Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for 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 of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette allowing substitution of a smaller, battery-powered unit for a large capacity control once the patient reaches the desired target temperature.

Abstract: An enhanced method and device are provided to inhibit or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A porous balloon-tipped catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the porous balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon, as well as a portion of the cold working fluid, from the microporosity contacts at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

Abstract: Methods for reducing kidney damage induced by radiographic contrast medium or another nephrotoxic drug or substance administered to or generated by a patient include reducing the temperature of the patient by positioning an endovascular heat exchange device in a blood vessel of the patient and adjusting the temperature of the device to cause a reduction in the patient's temperature. The patient's temperature may be reduced prior to, during, and/or after, the administration of the contrast medium. The methods may also include administering an anti-shivering mechanism to the patient to reduce shivering caused by the reduction in the patient's temperature. The methods may also include disrupting the laminarity of blood flow around the device to enhance the temperature exchange between the device and the blood flowing around the device. The endovascular heat exchange device may be an endovascular heat exchange catheter.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac arrest includes defibrillating the patient and/or ventilating the patient and/or administering a cardiac arrest drug such as epinephrine to resuscitate the patient, and then cooling the patient using one or more cooling catheter positioned in the central venous system of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blood disinfection method to disinfect retroviruses and other viruses by repeating the following procedures: extracting blood infected with retroviruses such as HIV, HBV, HCV and other viruses from a patient's body, irradiating a YAG laser beam externally on it via a reflection mirror, and returning it to the patient. A disinfection system essentially consists of a low temperature room to lower temperature of a patient in this system, a blood circulation system to circulate blood by extracting blood of the patient from his or her body and returning it, and a laser beam irradiation means to irradiate a laser beam on his or her blood circulating in this blood circulation system.

Abstract: An apparatus having an inflatable balloon near a distal end of a multi-lumen catheter, with a plurality of blood flow passageways formed through the interior of the balloon from a proximal face of the inflated balloon to a distal face of the inflated balloon. A heat transfer solution is introduced through a supply lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon in a selected blood vessel; this allows blood to flow through the blood flow passageways of the balloon, from one exterior face of the balloon to another exterior face. The heat transfer solution continues to circulate around the blood flow passageways inside the balloon, to change the blood temperature, eventually exiting the balloon through a return lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The inner coaxial lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the first elongated, articulated segment.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an effective thermal mass of a patient. The effective thermal mass is employed to determine a gain factor used in a feedback control system controlling patient temperature. The method begins by inducing hypothermia or hyperthermia in at least a selected portion of the patient with a device having a heat transfer surface. Next, power is transferred between the device and the patient. A change in temperature over time, which arises in the selected portion of the patient, is measured while performing the step of inducing hypothermia or hyperthermia. Finally, an effective thermal mass is calculated based on the measured power and the measured temperature change over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for a central venous catheter includes a sheath body and a temperature sensor mounted distally on the body. Either the catheter or sheath has a heat exchange region through which coolant is circulated to effect heat exchange with the body, with the coolant temperature being controlled in response to signals from the temperature sensor. Arterial dialysis heat exchange catheters and jugular bulb heat exchange catheters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: An intravenous cardiovascular guiding catheter system (apparatus and method) for controlling patient temperature includes a generally tubular elongate body having a guide lumen with a guide duct disposed at the distal tip of the catheter for providing a pathway through which medical apparatus may be advanced in the patient's circulatory system. The catheter also comprises one or more lumens for conveying a heat exchange fluid to one or more heat exchange elements that exchange heat with the patient's blood to control the patient's temperature. The catheter may have an internal heating element that heats or cools the heat exchange fluid. The catheter also preferably has one or more infusion lumens for providing access to the patient's central blood supply. The catheter may be used to treat myocardial infarction.

Abstract: A drainage tube for controlling a patient's temperature and draining fluids from a patient's chest or other body cavity includes a generally tubular elongate body having one or more drainage lumens with one or more drainage ports disposed along the distal portion of the drainage tube. The drainage tube also comprises one or more flow lumens for transporting a heat exchange fluid to one or more heat exchange elements that exchange heat with tissue in the patient's chest or other body cavity. The drainage tube may have an internal heating element that heats or cools the heat exchange fluid. A heat exchange element may include an everting balloon that expands out of a cavity in the elongate body after intubation of the drainage tube. The expansion of the everting balloon may be assisted with a moveable inner shaft disposed in the elongate body.

Abstract: A intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end connectable with a heat exchange fluid source and a distal end insertable into the vasculature of a patient to facilitate heat transfer with flowing blood. The core has at least one heat exchange fluid lumen for circulating heat exchange fluid within the catheter body. A heat exchanger, e.g. a balloon surrounds a portion of the proximal end of the catheter. The heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the heat exchange fluid lumen for enabling heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange fluid source to circulate through the core and the balloon. A wire, or similar retainer, wraps around the balloon to seal the balloon against the core, forming at least two heat exchange lumens between the balloon and the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein a fluid connection 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.

