. Similarly, excess fluid removal is achievable for treatment of cardiogenic shock or other conditions that cause significant fluid build-up, especially in cases of compromised renal function.

Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally includes a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more strips. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for supporting a medical or veterinary patient with therapeutically significant normothermia and other practical advantages.

Abstract: A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for the treatment of dermatological conditions, including, for example, viral infections, microbial infections, cancers, dermatological conditions and particularly infections of the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: A therapeutic collar comprising an elongate body made from a flexible material for extending around at least a portion of the neck of a patient. The body has a length approximating the circumference of the neck, two thermoelectric devices for overlying two carotid arteries in the neck and two thermoelectric devices for overlying of two vertebral arteries in the neck when the elongate body is secured around the neck of the patient. At least one cooling tube is carried by the elongate body and extends in the vicinity of each of the thermoelectric devices for removing heat from the thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A hand-held neuroscreening device includes an elongate handle having a first end, a second end, and longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. A head portion is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle. The head portion has a longitudinal axis, a fixed temperature surface extending in a first plane oblique to the head portion longitudinal axis, and a variable temperature surface extending in a second plane oblique to the first plane. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cold therapy system including a cooling bath; a therapy pad in fluid communication with the cooling bath; a pump positioned and arranged to pump water from the cooling bath to the therapy pad and back to the cooling bath; and a control unit controlling the pump, the control unit programmed to operate the pump according to a cycle in which the pump is operated at less than maximum to cause the therapy pad temperature to be raised and to conserve a cooling resource within the cooling bath.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

Abstract: In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.

Abstract: A system for altering or maintaining temperatures of objects having a heating/cooling unit having at least one primary fluid line for circulating a heating fluid, a cooling fluid or both through at least one pad in fluid communication with the heating/cooling unit. The heating/cooling unit may accommodate any number of primary fluid lines to correspond to the number of pads utilized or the heating/cooling unit may include at least one flow divider manifold in fluid communication with a primary fluid supply line for channeling a fluid through a plurality of pads.

Abstract: A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes an outer shell having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. At least one cooling device is provided on an interior of the outer shell to induce hypothermia in a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for stimulating eating by an animal is disclosed. The system may include a primary unit and a secondary unit. The primary unit may be configured to be at least partially supported by a rear portion of the animal's spine. The secondary unit may be coupled with the primary unit and configured to be coupled with a top dorsal portion of the animal's tail. The primary unit may include a first power supply, a processor powered by the first power supply, a second power supply, and a speaker powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor. The secondary unit may include a vibration generation device powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor, and a pressure generation device powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: A compressive patient warming device is provided. The device includes an elastic inner layer that conforms snugly to a shape of an appendage of a patient so that the inner layer wraps around and substantially contacts most of an underlying surface area of the appendage. An outer layer is attached to and covers the inner layer to form a space that holds a heat transfer medium between the inner layer and the outer layer while the inner layer is wrapped around the appendage. The outer layer may be a rigid layer, and a predetermined compressive load may be applied to the outer layer to encourage blood flow in the appendage. A source of heat may be applied to the device to maintain normothermia and/or treat hypothermia.

Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.

Abstract: A cold therapy system includes (i) a cooling bath structured to chill and hold chilled water; (ii) a pump positioned and arranged to pump the chilled water; (iii) a to-pad line positioned and arranged to hold chilled water pumped by the pump from the cooling bath; (iv) a from-pad line positioned and arranged to hold water returning to the cooling bath; and (v) a therapy pad in fluid communication with the to- and from-pad lines, the therapy pad including a patient-contacting chamber that is in heat exchange communication with a chilled-water chamber residing outside of the patient-contacting chamber when the therapy pad is donned.

Abstract: A combination underbody and overbody blanket has first and second portions sandwiching a middle portion. The first portion may be shorter than the second portion. At least one air inlet is provided at the middle portion to allow air to be input into the blanket. The blanket is configured in the shape of a poncho, with the first portion covering the front torso of the patient and the second portion covering the back of the patient. A tearable seal is provided at the first portion that allows the first portion to be separated into two halves to expose the front upper torso of the patient and/or to facilitate the placement of the middle portion about the neck and onto the shoulders of the patient.

