Abstract: A cold therapy system includes a cooling bath; a therapy pad; a heat exchanger; a first pathway fluidly connecting the cooling bath to the heat exchanger; a second pathway fluidly connecting the heat exchanger to an inlet of the therapy pad; a third pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the therapy pad to the heat exchanger; and a fourth pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the heat exchanger to the cooling bath.

Abstract: A device for thermally coupling to a head and/or a neck of a patient is provided which includes cooling coils configured to allow for controlled cooling of the head or neck of the patient. The cooling coils are formed with tubing for directing cooling fluid. A plurality of fluid flow paths are provided whereby the flow of cooling fluid can be controlled to thereby selectively cool the head and/or neck of the patient.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: After liposuction has been performed in a region, a skin tightening procedure can be implemented by heating the external surface of a cannula to between 145° F. and 180° F. and moving the cannula beneath the skin, in the region, so that heat is transferred from the external surface of the cannula to connective tissue located in the region. This causes skin tightening to occur. Heat transfer may also be implemented by spraying a hot liquid into the region or by suctioning the connective tissue into a cannula and spraying it with hot liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: A therapeutic cooling apparatus for cooling the human head that includes a container having a cavity that is configured to hold a volume of liquid and an indentation for supporting a human head. On one end of the container there is a contour and ramp that is designed to support the full length of the human neck when a person lies in the supine position and puts their head inside the cavity. Inside the container is a receptacle that is configured to hold at least one cooling insert. The receptacle is partitioned from the cavity by a divider. To use the apparatus, the cavity is filled with liquid. Cooling inserts are cooled and thereafter are placed within the receptacle. A person lowers their head and neck into the liquid-filled cavity so that their neck is supported by the contour and ramp and their head is supported by the indentation within the cavity. The head and neck are cooled by the passive transfer of heat from the head to the cooling insert through the liquid.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for maintaining reduced core body temperature in a subject having a reduced core body temperature. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject. A cooling stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue thereby maintaining reduced core body temperature in the subject.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an elongate, contiguous, thermally-transmissive region coupled to the catheter, the thermally-transmissive region being sufficiently flexible to change from a linear configuration to an arcuate configuration. The thermally-transmissive region may include a plurality of interconnected thermally-transmissive segments that are generally cylindrical in shape. The cryogenic catheter may be in fluid communication with a fluid source, and may include one or more fluid injection tubes. Further, an injection tube may be slidably disposed within the catheter so that the injection tube is longitudinally movable relative to an outer surface of the catheter. The cryogenic catheter may also be in communication with a controller programmed to regulate delivery of a cryogenic fluid from the fluid source to the medical device.

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.

Abstract: A thermal pack (10) and associated control system (32, 44) for the therapeutic treatment of a mammal. The pack (10) is made from a flexible, heat conductive, liquid impermeable material and has an inlet (18) through which fluid can be transferred into the pack (10), a passageway through which fluid can flow and an outlet (20) through which fluid may be removed from the pack (10). The passageway within the pack (10) also has a separator element (22) that forms a track (22, 24) along which the fluid can flow and keeps the walls of the pack (1) spaced apart so that the fluid flow is not restricted if the pack (10) is flexed in use.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing and treating skin dermatitis includes an air flow conditioning module positioned in the output air flow increasing or decreasing the temperature of the generated air flow as received from the fan responsive to a received control signal, a temperature sensor positioned in the output air flow sensing a current temperature of the output air flow as conditioned by the air flow conditioning module, an air flow conditioning control module is coupled to the air flow conditioning module and the temperature sensor for generating the control signal, and air flow conditioning control module that has a definable temperature range of the output airflow and for receiving the sensed current temperature from the temperature sensor, comparing the current temperature to the defined temperature range, and generating the control signal to provide the generated air flow at the nozzle is within the defined temperature range.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a portable intravenous fluid heater that can weight less than 10 oz having an internal power supply internal tubing that is heated by a heating element; a logic assembly; an external power terminal for connecting an external power supply; and computer readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the steps of receiving output temperature from the fluid output heat sensor, removing power from the heating element if the output temperature is above a predetermined temperature to reduce the temperature of fluid exiting the tubing and delivering power to the heating element when the output temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A modular cooling-heating system for use in the controlled delivery of temperature-controlled fluids to a heat exchanger associated with the blood of a patient undergoing a medical procedure is described, wherein the cooling-heating system uses adaptive temperature control protocols.

