Internally Applied Patents (Class 607/105)
  • Publication number: 20130072776
    Abstract: A cerebral local portion cooling probe is composed so that a handheld module includes a Peltier device and a coolant liquid circulating part arranged so as to contact with the Peltier device and wirings, conduits and a heat radiating part are connected to this handheld module. Circulation of coolant liquid and operation of the Peltier device are implemented by means of a control unit, then the tip end of the handheld module is caused to contact with a cerebral local portion to be cooled and a state of the cerebral local portion is monitored in accordance with responses to the cooling. A cerebral function mapping device comprises a mapping module in which a plurality of cooling modules are arranged, each cooling module including a Peltier device and a coolant liquid circulating part in a manner similar to that of the cerebral local portion cooling probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAGUCHI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masami Fujii, Hiroshi Fujioka, Michiyasu Suzuki, Koji Kajiwara, Koichi Yoshikawa, Sadahiro Nomura, Takashi Saito
  • Publication number: 20130073015
    Abstract: Methods for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. A substantially dry gas is delivered through a lumen of the catheter onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity. Evaporative heat loss cools the patient's nasal cavity. If additional cooling is needed, a liquid coolant is delivered through a separated lumen of the catheter. The liquid coolant is nebulized at a plurality of delivery ports on the distal end of the catheter and is delivered onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity in combination with the dry gas. The dry gas enhances evaporation of the nebulized coolant and additional cooling is provided from the evaporative heat loss of the liquid coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Allan Rozenberg
  • Publication number: 20130060311
    Abstract: A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.
    Inventor: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130060310
    Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Mark A. Saab
  • Publication number: 20130046365
    Abstract: A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.
    Inventor: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8366758
    Abstract: Hypothermia significantly improves the rate of recovery of function following abdominal surgery—particularly radical prostatectomy. Prior to commencing surgery the tissues at and surrounding the site of the surgery are cooled by means of an endorectal cooling balloon inserted into the patient's rectum. The uninflated balloon is inserted and then inflated with cooling fluid which fluid is constantly circulated in and out to lower the temperature. Improved hypothermia can be achieved by bathing internal tissue with chilled water or buffer. Limitation of surgically induced damage can be demonstrated by the more rapid regain of continence in radical prostatectomy patients treated with hypothermia during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas E. Ahlering, David S. Finley
  • Publication number: 20130030411
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for providing selective and non-selective cooling and warming of a patient. Multiple embodiments of devices are disclosed for performing rapid induction and maintenance of therapeutic hypothermia either in a hospital setting or in the field so that hypothermic treatment can be quickly instituted before significant tissue damage occurs. Methods are also disclosed for targeting brain cooling by irrigating the upper airway, aerodigestive tract, and/or more generalized cooling by irrigating the esophagus and/or stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Kreck, Seth Rodgers, Ian Sas
  • Patent number: 8361132
    Abstract: A system for affecting a temperature of a patient, the system includes: a nose catheter that is adapted to be inserted into a nose upper channel and to receive a first fluid; and a temperature control and fluid supply unit that is adapted to supply the first fluid and control a temperature of the first fluid so as to affect a temperature of a brain of a patient when the nose catheter is inserted into the nose upper channel of a patient and receives the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Biotempero Ltd.