Abstract: A cold plasma mask application device for delivery of a cold plasma to the face of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a gas containment area that is energized by one or more electrodes that receive energy from a pulsed source. The plasma can be prevented from contact with the patient's face, or can be allowed to make contact with the patient's face at the appropriate treatment area. A three-layer approach to the manufacture of the cold plasma mask application device is also described. Such a device and method can be used to treat acne as well as complex facial wounds such as those resulting from trauma, melanoma, and other cancers of the face, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Abstract: An inflatable convective pad for warming a person during surgery has two ends, two sides, and at least two openings, each located in an area of the pad between the two ends and between a respective side and the center of the pad. The openings, which may be in the form of slits, allow the threading of a sheet or the person's arms through the pad to restrain the arms during surgery.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for maintaining core body temperature in a subject. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject, and a warming stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue. The application of heat to the peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue occurs discretely and simultaneously with application of the warming stimulus to the glabrous tissue, without application of a heating device or a warming device to tissue other than the tissue subjected to the applied heat or to the applied warming stimulus, thereby maintaining the core body temperature of the subject.

Abstract: A patient temperature control catheter includes working fluid supply and return lumens through which working fluid circulates to exchange heat with a patient in whom the catheter is positioned. At least one lumen is defined by plural coils axially spaced from each other. At least a first coil is a large coil that inflates with working fluid to seat against a wall of a blood vessel in which the catheter is positioned, with blood flowing through the coil so as not to block blood flow in the vessel.

Abstract: Home-use applicators for non-invasively removing heat from subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells via phase change coolants, and associated devices, systems and methods. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an applicator releasably positionable in thermal communication with human skin, and a coolant vessel having a coolant. The device further includes a heat transfer conduit operatively coupled to the applicator and housing a heat transfer fluid that is isolated from fluid contact with the coolant. A heat exchanger is operatively coupled between the coolant vessel and the heat transfer conduit to transfer heat between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant, and a fluid driver is operatively coupled to the heat transfer conduit to direct the heat transfer fluid between the applicator and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A segmented RF electrode with one central segment delivering the treatment energy and at least one peripheral segment arranged around the perimeter of the central segment and a temperature control element communicating with the peripheral segment. The electrode is incorporated into an applicator for aesthetic and other skin treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the instant invention is a method that includes at least providing a prosthesis that includes at least an implant capable of deformation under pressure; inserting the implant in a void space in a joint; inflating the implant by adding a first amount of a filler to the implant, where the first amount of the filler is X; articulating the joint; releasing a second amount of the filler from the implant through a pressure regulating valve based on a predetermined pressure in the implant, where the second amount of the filler released from the implant is Y; and sealing the implant, where X is greater than Y.

Abstract: A thermal therapy device (100) comprises a tissue-interacting device (400) which is designed to target one or more significant areas of the therapy-receiving person's body by concentrating the passage of the therapy-providing fluid in these areas. The thermal therapy device (400) can comprise a head pad, eye pads, a knee pad, an ankle/foot pad, an elbow pad, or a neck/shoulder pad.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. The control unit includes a heater/cooler device for providing heated or cooled fluid to a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fluid heat exchange medium circulating to the heat exchange catheter, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for adding or removing heat from a heat exchange fluid circulating between an external heat exchanger and an intravascular heat exchange catheter is described. The system includes a two stage cooling system providing for a high rate of cooling in one stage and a lower rate of cooling in a second stage. Both stages may be used to provide maximal cooling while the second stage is used to provide improved control of the cooling rate as a target temperature is approached. The second stage may also be used to provide heat to the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle probe having a proximal and distal region. A cooling supply tube provides pressurized cooling fluid within the needle. The proximal region is more conductive that the distal region. The proximal region is conductively coupled to a heat source.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: A heat transfer pad includes a pad inlet port for feeding a heat transfer fluid to the pad, a pad outlet port for discharging the heat transfer fluid from the pad and a bladder having an internal flowpath for the heat transfer fluid which extends from the pad inlet port to the pad outlet port. The internal flowpath is divided into a first flow channel and a second flow channel through which first and second flow streams of the heat transfer fluid, respectively, flow between the pad inlet and outlet ports. A first flow restrictor is positioned downstream in the first flow channel and a second flow restrictor is correspondingly positioned downstream in the second flow channel and the flow restrictors are configured to create substantial back pressures in the first and second flow channels, respectively.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating a target tissue site method comprising selecting the tissue site based on a tissue profile or condition of the tissue site; delivering energy to the tissue site at a first depth to achieve a first tissue effect using an energy delivery device; delivering energy to the tissue site at a second depth to achieve a second tissue effect using an energy delivery device; and remodeling at least a portion of tissue at the tissue site.