Abstract: This invention prevents the danger of falling body heat by making blood temperature similar to body temperature in Ringer's solution fluid or blood transfusion, and also lessens the patient's pain and improves the speed at which Ringer's solution fluid or blood enters the body. The warming device is much cheaper than previously released products, and small and light in weight, and allows blood or solution fluids to flow most effectively by allowing sufficient time for heat transfer as a pack type. Temperature of the heating element and of the element being warmed is equal by maximizing the contact area. The operation is convenient and sanitary in its single usage only. The inventive purpose has the methods of utilizing the temperature sensor in adjusting temperature by utilizing them PTC heating element's resistance specialty against the temperature as well as temperature sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region.

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 cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A temperature control system provides for the optimal management of patient temperature during a surgical procedure, such as those which require the patient to on bypass. The system employs a plurality of controllers as well as a plurality of temperature control means in order to provide optimal temperature control. In one configuration of the invention, controllers for each of the heat exchange devices may be interconnected using a data link. The connection may provide for a master/slave relationship wherein temperature sensors included in each system are employable as temperature feedback for initiating temperature changes. This device may be configured such that it operates in conjunction with another device or provides stand alone temperature control.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac failure such as congestive heart failure by application of hypothermia. Hypothermia may be applied by endovascular cooling using a heat exchange catheter circulating heat exchange fluid between an external heat exchanger controlled using temperature feedback from a temperature probe on or in the patient to cool the heart to a sufficiently low temperature for a sufficient length of time to increase cardiac output and improve the vascular condition of the patient. The patient may be maintained in the hypothermic condition for a period of time and is then re-warmed slowly and controllably. The endovascular temperature management may be controlled automatically in response to a temperature probe on the patient, and shivering while the patient is cool may be combated using surface warming and anti-shivering drugs.

Abstract: A catheter for intravascular corporeal cooling comprises an elongated tubular member having at least one lumen extending therethrough for providing cooled blood, an inflatable annular balloon positioned on the outer surface of the elongated tubular member, and a pressure reliever positioned in the external wall of the elongated tubular member and proximal to the annular inflatable balloon, wherein when the pressure of blood within a lumen reaches a predetermined value, the pressure reliever opens to permit fluid to be released from the elongated tubular member. In other embodiments of the invention the catheter may have two or more inflatable annular balloons that are separately inflatable and/or the catheter has an insulative outer annular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

Abstract: A Foley catheter has redundant temperature sensors to enable use of the Foley catheter with a patient heating system, such as one relying on a vascular heat exchange catheter. The temperature sensors electronically couple with a control unit, which obtains a primary temperature reading from one of the temperature sensors and obtains a secondary temperature reading from the other temperature. The control unit compares the primary and secondary temperature reading to determine a sensor temperature difference. When the sensor temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value, then the control unit activates an alarm, shuts down the patient heating system, or both.

Abstract: A selective organ cooling device with a separate warming device for preventing secondary cooling which can result from cooling the selected organ. The cooling device applies cooling to the blood flowing in the feeder artery of the selected organ, while the body temperature control device warms the whole body either directly, or by warming blood returning to the heart from the selected organ, via a vein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for 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 of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette allowing substitution of a smaller, battery-powered unit for a large capacity control once the patient reaches the desired target temperature.

Abstract: Catheters adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid flowing through a body conduit employ helical elongate lumens for heat transfer with the body fluid. The helical elongate lumen of a catheter forms multiple turns extending longitudinally of a portion of the catheter with the turns each being bonded to the catheter along a fraction of the length of the turn. The length of the lumen and its orientation in each turn has the lumen otherwise displaced over a major portion of its length from the elongate body. The turns of the helical lumen can be arranged in sets having different lengths to encounter all areas of the flow. One or more infusion lumens may also extend to an infusion port or ports. The helical elongate lumen is defined by an elongate, thin-walled element. This lumen is in fluid communication with a heater/chiller supplying a working fluid for heat transfer through the wall of the elongate element defining the helical elongate lumen.

Abstract: A catheter with three spiral heat exchange elements surrounding a central supply tube and communicating with a source of heat exchange fluid in a closed loop for effecting patient temperature control and at least two infusion lumens for providing access to the central venous blood supply when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. An anchor can be provided to suture or tape the catheter to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling for treating fever. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vein or artery, e.g., the vena cavae, that is then distributed throughout the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for extracorporeal treatment utilizes a hemodialysis machine capable of heating dialysis fluid to 48° C., an optional parallel plate hemodialyzer together with a sorbent-based detoxifier, a tubular heat exchanger and a high flow pump—in addition to various probes and catheters—to effect extracorporeal treatment without adverse physiological effect and without the specific need for general anesthesia. The system inheres in the combined high flow of the pump-up to 2400 ml per minute—and the high temperature—52° C.—achievable in the heat exchanger, which together provide unprecedented speed and efficiency in the administration of hyperthemia treatments. The system is also a potentiating system in the administration of heat sensitive pharmaceutically active agents and is praticularly useful in the isolated anatomic areas of a patient.