    Inventor: Eliahu Arad
  • Publication number: 20130023744
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a blood oxygen saturation level within an organ of a subject using direct application of a near infrared spectrophotometric sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) transmitting a light signal directly into the subject's organ using the sensor; b) sensing a first intensity of the light signal and a second intensity of the light signal, after the light signal travels a predetermined distance through the organ of the subject; c) determining an attenuation of the light signal along multiple different wavelengths using the sensed first intensity and sensed second intensity; d) determining a difference in attenuation of the light signal between wavelengths; and e) determining the blood oxygen saturation level within the subject's organ using the difference in attenuation between wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CAS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Benni
  • Patent number: 8353942
    Abstract: A catheter apparatus configured to provide a delivery system for standard intervention devices typically used during emergency angioplasty and to provide rapid localized cooling to organs at risk of ischemic and reperfusion injury. The catheter apparatus including a catheter shaft having an inner core defining at least two coolant flow lumens adjacent to a blood conveyance lumen. Each coolant flow lumen in thermal contact with the blood conveyance lumen and thermally insulated from each other and the exterior surfaces of the catheter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Lad Merrill
  • Publication number: 20130006336
    Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Cooling Therapy, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Kulstad, Hugh Patrick Caherty
  • Patent number: 8343202
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, strategies for optimizing the rewarming of patients for various medical procedures are provided, including stroke, neurosurgery, and myocardial infarction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Innercool Therapies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Magers
  • Patent number: 8337491
    Abstract: An installation for delivering calories to all or part of human or animal cell tissue via a liquid comprises: a heating unit heating the liquid; an injection unit injecting the liquid into the heating unit; a dispenser for dispensing the heated liquid; and a transporter for transporting the liquid from the heating unit to the dispenser. The installation allows the heated liquid to be dispensed from the dispensing means in a pulsed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Medicale d'Archamps—CERMA
    Inventor: Henri Mehier
  • Publication number: 20120323296
    Abstract: A brain cooling apparatus is provided that can circulate a fluid between a containing unit of a brain cooling device and the brain cooling apparatus while maintaining an appropriate pressure of the fluid in the containing unit, and a brain cooling device suitable thereto also is provided. A control device circulates a physiological saline solution between a storage tank and a cuff by driving a first pump in a direction in which the physiological saline solution flows toward the cuff, and driving a second pump in a direction in which the physiological saline solution flows toward the storage tank. In this state, the control device adjusts the rotation speed of at least the second pump, so that the pressure of the physiological saline solution in the cuff becomes a preset target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: KAIKEN IKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Takeda, Kiyoshi Morita, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Hidekazu Tsuji, Masatomo Kokubu
  • Publication number: 20120310312
    Abstract: A cooling system for inducing diving reflex and central nervous system protective hypothermia has a cooler, a refrigerant dispenser, a cooling assembly, a controller and an infusing unit. The refrigerant dispenser connects the cooler. The cooling assembly connects the refrigerant dispenser and communicates with the cooler and has a head cooling set. The controller coordinates the refrigerant dispenser and the infusing unit according to the detection of the physical signal including naso-pharyngeal temperature, and cerebral oximetry signal. The infusing unit connects to the controller and has a catheter. When in use, the cooled liquid is pumped into (1) head cooling set covering the face of the patient to induce diving reflex, (2) the infusing unit having an esophago-gastric tube to lower the temperature inside the stomach. Therefore, an effective, precise diving reflex and central nervous system protective hypothermia can be achieved by this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Chih-Han Yee
  • Patent number: 8323324
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for heating or cooling a patient's whole body or a selected portion of a patient's body. In one embodiment, the method begins by inserting a catheter having a dual balloon system into the large intestine of a patient. A heated or chilled liquid is conducted through a supply tube of the catheter and into the inner balloon. The liquid is evacuated from the inner balloon through a return lumen of the catheter. The outer balloon conducts heat transfer between the patient's tissues and the inner balloon, and further provides a degree of safety against rupture of the inner balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Innercool Therapies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Magers, Juan C. Lasheras
  • Patent number: 8313485
    Abstract: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue. In one embodiment, an elongated introducer has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid under pressure. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a flow of vapor media from the working end of the introducer. The flow of vapor is controlled by a computer controller to cause a selected pressure, a selected volume of vapor, and an optional aspiration of vapor condensate. Contemporaneous with tissue contact, the vapor undergoes a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 8313520
    Abstract: Methods for treating a migraine by cooling a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. The cooling assembly includes a flexible balloon defining a chamber and a first elongate tubular member having a lumen in fluid communication with the chamber. A liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. is infused through the lumen of the first elongate tubular member into the chamber, wherein the flexible balloon expands to place it in contact with the nasal cavity. In another method, an elongate member having a plurality of ports is inserted into the nasal cavity. A perfluorocarbon spray and a gas are then delivered onto a surface of the nasal cavity through the plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: BeneChill, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Barbut, Allan Rozenberg
