With Fluid Supply Patents (Class 607/104)
  • Publication number: 20150025305
    Abstract: A scrotal cushion and therapeutic device is provided that fits securely under and around the scrotum when a patient is seated or supine (body position characterized by lying flat on one's back). The scrotal cushion comprises a device body, a cap, four lateral wing elements contiguous with the scrotal cushion body, a temperature altering element (cooling or heating) and/or a receptacle for receiving the temperature altering element, and aeration elements. The body, cap and wings are preferably constructed of a soft, absorbent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-decubitus, fast drying, durable, washable material. The scrotal cushion can be used to decrease pain, increase comfort, reduce scrotal swelling, improve hygiene, prevent scrotal skin tears, prevent infections, and alter fertility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew Thompson STRINGER, Emily Grace Reynolds STRINGER
  • Publication number: 20150025606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods that use cooling and/or heating systems in pillows. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems that can constantly transport a fluid throughout a pillow in order to keep the fluid at a desired temperature. In order to start the cooling/heating process, a cooling/heating device can use fluid from a tank or reservoir that can be cooled/heated by a radiator. This fluid can then exit the system, be filtered through a hose or line, and then enter the pillow itself. After flowing through the entire pillow, the fluid can be transported out of the pillow and back to the cooling/heating device. By utilizing such a design, the cooling/heating system can keep the fluid moving throughout the pillow and at a desired temperature. As such, the pillow can also maintain a corresponding desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: James Elliott Davis
  • Publication number: 20150018903
    Abstract: A device for cold therapy using cooling mist. Ice baths and cryogenic chamber are previously known solutions for cold therapy, but both suffer from several disadvantages, such as space requirements. The present device for cold therapy includes elements, such as a nozzle, for producing mist from liquid provided for the device, which mist stream is sprayed to a surface area of a treated object in order to cool the treated object, wherein the Sauter mean diameter of the mist is at most 150 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: PKV HOUSING OY
    Inventor: Panu Vapaavalta
  • Patent number: 8932339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for 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 such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Tandri Harikrishna, Menekhem Muz Zviman
  • Publication number: 20140371732
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying thermotherapy to a part of the human or animal body comprising an applicator having a flexible enclosure in which thermal energy transfer fluid can circulate, a connector for connecting the applicator to a control system, an interface layer for providing a thermally conductive interface between the flexible enclosure and a treatment site and, an electrically conductive supporting layer for supporting the interface layer and capable of being energised by an electrical signal from the control system to improve the thermal conductivity of the interface layer. The apparatus also includes a valve unit for connecting the applicator to a control system, a heat exchanger for cooling a thermal energy transfer fluid and a control system for controlling the application of thermotherapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas James Rose
  • Publication number: 20140364927
    Abstract: An eye and eyelid cover includes a pair of spaced viewing windows between which, in use, a reservoir of hot water is contained, and a compartment within which a phase change material is contained, the phase change material being molten at the initial temperature of the hot water and solidifying during cooling of the hot water whilst a treatment procedure is being carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicants: LABORATORIES THEA
    Inventor: Edmund Thomas Fuller
  • Patent number: 8900170
    Abstract: A headliner is provided for controlling a temperature of a head of a patient. A cap is provided which fits securely over the head of the patient. A fluid pathway is routed through the cap with a fluid space adapted to receive heat transfer fluid therein and route the heat transfer fluid between an inlet and an outlet on the cap. The inlet and outlet are each coupled to a cooler for the heat transfer fluid and the heat transfer fluid is circulated through the cap and the cooler such that heat is drawn from the head of the patient. An air bladder is optionally provided outboard of the fluid space which is filled with pressurized gas to increase contact between the fluid space and the head of the patient. A neck brace is integrated with the cap portion of the headliner, particularly for treatment of head trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: William Elkins
  • Patent number: 8900222
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Chadi Harmouche, Teresa Ann Mihalik, Giles Desrochers
  • Patent number: 8894698
    Abstract: Thermal therapy pads for providing a temperature controlled therapy to a portion of a patient's body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface that define a tortuous path for the fluid flow throughout the pad. The pad receives a temperature controlled fluid from a pumping unit via an inlet, and the fluid circulates throughout the pad before being returned to the cooling unit via an outlet. The pads are configured to conform to the shape of the portion of the body receiving the therapy. One such pad is a convertible vest that has one configuration that covers the upper torso and another configuration that covers the back and arms. Another such pad wraps around the wrist after being secured at the thumb. Another pad conforms to the face of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Adroit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gammons, Clifford E. Gammons