Abstract: A selective organ cooling device with a separate warming device for preventing secondary cooling which can result from cooling the selected organ. The cooling device applies cooling to the blood flowing in a selected blood vessel, while the body temperature control device warms the whole body either directly, or by warming blood returning to the heart from the selected organ, via a vein.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass patient is precooled using an indwelling catheter. Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated when a target temperature or range are achieved, as determined by automatic temperature feedback provided to a control module. The patient may also be rewarmed at a controlled rate during or after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass such that faster and safer termination is realized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the body temperature of a patient while reducing shivering by using a heat exchange device in combination with an anti-thermoregulatory response mechanism that temporarily reduces shivering. The devices disclosed include a catheter having a heat exchange balloon thereon with heat exchange fluid circulating through the interior of the balloon. The heat exchange balloon is placed in the vasculature of a patient, and heat exchange fluid at a temperature other than the temperature of the blood in the vasculature is circulated through the interior of the balloon to add or remove heat from the blood of the patient. Various anti-thermoregulatory response agents are disclosed including dopamine receptor blockers, dopamine receptor agonists, &kgr; opioid receptor agonists, &mgr; opioid receptor agonists opioid agonist-antagonist analgesics, serotonin 5 HT1a agonists, &agr;2-adrenorceptor agonists, non-opiod analgesic monoamine uptake inhibitors and neuropeptides.

Abstract: An external fluid warming device is described that includes a fluid warming chamber and an air separation chamber. The fluid warming chamber has a fluid inlet that communicates with a fluid pathway. The air separation chamber that communicates with the fluid pathway has a fluid outlet and a gas outlet. A heating source, such as heat plates, are disposed adjacent the fluid pathway for transferring heat to the fluid. In use, the air separation chamber is positioned above the fluid warming chamber and the heating source. The fluid inlet is connected to a source of fluid and the fluid outlet is connected to an output device, such as an ultrafiltration machine. Gas generated during warming of the fluid collects at a top of the air separation chamber and is vented through the gas outlet, whereas fluid passes through a bottom of the air separation chamber and through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues. A flexible catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. A compressed refrigerant is pumped through the catheter to an expansion element near the distal tip of the catheter, where the refrigerant vaporizes and expands to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter with metal heat exchange elements communicating with a source of coolant in a closed loop for effecting patient temperature control and at least two infusion lumens for providing access to the central venous blood supply when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. An anchor can be provided to suture or tape the catheter to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36° C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 C.). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

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 at least one balloon which is adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. Embodiments including multiple balloons enhance the surface area of contact, and the mixing of both the heat exchange and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body without cooling the entire body system. It is of particular advantage in brain surgeries where stroke, trauma or cryogenic tumors can best be addressed under hypothermic conditions. Heat pipe technology can be used to form a heat pipe heat exchange catheter. The heat pipe heat exchange catheter includes metallic bellows which allow for flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region.

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.

Abstract: An enhanced method and device are provided to treat atrial fibrillation or inhibit or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A balloon-tipped catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon contacts at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium. In any embodiment, the working fluid may be degassed, and optionally re-gassed, prior to use. An in-line sensor may be employed to monitor the presence of dissolved gases in the working fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues. A flexible catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. A compressed refrigerant is pumped through the catheter to an expansion element near the distal tip of the catheter, where the refrigerant vaporizes and expands to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues. A flexible catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. A compressed refrigerant is pumped through the catheter to an expansion element near the distal tip of the catheter, where the refrigerant vaporizes and expands to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for substantially reducing the size of a thrombus in a blood vessel in which blood is flowing. The method includes delivering a heat transfer element to a blood vessel in fluid communication with a thrombosed blood vessel. The temperature of the heat transfer element is adjusted such that the same is sufficient to remove heat from the flowing blood. Heat is transferred from a volume including the thrombus to the heat transfer element. In a separate embodiment, heat may be delivered to the volume including the thrombus from the heat transfer element. The resultant temperature of the volume may be sufficient to substantially reduce the size of a thrombus. For example, the resultant temperature of the volume may be sufficiently high to substantially enhance plasminogen activation near the thrombus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for selectively controlling the temperature of a selected organ of a patient for performance of a specified application. The method includes introducing a guide catheter into a blood vessel. The guide catheter may have a soft tip and a retaining flange, and may be used to provide treatments such as administration of thrombolytic drug therapies, stenting procedures, angiographic procedures, etc. A supply tube is provided having a heat transfer element attached to a distal end thereof. The heat transfer element having a plurality of exterior surface irregularities, these surface irregularities having a depth greater than the boundary layer thickness of flow in the feeding artery of the selected organ. The supply tube and heat transfer element may be inserted through the guide catheter to place the heat transfer element in the feeding artery of the selected organ.

Abstract: A device and method for extracorporeal whole body hyperthermia treatment of a patient's blood using alpha-stat regulation of blood pH and pCO2 is described. The respiratory rate of a patient is either increased or decreased in accordance with the changes in pH, pCO2, and base excess. The regulation of blood during the hyperthermic treatment of the patient's blood stabilizes the biochemical reactions fundamental to the metabolic welfare of the organisms within the patient's blood while the viruses within the patient's blood are eliminated.