  • Publication number: 20120288848
    Abstract: A three dimensional dome wrap or pad for direct patient surface tissue applications for symmetrical dome shaped anatomy and extremities is disclosed herein. The pad of the present invention comprises a system of smooth streamline mathematically configured channels throughout one or more similarly shaped panels or lobes bonded distinctively to make one unit for the purpose of temperature management of three dimensional objects or subjects when it is applied or inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: TRAUMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Latham, Randall D. Manteufel, Nolan P. Manteufel
  • Publication number: 20120289763
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more passive cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passive cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and wherein the one or more passive cooling elements includes a first portion configured to be in association with the one or more tissues to be cooled, and a second portion configured to be placed in association with one or more tissues adjacent to an external epidermal tissue of the vertebrate subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Stephen L. Malaska, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8308787
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing therapeutic hypothermia using irrigation of the aerodigestive tract with cooled liquids. The disclosed method provides much more rapid therapeutic cooling to lower temperatures than could previously be achieved, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Novel cooling liquids and cooling devices are disclosed for carrying out the method. An external turbulent flow of cooling liquid may also be applied to the exterior of the head to further promote heat exchange. Multiple embodiments of devices are disclosed for performing rapid induction and maintenance of therapeutic hypothermia either in a hospital setting or in the field so that hypothermic treatment can be quickly instituted before significant tissue damage occurs. Methods are also disclosed for targeting brain cooling by irrigating the upper airway/aerodigestive tract, and more generalized cooling by irrigating the esophagus and/or stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: NeuroSave, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Kreck
  • Patent number: 8308786
    Abstract: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by circulating a cold liquid through a nasal catheter looped through the patient's nasal cavities and around the nasal septum. The nasal catheter is inserted into the patient's first nostril, advanced through the nasal cavity, around the nasal septum and out of the patient's second nostril. A cold fluid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. is flowed though a lumen in the nasal catheter to cool the nasal cavity. The nasal catheter may have one or more flexible balloons mounted on the catheter such that when the catheter is looped around the nasal septum, the balloon(s) are positioned in a portion of the patient's first and second nasal cavities. When a cold liquid is circulated through the catheter lumen, the flexible balloons expand to a contact the inner walls of the nasal cavities and provide direct cooling of the nasal cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: BeneChill, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Rozenberg, Denise Barbut, John K. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120283562
    Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ZOLL Circulation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ginsburg, Timothy R. Machold, Michael T. Dineen, Arlene S. Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 8303637
    Abstract: Topical cooling of spinal cord, brain, esophagus, etc. can be selectively and continuously carried out under convenient control without causing any changes in internal pressure of spinal cord cavity, brain pressure, etc. by inserting a catheter, which has no hole connecting to the outside and in which a heat- cooling medium is circulated in its inner space to thereby cool a topical site; into the spinal cord, the epidural cavity, the subdural cavity or the subarachnoid cavity of the brain or the esophageal cavity and placing therein and then circulating the heat/cooling medium within the inner space of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Atsuo Mori
  • Publication number: 20120265276
    Abstract: Devices and methods for shaping an ablation treatment volume formed in fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the interaction of fluids to create ablation treatment volumes having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ablation treatment volume having a desired shape includes delivering therapeutic energy to tissue to form an ablation treatment volume and simultaneously delivering a first fluid and a second fluid to the tissue. The first and second fluids can convect the therapeutic energy in a desired direction such that the ablation treatment volume has a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: THERMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael G. Curley
  • Publication number: 20120265278
    Abstract: A system for treating tissue in a patient includes a body having a cooling fluid supply path and a tissue piercing probe in fluid communication with the cooling fluid supply path. The probe extends distally from the body and is insertable into the tissue through the patient's skin. A cooling fluid source is fluidly coupled with the probe such that when cooling is initiated, cooling fluid flows in the probe thereby cooling the probe and any adjacent tissue. A heater element is in thermal engagement with the cooling fluid source and a power source provides power to the heater element thereby heating the cooling fluid. The power source has sufficient power to heat the cooling fluid to at least a desired temperature but has insufficient power to heat the cooling fluid above a critical temperature which results in rupture of the cooling fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Fourkas, Ronald Williams, Punit Govenji, Byron Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20120265172
    Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Advanced Cooling Therapy, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Kulstad, Hugh Patrick Caherty
  • Patent number: 8287580
    Abstract: For post-mortem prolongation of the viability of an organ (7, 8, 50, 51) in a donor body, a flow of a solution is introduced from outside the body between a pair of barriers (21, 22) and a return flow including previously introduced quantities of the solution is led to the outside of the body. During a flushing phase, the flow including blood flushed out of the organ (7, 8, 50, 51) is discharged to a drain. Subsequently during a recirculation phase, solution returned from the body is cooled and/or oxygenated and recirculated from outside the body back into the body between the barriers. A system for carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Organ Assist B.V.