  • Publication number: 20140343639
    Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher John Hopper, Brian Schultz, Roy E. Holmberg, Jonathan David Campbell, Marco Constant
  • Patent number: 8888831
    Abstract: A warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and a convective thermal blanket supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A mechanism may be provided to releasably attach the thermal blanket to the clinical garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Albert P. Van Duren
  • Publication number: 20140303695
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing thermal treatment to a foot and ankle of a wearer are provided. An example apparatus may allow applying cold or heat to the foot and ankle of the wearer through a liquid contained in one or more hollows in a top portion or a sole portion of the apparatus. The top portion may have a form of a boot and include a fluid-tight material. The top portion may be filled with the liquid using a top portion filling member disposed on an upper part of the top portion, then the top portion filling member may be sealed using a top portion sealing member. The sole portion may be attached to the top portion removably or non-removably. The sole portion may include a hollow, which may contain the liquid or be filled and emptied using a sole portion filling member and a sole portion sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Paul A. Komorita
  • Publication number: 20140303698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably a thin, flexible pad for placement at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a layer of highly conductive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the conductive material by a delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Behrouz Benyaminpour, Jim Benjamin, Ramin Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20140303696
    Abstract: Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about ?5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Rox Anderson, Dieter Manstein, Henry HL Chan, Joseph Ting
  • Publication number: 20140303697
    Abstract: Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about ?5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a plurality of cooled contact surfaces, each having a width between about 2 mm and about 20 mm. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Rox Anderson, Dieter Manstein, Henry HL Chan, Joseph Ting
  • Patent number: 8851080
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Visualase, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Gowda, Robert McNichols, Marc Gelnett, Matthew Fox
  • Patent number: 8845707
    Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20140277302
    Abstract: A treatment system for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in a human subject includes an applicator and a control unit. The treatment system has a cooling mode for cooling tissue and a heating mode for warming tissue. The control unit includes a circulation circuit in fluid communication with the applicator, a chiller apparatus configured to chill fluid from the applicator circulation circuit, and a heater apparatus to warmed fluid from the applicator circulation circuit. The control unit mixes the chilled fluid and/or the warmed with fluid in the applicator circulation circuit control the temperature of the fluid circulated in the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ZELTIQ AESTHETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Weber, Joseph Coakley, Mark William Baker, Thomas Burnell Reeve, III
  • Publication number: 20140276551
    Abstract: We report a method of treating an epileptic seizure in a patient, comprising: detecting said epileptic seizure, based on body data from said patient; and reducing a flow of blood to a brain of said patient in response to said detected seizure; wherein said reducing is effected by at least one of: applying a pressure, applying a cooling, or administering a vasoconstrictive agent to a vessel supplying blood to at least a portion of the brain. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Flint Hills Scientific, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Publication number: 20140276353
    Abstract: We report a method of treating an epileptic seizure in a patient, comprising: detecting said epileptic seizure, based on body data from said patient; and reducing a flow of blood to a brain of said patient in response to said detected seizure; wherein said reducing is effected by: increasing the parasympathetic input to said patient's heart, such as by electrically stimulating a parasympathetic nervous structure, applying cooling energy to a sympathetic nervous structure, or administering a cholinergic or a sympatho-blocking agent to said patient. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Flint Hills Scientific, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Publication number: 20140277301
    Abstract: A patient warming device with patient access for maintaining normothermia and/or treating hypothermia is provided. The device includes a first compliant layer and a second compliant layer sealed together around an outer border to contain a liquid between the two layers and to form a wrap that surrounds and conforms to a body portion of a patient. A plurality of flaps extends from opposite sides of a generally longitudinal central portion of the wrap, such that one or more flaps from the opposite sides fasten to each other to surround the body portion. The flaps are openable during functional use to provide access to an underlying patient body surface. A continuous fluid flow path extends between the first compliant layer and the second compliant layer between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to carry liquid and deliver heat through the wrap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher M. Varga, Michael McMahon, Thomas Dillingham, James Chan, Todd Schmaltz, Karthikeyan Rajendran
