Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: A convective warming blanket has a head portion and a plurality of peripheral sections extending orthogonally from each side of a central section that extends uninterrupted from a proximal end below the head portion to a distal foot end of the blanket. Each peripheral section is separable from its adjacent peripheral section by a frangible or tearable common seal. At least one through passage connects each peripheral section to the central section, so that the peripheral sections are inflated when heated air is input to the blanket. The multiple peripheral sections each are movable relative to the central section, so that different body parts of the patient may be selectively accessed. The head portion of the blanket is formed by two tubular sections that extend from the proximal portion of the blanket to encircle the head of the patient, when the blanket is placed over the patient.

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.

Abstract: A combination underbody and overbody blanket has first and second portions sandwiching a middle portion. The first portion may be shorter than the second portion. At least one air inlet is provided at the middle portion to allow air to be input into the blanket. The blanket is configured in the shape of a poncho, with the first portion covering the front torso of the patient and the second portion covering the back of the patient. A tearable seal is provided at the first portion that allows the first portion to be separated into two halves to expose the front upper torso of the patient and/or to facilitate the placement of the middle portion about the neck and onto the shoulders of the patient.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with an inflatable dog-bone shaped section framed by an outline section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient warming system and in particular a patient warming blanket for warming patients undergoing medical care. The patient warming blanket is particularly for use in veterinary medicine. The warming blanket includes a porous surface from which warmed air can escape over the entire porous surface, evenly warming the patient.

Abstract: A warming device includes a poncho-type patient gown having a major body portion with inside and outside surfaces, a central panel in the major body portion, opposing sleeve portions in the central panel, and a head opening in the central panel, between the sleeve portions. An inflatable convective warming apparatus is supported on a surface of the patient gown, extending from a lower edge of the patient gown at least to the head opening.

Abstract: An underbody convective warming blanket includes a duct that is separate from, but in fluid communication with, interior space of the underbody convective warming blanket. The duct may be deployed to provide an air circulation conduit to shunt air around the air distribution structure in the interior space. The duct may be a flexible tube having a first end coupled to a first duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a first end of the underbody convective warming blanket and a second end to be coupled to a second duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a second end of the underbody convective warming blanket. An underbody convective warming blanket may include a midsection with an elongate columnar configuration which transitions at an end, or at each end, to a plinth-like configuration.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting one or more convective apparatuses disposed to warm a patient perioperatively. The warming device may include an upper body convective apparatus supported on the inside of the clinical garment between its sleeves. The construction of the upper body convective apparatus includes pulling elements that draw folded components of the apparatus from sleeves of the clinical garment when pulled. The warming device may include a multi-section convective apparatus disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and having separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming. The construction of the multi-section convective apparatus includes a therapeutic warming section with an inlet port positioned for convenient and safe access when the lower portion of the warming device is disposed to drape over the lower limbs of a person while the therapeutic warming section is being operated.

Abstract: A cooling and warming blanket includes a blanket, a first channel, and a plurality of air chambers. The blanket includes an upper layer and a lower layer, each of which further includes a cover layer and an inner layer. The inner layers of the upper and lower layers are melted and integrated into one piece by high-frequency sealing to define a liquid inputting area and a liquid outputting area. The first channel is formed between a portion of the liquid inputting and outputting areas for conveying a liquid from the liquid inputting area to the liquid outputting area. The air chambers are formed in the liquid inputting and outputting areas, and a second channel is formed between each two adjacent air chambers. Thus, the liquid in the liquid inputting and outputting areas can be conveyed throughout the liquid inputting and outputting areas via the second channels.

Abstract: A portable body warming device comprised of a housing (1), a powered blower (19), a combustion chamber (25), an activator (27), a heat exchanger (35) within the housing, a portable hydrocarbon gas fuel source (39) and a battery for powering the blower and activator. The activator initiates combustion of fuel gas in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust vent port discharges combustion byproducts from the housing to serve as the portable warmer.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/or alleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment, includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; a thermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distance from the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user for pumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein to the atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump are incorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the male user.

Abstract: A clinical garment having a lower hem and sleeves includes permeable surfaces inside near peripheral portions, a duct in communication with the permeable surfaces, and at least one inlet port opening into the duct. When worn by a patient, the permeable surfaces are positioned adjacent the patient's limbs. Warmed pressurized air may be introduced into the duct and conducted to the permeable surfaces. The warmed pressurized air circulates through the permeable surfaces to warm the adjacent limbs.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

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 warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with multiple separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: Each leg of a U tube blanket is configured to have at least one row of holes extending substantially along the length thereof. The size of the holes is incrementally increased from the proximal portion that is closest to the air inlet cross section of the blanket where heated air is input to the blanket for inflating the same to the distal portion of the legs of the blanket. For an embodiment of the inventive blanket, the plurality of vent holes along each leg of the blanket are grouped into a number of sections, for illustration purposes three, with the vent holes in each section having the same dimension. With the size of the holes being incrementally larger along the leg away from the heat source, a greater amount of warm air is output at the distal portion of the blanket to compensate for the distance the warm air needs to travel before it is vented from the blanket.