    Inventors: Gerhard Rakhorst, Arjan Van Der Plaats, Rutger Jan Ploeg
  • Publication number: 20120259322
    Abstract: A systems and methods for controlling temperature in a cryogenic device includes providing a device having a probe and a heater element. A distal region of the probe is engaged with the target region. Measuring and recording current temperature of a proximal region of the probe and time of the measurement is used to determine slope of a temperature curve defined by two points. The first point is defined by the current temperature and time of measurement and a second point is defined by a previous measurement of proximal region temperature and time of measurement. When the slope is less than a slope threshold value a treatment flag is activated, treatment start time is recorded and the proximal region is heated with the heater element. Heating is discontinued and the treatment flag is deactivated after elapsed treatment time exceeds a duration threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Fourkas, Ronald Williams, Punit Govenji, Byron Reynolds, Phillip Olsen
  • Patent number: 8262716
    Abstract: A connector assembly for catheters having closed loop flow circuits, such as some balloon catheters and heat exchange catheters. The connector assembly comprises first and second connector bodies that may be connected and disconnected from one another. When the connector bodies are disconnected, a syringe or negative pressure source may be attached to withdraw residual fluid from the catheter's closed loop circuit and to deflate any expandable portion of the closed loop circuit (e.g., balloon or expandable heat exchanger). A one way flow valve prevents make up air or other fluid from entering the catheter while the negative pressure is being applied. Also disclosed are sterility barrier assemblies for all types of catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferey C. Bleam, George Tsai
  • Patent number: 8262653
    Abstract: A porous tip electrode catheter is provided. The porous tip electrode comprises a porous material through which fluid can pass. The porous tip electrode is covered with a thin coating of conductive metal having openings through which fluids can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio P. Plaza
  • Publication number: 20120226338
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy R. MACHOLD, Nicole Denise BLOOM, Alex T. ROTH, Dave J. SCOTT, Jose ALEJANDRO, Edward A. OLIVER
  • Publication number: 20120226337
    Abstract: Method for treatment of a body of a mammal in cardiac arrest, comprising the step of performing a therapeutic hypothermia of the body after the cardiac arrest has occurred, said therapeutic hypothermia comprising: cooling the body to a target temperature during a cooling time period, said cooling being performed by total liquid ventilation which comprises alternately filling lungs of the body with a cooling liquid and removing from the lungs said cooling liquid, maintaining the body at the target temperature for a hypothermia duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: INSERM (Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale)
    Inventors: Renaud Tissier, Alain Berdeaux
  • Publication number: 20120221082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of central nervous system pathology treatment through selective hypothermia. Brain and spinal cord cooling is achieved through a closed loop catheter system inserted directly into the cerebrospinal fluid space. The catheter comprises of a portion that dilates in a pulsatile or peristaltic fashion and facilitates circulation of the cooled cerebrospinal fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Rohit Khanna
  • Patent number: 8246669
    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: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, Nicole Denise Bloom, Alex T. Roth, Dave J. Scott, Jose Alejandro, Edward A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20120203312
    Abstract: A surgical device controls the temperature of an organ such as a kidney during minimally invasive surgery. The device includes a number of chambers fed by a fluid port. At least one of the chambers includes one or more baffles so that a cooling fluid entering through the fluid port is selectively distributed in a desired manner about an enclosed organ. The device may be fabricated of materials that can be rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed into a form suitable for delivery to a minimally-invasive surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Rachel Elizabeth Batzer, Thomas Michael Cervantes, Nadeem Nizar Dhanani, Raymond Anthony Lewis, Christina Margaret Simpson, Julia Anne Stark, Edward Kurt Summers
  • Publication number: 20120203201
    Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION INC.