  • Publication number: 20140277303
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible frame, a coupling portion, and an insulating portion. The flexible frame is configured to support a thermal therapeutic member and is transitioned between a first configuration and a second configuration to place the therapeutic member in substantially continuous contact with a target portion of the body. The coupling portion is coupled to the flexible frame and is transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration to retain the flexible frame in its second configuration. The insulating portion is transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration to be coupled to the flexible frame. The insulating portion at least partially controls a transfer of thermal energy between the thermal therapeutic member and the target portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Seth A. Biser
  • Patent number: 8827936
    Abstract: The present invention relates a portable medical device for treating foot and hand edema. The device consists of hand and foot massaging unit, a portable waterproof electronic control unit with voice feedback and temperature control. Each of the massaging units includes internal extremity engaging elements and portions that perform the massaging activities with the glove being provided with a movable motorized pressing element that moves over the outer hand extremity, and the boat having inflatable air bags or bladders for applying massaging pressures to the foot. The boot also, include a cotton-padded rubber for comfort and the may be provides with a removable, easy to sterilize material. The control unit also provides compressed air and pressurized water or fluid through plastic delivery lines attached between the unit and the massaging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Hamdah J. S. Adaie
  • Publication number: 20140249610
    Abstract: Refrigerant cartridges for cryotherapeutic neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a cryotherapeutic system includes a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a refrigerant from a refrigerant cartridge. The refrigerant in the refrigerant cartridge can have a moisture concentration of at most 10 ppm. The system can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft that has an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the supply lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Ryba
  • Publication number: 20140243939
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Mark H. LOWE, Krister BOWMAN, Joseph METRO
  • Patent number: 8818512
    Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence is provided. The method includes providing a device, the device including an expandable portion having an outer surface, and a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes coupled to the outer surface of the expandable portion and configured to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the electrodes. The method further includes causing the expandable portion to expand such that the first and second electrodes contact vaginal walls, and causing a contraction of a muscle in communication with the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Incontrol Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Herschel Peddicord
  • Publication number: 20140236271
    Abstract: Headwear (2) for removing heat from a person's scalp in order to prevent hair loss, comprising a body portion (4) for fitting over the scalp, an inlet (6) and an outlet (8), and fastener means (10) the headwear (2) being such that it opens to a flat condition when it is not in use on the person's head (12), and the body portion (4) comprises a plurality of internal walls (14) which define a passageway (18) through the body portion (4) from the inlet (6) to the outlet (8) whereby the cold fluid is able to circulate through the body portion (4), and the passageways (16) being such that they are expanded by the cold fluid and press against the person's scalp with a pressure which causes contact with the person's scalp and thereby to facilitate maximum cold transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Derek Fronda, Darren Lee Fronda
  • Patent number: 8808344
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Scott, Ben F. Brian, Lloyd F. Wright, Leo A. Chin, Edward W. Hollmen, Daniel W. Seegars, Mark A. Logan
  • Publication number: 20140228918
    Abstract: A cushioning surface for cooling tissue that reaches a predefined level of immersion into the cushioning surface, comprising: a segmented fluid cushion comprising a plurality of cells interconnected to allow fluid to flow from each cell to at least one of the other plurality of cells; and wherein one or more of the plurality of cells contains a heat exchange material. The cushioning surface may further comprise a cooling element associated with and for removing heat from the one or more cells containing a heat exchange material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: David M. Brienza, Patricia E. Karg, Andrew J. Malkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20140228718
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus that provides cooling and mechanical and/or electrical simulation to the treated site may be used to overcome the problems associated with cryotherapy. In one embodiment, a cryotherapy device for producing a cooling effect for treating tissue includes a temperature control device which alters the temperature of at least a portion of the tissue being treated during treatment; and a blood flow device that alters the blood flow rate through the portion of the tissue being treated during and following treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Diller, Sepideh Khoshnevis, Robert Matthew Brothers
  • Patent number: 8800078