Abstract: A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.

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: 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: Systems for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissue, organs, cells, and so forth, are described herein. In various embodiments, the system includes a treatment device and a controller for controlling a treatment process. The controller is configured to detect and compensate for an interruption in the treatment process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying heated air to a person and comprises an air-permeable inner sheet and an air-impermeable outer sheet which are connected to one another by welds in order to form a panel-like shape in the inflated state. The welds produce a main duct having, viewed at the inlet end and in the non-inflated state, a main duct width. The main duct is delimited by at least one first series of elongate first welded strips, the first intermediate spaces which are in line with one another. The length of each of these first intermediate spaces, viewed in the non-inflated state, is in each case smaller than the main duct width. The length of each first welded strip is at least 15% of the main duct width and at most 80% of the main duct width.

Abstract: Method, systems and devices for treating insomnia by non-invasive hypothermic treatment are described. In general, these devices, systems and method enable cooling of the frontal cortex prior to and/or during sleep to enhance sleep, which may be particularly beneficial to treat insomnia.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide air or gas-based temperature-controlled medical devices. The systems and methods may be applied to provide therapy to a patient suffering orthopedic or other injuries. Air or other gas is temperature-controlled and adjusted to meet a patient's physical needs and delivered the patient therapy site through a temperature regulated system including a therapeutic orthopedic wrap. Feedback mechanisms allow the caregiver or the patient to adjust the temperature of the gas. Other fluids may also be used. The systems and methods permit use of electrotherapy for enhanced therapy and injury recovery.

Abstract: A system is described for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissues, organs, cells, and so forth. In various embodiments, the system includes a controller, a computing device, a data acquisition device, a chiller, and one or more applicators. The system can employ these components to receive a selection of a treatment profile and apply the selected treatment using an applicator. The treatment profile may be received from a patient protection device that connects to an applicator.

Abstract: A head cooling pillow is provided that is capable of enhancing cooling efficiency for the head, suppressing pressure rise in the inside of the pillow, and improving placing feeling of the head on the pillow. The head cooling pillow includes a pillow main body which is formed in a bag shape and is structured so that refrigerant is passed through its inside, a partition member which is disposed in the inside of the pillow main body for forming the flow passage through which the refrigerant is passed, and a support member structure to support the head of a user. In the head cooling pillow, the head is cooled by the refrigerant passing through the flow passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment storing various electrical components. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The therapy device has a deployed configuration in which the power connector, the control unit, and the thermal pad are extended from the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the insert is a solid insulating material that has a configuration suitable for nesting the inserts for shipping. In another embodiment, the insert is a planar material folded into a basket shape. Insulation is provided by the gap between the insert and the containing box.

Abstract: A device for cooling cutaneous and sub-cutaneous tissues includes an applicator. The applicator has a head and a handle. The head has ports that are operative to dispense a pressurized fluid. The device also has a pressurizing section where the pressurizing section comprises at least one pump. The pump delivers pressurized fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to about 2 bars to the applicator.

Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: A portable patient cooling apparatus is provided that includes a self-contained refrigerator and on-board power storage supply for stand alone operation. The apparatus is interconnectable to one or more heat exchange devices (e.g. patient contact pads or intravascular catheters) through which a cooled fluid may be circulated for patient cooling. Such fluid may be liquid contained within a reservoir comprising the apparatus during periods of non-use. The apparatus preferably defines a total volume of less than about 0.04 m3, while having a total weight of less than about 15 kg to yield a total circulated fluid cooling capacity of at least 200 watts.