    Inventors: Robert Ginsburg, Arlene S. Ginsburg, Timothy R. Machold, Michael T. Dineen
  • Patent number: 8235984
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. By way of additional example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator coupled to a fluid source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes conductive fluid to flow from the fluid source to the target tissue location and causes the electrode to be introduced to the target tissue location. The fluid source may be a conductive fluid, such as saline, which may increase the efficiency of ablation. Various other configurations and methods that simplify tissue ablation are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, Yelena G. Tropsha, Julie M. Woessner, Mark A. Christopherson
  • Publication number: 20120197361
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems employ cryolysis of oropharyngeal adipose tissues to selectively remove fat cells from the tissues causing obstructive sleep apnea. In various embodiments, a chilled liquid—e.g., a liquid or air—is applied to the target tissue at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to cause cryolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Donald A. Gonzales, Anthony Natale
  • Publication number: 20120197362
    Abstract: A cerebral cooling device that uses a pressurized source to deliver a fluid that evaporates in the nasal cavity to provide cooling and has a balloon on the distal end that inflates from some of the pressure front the pressurized source. The device includes a nasal catheter having delivery ports located in the distal region and a balloon on the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a low boiling point fluid. A manifold located between the pressurized source and the catheter distributes the fluid and pressure from the pressurized source to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon and to a second lumen of the catheter through the delivery ports to cool the nasal cavity. A check valve in the manifold ensures that the fluid and pressure are first delivered to the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: ALLAN ROZENBERG, John K. Hoffman, James Savage
  • Patent number: 8231664
    Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Cooling Therapy, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Kulstad, Hugh Patrick Caherty
  • Publication number: 20120191166
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Callister, Paul M. Stull, Andrew E. Wu, David J. Scott
  • Patent number: 8221481
    Abstract: A brain cooling device is provided to cool the brain sufficiently to the subcortical tissue in a short time. The device includes a cuff (3) capable of storing therein a cooled fluid and placeable in the esophagus (H1) of the patient (H) when inserted orally or transnasally. A tube (2) extends from the cuff (3) for infusing the fluid into the cuff (3) placed in the esophagus (H1) from outside the body of the patient H and discharging the fluid from the cuff (3). The cuff (3) has flexibility so as to inflate or deflate in response to infusion or discharge of the fluid and is configured in such a manner that when the fluid is infused therein while placed in the esophagus (H1), the cuff (3) that has been inflated comes into close contact with the inner wall (H4) of the esophagus (H1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: National University Corporation Okayama University, Daiken Iki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Takeda, Kiyoshi Morita, Kouji Yoshida, Takeharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8206332
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Zoll Circulation Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne A. Noda, Mike L. Jones, Scott M. Evans, Blair D. Walker, William J. Worthen, Yves Pierre Gobin
  • Publication number: 20120158104
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Tim Huynh, Roman Turovskiy
  • Publication number: 20120150267
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l
    Inventors: Naomi Buckley, Michael Cummins, Danny Donovan, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gary Kelly, Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Micheal Moriarty, Karun D. Naga, Fiachra Sweeney, Vincenzo Tilotta, Ronan Wood, Lana Woolley, Denise Zarins, Mark S. Leung, Mark Gelfand, Barry Mullins
  • Publication number: 20120143294
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Adrian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Clark, Tim Huynh, Micheal Moriarty, Eric Ryba, Roman Turovskiy
  • Publication number: 20120136418
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l
    Inventors: Naomi Buckley, Benjamin J. Clark, Michael Cummins, Danny Donovan, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gary Kelly, Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Seamus Ledwith, Gwenda McMullin, Karun D. Naga, Stephen Nash, Eric Ryba, Fiachra Sweeney, Vincenzo Tilotta, Roman Turovskiy, Lana Woolley, Denise Zarins, Mark Gelfand, Mark S. Leung, Barry Mullins
  • Publication number: 20120136417
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l
    Inventors: Naomi Buckley, Benjamin J. Clark, Michael Cummins, Danny Donovan, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gary Kelly, Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Seamus Ledwith, Gwenda McMullin, Karun D. Naga, Stephen Nash, Francesco Piccagli, Eric Ryba, Fiachra Sweeney, Vincenzo Tilotta, Roman Turovskiy, Lana Woolley, Denise Zarins, Mark Gelfand, Mark S. Leung, Barry Mullins
  • Publication number: 20120130458
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having 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 proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Eric Ryba, Denise Zarins