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Timothy J. Receveur
  • Publication number: 20140222121
    Abstract: Thermal pads (50) for incorporation into systems (10) and compression garments (54) may be used for various medical or other purposes. The pads (50) include thermal fluid channels and the ability to flex and elastically stretch in multiple directions for conformance to the individual user. Cooling systems (10) include recirculation of the thermal fluid for temperature control purposes. Methods include hot and cold contrast type therapy for a variety of purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SCR INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Landon Tompkins, Samuel C. Walling, Ryan D. Hatton, Jens Hutzenlaub, William Spence, Alex Singer
  • Publication number: 20140214138
    Abstract: A medical pad having a dual layer portion including a fluid circulation and containment layers and a single layer portion including the fluid circulation layer. The fluid circulation 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 fluid circulation layer. A fluid containment layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a portion of second side of the fluid circulation layer, opposite to the first side of the fluid circulation layer. The fluid containment layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. Portions of the fluid circulation layer that extend beyond the fluid containment layer define flaps that provide additional area for fluid circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Medivance Incorporated
    Inventors: Marc E. Voorhees, Owen Mandry
  • Publication number: 20140205554
    Abstract: New bodily cooling techniques are provided. In some aspects of the present invention, a new rapidly-evaporating cooling gel or fluid is sprayed or doused over or about an athlete's body and/or worn garments in thermal-reduction-optimized gravitational, diffusion and movement-induced patterns, to maximize cooling during exercise. In some aspects, a worn garment may serve as the matrix or platform for this distribution of the fluid. In other aspects, tuned, heat-absorbing port-controlling devices cause the release of the cooling gel or fluid from distribution tubes or other channels (e.g., integral to the flexible fabric itself) upon local underlying body heat exceeding a threshold, and resealing (halting release) upon body or regional heat dropping below a threshold. In still other aspects, heat-expanding sub-elements rise away from a body heat source toward a wider region for heat release, while other cooled sub-elements descend and exchange places with them, to absorb more body heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Publication number: 20140207218
    Abstract: To reduce the noise level of an air convective warmer, the air filter of the warmer is fitted with an air intercept mechanism to disrupt the flow of air that traverses inside the interior cavity of the air filter. By thus disrupting the air flow, the noise that otherwise would have been generated due to a non-interrupted air stream flow is lowered. The air intercept mechanism may be in the form of at least one partition positioned inside the interior cavity of the air filter. Alternatively, double-ended open tubes may be used, so long as the interior cavity of the filter is sealed, with only the tubes providing the passages for air to output from the air filter. Yet a third embodiment of the air reduction filter has an air impermeable material covering at least one portion of the surface area of the filtering material to prevent the inflow air from directly entering into the interior cavity of the air filter through the covered surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SMITHS MEDICAL ASD, INC.
    Inventors: JOSEPH PIERRE, RACHEL STARR, DAVID G. ROOME
  • Patent number: 8778005
    Abstract: A control unit coupled to a thermal therapy device, a compression therapy device and DVT therapy devices is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The compression therapy device includes an gas bladder for providing compression to a patient. The DVT therapy devices provide pulsed compression in coordination with the compression therapy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Overton L. Parish, Tony Quisenberry, Niran Balachandran, Sam K. McSpadden
  • Publication number: 20140194959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment device for the therapeutic temperature management of parts of the body. It is provided that the treatment device comprises at least one fluid conveyance device for transporting a cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Fries, Jonathan (Yu) Zhang, Felix (Dali) Zhang
  • Patent number: 8771329
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally include methods and/or devices for increasing blood flow, controlling the vasodilatation of a patient's vascular structure, regulating the temperature of a portion of a mammal, and for improving various interventional procedures and/or therapeutic techniques. The device may also include one or more access ports, or apertures, that allow access to portions of the mammal's extremity to allow interventional type medical devices, therapeutic devices, surgical support equipment or patient monitoring devices to have access to the extremity on which a body element is disposed. The device may also be configured to allow other supporting components, which may include IV or other catheters, a means of accessing to a portion of the extremity positioned inside the temperature regulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Christensen, John Roy Kane, Nathan Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8771330