Abstract: A biological measurement apparatus includes: an endoscope including a treatment instrument insertion channel provided inside an insertion portion; a pump that delivers water into the treatment instrument insertion channel; an optical system, etc., that guide light from a light source that emits light in a predetermined wavelength band into the water delivered into the treatment instrument insertion channel; and a spectroscope that detects return light resulting from the light passing through the water, falling on and being reflected by an object and returning while passing through the water when the water is delivered from the pump.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A body temperature maintaining apparatus is used on occasion of emergent transportation, utilizing an air conditioner of an emergent transportation vehicle or the like. The body temperature maintaining apparatus includes a heat receiving part for receiving heat of an air blown from an air conditioner mounted on a mobile body for carrying a patient, a heat applying part attached to a living body part of the patient thereby to apply the heat, a tube body which interconnects the heat receiving part and the heat applying part for feeding a heat medium from the heat receiving part to the heat applying part, and a forcibly moving unit provided in at least one of the heat receiving part, the heat applying part, and the tube body, and adapted to forcibly move the heat medium from the heat receiving part to the heat applying part.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing and treating moisture-based skin dermatitis includes an air flow conditioning module positioned in the output air flow in the output air flow chamber for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the generated air flow as received from the fan responsive to a received control signal, a temperature sensor positioned in the output air flow at the nozzle for sensing a current temperature of the output air flow as conditioned by the air flow conditioning module, an air flow conditioning control module is coupled to the air flow conditioning module and the temperature sensor and is configured for generating the control signal, and air flow conditioning control module that has a defined maximum temperature of the output airflow and is adapted for receiving the sensed current temperature from the temperature sensor, comparing the current temperature to the defined maximum temperature, and generating the control signal to provide the generated air flow at the nozzle does not exceed the de

Abstract: A therapeutic cooling system used to remove trapped heat from between a person and an object pressed against the person. Such objects would include: beds, chairs and protective clothing such as body armor. A thin bladder encapsulating a liquid placed between the person and heat trapping object absorbs heat produced by the person. Increased heat transferred to the liquid causes it to expand, become less dense and thus more buoyant than the cooler liquid in the bladder. Convection moves heated liquid upwards towards a thermoelectrically driven cooling unit. When the warmed liquid reaches the cooling unit thermoelectric devices pull heat from the liquid and push it in to a heat sink where is it can expelled from the system. The cooled liquid, now denser, flows back down the bladder by gravity.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for cooling or warming the temperature of all or a portion of the body of a human or animal subject to treat disorders including but not limited to sepsis, septic shock or other inflammatory or infectious conditions which can result in shock, hypoxia, ischemia and/or multiple organ failure in human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A heating-type balloon catheter device is provided. The catheter device may include a heating-type balloon at a top end portion of a catheter main body and a vibration imparting device connected to a base end portion of the catheter main body. The vibration imparting device may impart vibration to a liquid for heating in the heating-type balloon and include an elastic tube with a base end portion connected to the catheter main body and with a top end portion thereof closed. The elastic tube may be filled with a liquid for heating. A vibrator device having a roller rotating about a rotary shaft at a position offset to the rotary shaft may be provided. The elastic tube may be set to such a vibrator device so that a predetermined direction of rotation of the roller extends from the side of the base end portion of the elastic tube to the side of the top end portion thereof and a margin volume part which is not pressed with the roller is provided on the side of the top end portion of the elastic tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

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.

Abstract: A therapeutic microwave system comprises a support unit having two or more separable segments; a microwave power assembly positioned between two separated segments of the support unit and including two or more microwave power supply devices; position adjustment componentry; and a central processing unit. The system may further include a temperature sensor for monitoring a treated subject's exhaled air temperature in real time and adjusting microwave irradiation accordingly, and a cooling device for controlling the patient's brain temperature during treatment.

Abstract: Both the flow rate and the temperature of the air exiting a forced air warming unit are regulated in response to a single act or operation of a single element of control on a manually-operated remote control.

Abstract: A fluid disinfection unit [40] is incorporated into a patient warming/cooling system [10], to reduce the risk of bacteria buildup in the warming/cooling fluid, which is typically water. More particularly, a mobile housing [17] contains the operable components for circulating warming/cooling fluid to a patient [12], including a pump [23], a heating/cooling source [24], a reservoir [22], a controller [26] and a control panel [32] to assist a user in operating the components. The reservoir [22] has upper [22a] and lower [22b] sections, for replenishing water and circulating water, respectively. A UV source [40] is mounted so as to extend through both reservoir sections [22a, 22b], to simultaneously emit UV light into both sections during circulation of the warming/cooling fluid, thereby to disinfect the water contained therein. The UV source [40] includes a bulb [42] protected within a transparent cover [44] that is completely transparent, and has been treated so as to be shatterproof.

