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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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.

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: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises a cover for covering at least a portion of a patient's body and a compliant support adapted to underlie and generally conform to the shape of the portion of the patient's body to define a well adjacent to the patient's body portion for accumulating heat transfer liquid. The cover and compliant support cooperatively define an enclosure for receiving the portion of the patient's body and are constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing 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 attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

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

Abstract: The invention discloses a device composed of PCM and of an actively cooling heat-exchanger system whose use in humans and animals reliably solves the previous problem of temperature build-up. The system can be configured in any strength, that is to say ranging from integration in flexible stockings to integration in orthosis stumps. This results in the extremely varied areas of application of the described technology, which range from PCMs in the form of modules in coolant channels or in the form of PCM-containing compounds, from which hoses are produced in which coolant can flow, to PCMs with heat exchangers that remove the built-up heat of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is constructed for transferring a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid. A drain for draining the heat transfer liquid from the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially disposed beneath the enclosure. A hold-open inhibits occlusion of the drain. A weir in fluid communication with the drain maintains the heat transfer liquid at a predetermined height in the enclosure. A control system is preprogrammed with a target temperature for the body temperature of the patient.

Abstract: An oxygenation and temperature thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed for treatment of skin wound tissues. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient in conjunction with oxygenation. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. Oxygenation is provided subsequent to initial heating in order to promote oxygen absorption by the wound tissues prior to the cooling thereof which facilitates pulling oxygen into the wound tissues. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic knee brace system including a leg brace for support, a retainer for securing the therapeutic knee brace system to a knee joint therapy site, a brace joint providing a limited range of flexion to the knee brace, and an active thermal exchange bladder coupled to a contrast therapy system for delivering a therapy fluid at a select temperature, pressure and rate. Thermal exchange bladder is removable, and the pressure may be constant or dynamic. The angle of flexion may be selected by the therapy recipient, and the range of flexion of the brace joint is configurable. The knee brace may communicate range and instant angle of flexion of the brace joint to a continuous passive motion (CPM) device, and communication may be mechanical, electronic or wireless. A knee brace coupler attaches to a CPM coupler on the CPM device to selectively couple the therapeutic knee brace system to the CPM device.

Abstract: A system for maintaining and altering the body temperature of a user includes a garment defining an interior space adapted to conform to and enclose a torso of the user. The garment includes at least one fluid passage configured to channel a heat transfer fluid into direct contact with the torso of the user. The system includes a portable pump for circulating a heat transfer liquid through the at least one fluid passage of the garment and a portable blower apparatus for circulating a heat transfer gas through the at least one fluid passage of the garment.

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 of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15? cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: Peritoneal heat exchange provides the benefit of extremely rapid cooling of the patient's target organs such as the heart and brain as well as facilitating global patient body temperature reduction to therapeutically effective temperatures. The heat exchange medium of the present invention is a chilled gaseous fluid suspension of frozen ice particles.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. 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, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. 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.

Abstract: A pressurized garment has cuffs for encircling a human subject, each cuff having ports for cooling and grounding unit controlling the pressure and temperature of the coolant, where the pressurization and cooling may use common or separate cuff ports. The cuff has a coolant circulating having a temperature and pressure selected to provide therapy to a subject in need thereof. The cuffs may be applied to the upper arms and upper thighs of a subject in need of improved vitality.

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

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the temperature of a patient circuit (56, 58) of a pressure support system (50) includes determining (directly measuring or estimating/deriving) one or more environmental parameters relating to environmental conditions around the pressure support system, such as ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity, determining a desired temperature based on at least the one or more environmental parameters, and controlling the operation of a heating apparatus (70) operatively associated with the patient circuit based on the desired temperature. Also, a pressure support system implementing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermotherapy in which a thermal gas such as hot vapor which is warm vapor is inhaled through a mouth or a nose, and the inhaled thermal gas spreads to every alveolus of lungs. Due to such a thermotherapy, the whole respiratory organ is warmed and, at the same time, heat energy is applied to blood through the alveoli of the lungs so that human body tissues are easily warmed within a short time by transferring the heat energy to whole parts of a human body by making use of the circulation of blood. Accordingly, not only a healthy person but also a patient can easily enjoy advantageous effects of a thermotherapy which is equal to or higher than advantageous effects of a sauna or hot spring.

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.

Abstract: A method comprises preparing a cooling device for use in a therapeutic cooling apparatus. The cooling device comprises a self-contained unit. The therapeutic cooling apparatus comprises a cavity being configured to accept a portion of a user's body part, a quantity of a liquid for surrounding the body part and an apparatus portion being configured to retain the cooling device. The apparatus portion further comprises a divider separating the apparatus portion from the cavity. The divider is configured to be operable for transferring heat from the liquid to the cooling device. The method further comprises chilling the cooling device, placing the body part into the cavity, and filling the cavity with the liquid to surround the body part enabling a heat transfer from the body part to the liquid and a heat transfer from the liquid through the divider to the cooling device to cool the user.