    Abstract: A personal artificial transpiration cooling system having a transpiration surface with a substrate, a transpiration membrane layer which is spaced from the substrate layer by one or more spacers to define one or more interior fluid flow channels between a first surface of the transpiration membrane layer and the substrate; and a stoma layer disposed adjacent a second surface of the permeable membrane layer, the stoma layer being spaced from the second surface of permeable membrane layer by a predetermined distance to define one or more cavities disposed between pores in the at least one stoma layer and the second surface of the permeable membrane layer. A fluid reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the one or more interior fluid flow channels, while the transpiration surface is configured to be worn by a human or an animal and the fluid reservoir is designed to be supported, in use, by the human or animal wearing the transpiration surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Roper, William B. Carter
  • Patent number: 8758341
    Abstract: This invention relates to the working end of a medical instrument that applies energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has a microfluidic tissue-engaging surface fabricated by soft lithography means together with optional superlattice cooling means that allows for very precise control of energy application, for example in neurosurgery applications. The tissue-engaging surface can eject a high-heat content vapor into the engaged tissue for treating tissue, while the superlattice cooling structure can prevent collateral thermal damage. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to localize heat at a selected depth in tissue and prevent surface ablation. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to prevent tissue sticking to a thermal energy delivery surface. In another embodiment, the tissue-engaging surface can be used in a jaw structure for sealing tissue together with hydrojet means for transecting the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 8758419
    Abstract: A contact cooler for thermal conditioning a surface is disclosed. The contact cooler may include a temperature controller assembly with recirculating temperature controlled fluid for heating and/or cooling a surface of a patient in contact with a cooling head. The cooling head may be attached to a handle for manual manipulation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Niran Balachandran, Sam K. McSpadden, Bob Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8753383
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Overton L. Parish, Niran Balachandran, Tony Quisenberry, Clark R. Havis
  • Publication number: 20140155964
    Abstract: A thermal pack (10) for therapeutic treatment of a mammal that includes a bladder (12, 4) and a separator element insert (22). The bladder (12, 14) is formed of a pair of superposed sheets (12, 14) of flexible, heat conductive liquid impermeable polyurethane material and includes an inlet (18) and an outlet (20). The sheets (12, 14) are welded together at a central spine (17) and along a series of branches (16) so as to provide a turning, tortuous fluid passageway therein. The separator element insert (22) is received within the fluid passageway and provides a fluid conveying track that extends throughout the fluid passageway from the inlet (18) to the outlet (19) to maintain the sheets (12, 14) in spaced apart relationship to mitigate restrictions in fluid flow when the pack (10) is flexed out of the plane of the sheets (12, 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Mike Saggers
  • Patent number: 8740959
    Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, Nicole Denise Bloom, Alex T. Roth, Dave J. Scott, Jose Alejandro, Edward A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140135877
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Syneron Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. McGILL, Peter G. KNOPP, Bankim H. MEHTA
  • Patent number: 8715330
    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 movable inlet, a nozzle or include a flow directing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: CoolSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Lowe, Krister Bowman, Joseph Metro
  • Publication number: 20140121734
    Abstract: Temperature control device for use in fluid-based hyper/hypothermia systems, comprising a connection unit for connecting the device to a local power network, and a fluid temperature control unit for heating or cooling a fluid. The device includes a power supply unit, by which electrical consuming components of the fluid temperature control unit are supplied with power, and which effects supply of the electrical consuming components with direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Sorin Group Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Knott, Manfred Fronhöfer
  • Patent number: 8709058
    Abstract: A portable thermal therapeutic apparatus, adapted to transfer heat between a creature and the atmosphere by circulating heat transfer fluid within a conduit held in contact with the creature. The apparatus includes a housing with a support structure that is particularly adapted for portable use. A heat pump is disposed within the housing, and operates to transfer heat between a first portion and a manifold. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the first portion, and transfers heat between the first portion and the atmosphere. A pump is disposed within the housing and circulates the fluid through the manifold and the conduit. A power supply is disposed within the housing and drives the pump, thereby causing the fluid to circulate within the manifold and the conduit. The power supply is also provides direct current to the heat pump, thereby causing heat to flow from the manifold to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas R. Harsy
  • Patent number: 8702774
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Baker, Joseph Coakley, Paul William Martens, Albert L. Ollerdessen, William Patrick Pennybacker, Jesse Nicasio Rosen, Peter Yee, John W. Allison, Bryan Weber
  • Patent number: 8696723
    Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Stelica Stelea, David Searl Kimball, Lynn Miyeko Shimada, Kenneth A. Collins, Grant Palmer