Abstract: A negative/positive pressure, thermal energy therapy device is described in this application. The present invention uses a conventional negative pressure, thermal energy device and/or an alternative embodiment thereof and adds a significant modification. The modification is that positive pressure, not just ambient pressure, is at least occasionally applied to the patient's body contained in the negative pressure, thermal energy device.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a console and a tissue cooling device such as a head-cooling device. An operator applies the head-cooling device to the head of a patient at risk for ischemic injury. The console provides a cooling fluid to a fluid circulation space located between the cooling device and the patient's head under a positive gage pressure. Direct contact between the cooling fluid and the patient's head provides a relatively rapid induction of systemic hypothermia in the patient, thereby minimizing or preventing ischemic injury in the patient. The console also removes air from a channel disposed about an inner rim of the cooling device, using a negative gage pressure. Such removal of the air from the channel seals the rim of the cooling device to the head of the patient, including portions of the channel in contact with hair of the patient's head, and minimizes leaking of the cooling fluid beyond the rim of the cooling device.

Abstract: A body part temperature regulating apparatus is provided that regulates a temperature of a part of a human body or an animal body. The body part temperature regulating apparatus including a controller that receives a first input from a first temperature sensor detecting a temperature of a heat transfer fluid at a first location, a second input from a second temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a second location, and a third input from a flow sensor arranged to detect the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid. The controller determines the amount of heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid using the first, second and third inputs during a first predetermined period of time and outputs a control signal to regulate the amount of heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid based on the determined amount of heat transferred.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling vest which has a type of phase change heat sink that particularly lends itself to layering of the heat sinks on the body. The heat sinks are quilted and have a means for the transportation of moisture through them and the means of transportation of air through channels in the quilted heat sinks. Thus they can remove moisture from the surface of the body and remain flexible.

Abstract: A method for mounting a wearable horse cooling device performed by a wearable horse cooling device having two cold water circulating modules and a fixing module, wherein each cold water circulating module has a cooling unit, a wrap and a connection hose assembly, has steps of placing the cooling unit of each cold water circulating module on a body of a horse, adjusting the fixing module and securely connecting the fixing module with each cold water circulating module, connecting the connection hose assembly with the cooling unit and the wrap of each cold water circulating module and mounting the wrap of each cold water circulating module around a portion of the body of the horse, and setting operation parameters for a cooling cycle. Accordingly, the method allows a horse carrying the wearable horse cooling device to freely move during a cooling cycle.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid retainer having a simple structure capable of cooling and warming a part of a human body, predetermined devices, and the like. A liquid retainer includes: a pouch having water blocking properties and flexibility and formed into a pouch shape; and a three-dimensional knit including: a plurality of mesh-like knit garments arranged substantially parallel to each other; and a plurality of coupling strands for coupling the plurality of mesh-like knit garments to each other. The plurality of coupling strands of the three-dimensional knit are made of elastic chemical fiber. The three-dimensional knit is formed into a substantially flat-plate-like shape and arranged in the pouch. Further, the three-dimensional knit retains liquid in the pouch.

Abstract: A wearable horse cooling device has at least one cold water circulating module and a fixing module. Each one of the at least one cold water circulating module has a cooling unit, a wrap and a connection hose assembly. The wrap has a water bag and an air bag for generating a holding force. The connection hose assembly is connected between and communicates with each cooing unit and the water bag of the wrap. The fixing module is securely connected with each one of the at least one cold water circulating module and tied to the body of a horse to bind the cold water circulating unit on the body of the horse so that the cold water circulating unit can be firmly mounted and worn on the body of the horse without causing discomfort of the horse.

Abstract: A method of providing hypothermia to a patient including the steps of inserting a fluid delivery member into a peritoneal cavity of the patient; delivering hypothermia fluid from a fluid source into the peritoneal cavity through the delivery member; and limiting fluid pressure within the peritoneal cavity without providing feedback control to the fluid source. The invention also provides an apparatus for practicing the method.

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: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a plurality of cooling elements movable relative to each other to conform to the contour's of the subject's skin. The cooling elements have a plurality of controllable thermoelectric coolers. The cooling elements can be controlled to provide a time-varying cooling profile in a predetermined sequence, can be controlled to provide a spatial cooling profile in a selected pattern, or can be adjusted to maintain constant process parameters, or can be controlled to provide a combination thereof.