Abstract: A patient cooling system comprises an inflatable patient mattress and a patient enclosure or tent supported by a framework of inflatable tubes drawing air off of the same air supply used to supply the mattress and to cool the tent. The framework of inflatable tubes is divided into left and right sections, which are further subdivided into lower body and upper body sections. An inflatable connector with a stem and protuberance is provided to secure the framework in a closed position. The patient-supporting mattress comprises a plurality of inflatable compartments extending transversely across the width of the mattress that can be alternately pressurized for pressure relief therapy. Radially collapsible, sleeved openings in the tent panel enable connection of conduits or patient care lines to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue using a 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. The system provides a second port coupled to a suction source that cooperates with the first vapor port to suction tissue debris from the targeted site.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: An underbody convective warming blanket that may be used by a pediatric or neonate patient includes a head portion configured with multiple substantially U-shaped channels each having a plurality of adjacent rows of apertures that circumscribe the head of the patient positioned on the blanket. The adjacent rows of apertures are configured on the upper layer of the blanket so as to be positioned at an orientation or angle relative to the base plane of the blanket or the head of the patient such that those apertures would substantially face the head of the patient when the blanket is inflated, so that the heated air output from the apertures is directed substantially towards the head of the patient to thereby effect an invisible dome of heated air that envelopes the head of the patient.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for connecting an air hose to an air inlet. In one embodiment, the nozzle includes a tapered region and a plurality of vents. In another embodiment, the nozzle includes a projection configured to facilitate insertion of the nozzle into an air inlet. Warming assemblies comprising heated air blowers and warming blankets connected by the air hose and varying nozzle embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A method of performing cardiac surgery on a patient's heart, including covering a patient with an inflatable blanket for a forced air convection system, the inflatable blanket having at least one separable seal line within the blanket. The separable seal line may be separated to form a slit. A patient's femoral artery is accessed through the slit, and an elongate medical instrument is passed through the slit, and through the femoral artery toward the patient's heart. Cardiac surgery is performed with the elongate medical instrument, and the elongate medical instrument is withdrawn from the femoral artery through the slit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting at least one convective apparatus. An attachment mechanism is provided adjacent the convective apparatus for adhesively attaching to a person.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment with at least one convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment. Slits are provided in the clinical garment which enables a patient to insert his or her hands inside the clinical garment to be warmed therein by operation of the convective apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld appliance suitable for skin treatment and/or personal care operations comprises an applicator structure having a thermally conductive element supported so as to be exposable to controlled release of pressurized fluid within a gas-expansion chamber. The just-expanded gas causes an endothermic reaction in which heat is removed from the applicator. The applicator is usable to then draw heat energy from skin, etc. When applied to skin, a numbing effect is experienced which can ease pain associated with depilation, discomfort associated with exfoliation, be useful in treating wounds, etc.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment with at least one convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment. Slits are provided in the clinical garment which enables a patient to insert his or her hands inside the clinical garment to be warmed therein by operation of the convective apparatus.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for connecting an air hose to an air inlet. In one embodiment, the nozzle includes a tapered region and a plurality of vents. In another embodiment, the nozzle includes a projection configured to facilitate insertion of the nozzle into an air inlet. Warming assemblies comprising heated air blowers and warming blankets connected by the air hose and varying nozzle embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A warming blanket is provided that includes a first sheet and a second sheet sealed at least along a common edge. An air inlet is provided on the warming blanket where the first sheet and the second sheet are not sealed. An inlet opening device is attached to the inlet opening. The inlet opening device separates the first sheet from the second sheet at the inlet opening in the absence of an opposing force. Methods of forming and using the warming blanket are also provided.

Abstract: A technique for heating a patient is provided. The technique includes providing a warming blanket comprising at least one section that can be moved relative to the remainder of the warming blanket to define an opening in the warming blanket. The technique also includes providing a drape suitable to cover the opening such that a seal is formed between the drape and the warming blanket along the periphery of the opening.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting at least one convective apparatus. An attachment mechanism is provided adjacent the convective apparatus for adhesively attaching to a person.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with multiple separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

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

Abstract: 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: An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.

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 forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method of eliminating an ectoparasite infestation is disclosed that may include steps of defining a target area on an animal having an ectoparasite infestation, heating a volume of air to a temperature to form heated air, applying the heated air to the target area with an airflow such that the heated air impinges directly on substantially all ectoparasites located within the target area, and maintaining the heated air at the target area for a period of time sufficient to affect an ectoparasite mortality rate of at least 50%.

Abstract: A convective warming blanket has a head portion and a plurality of peripheral sections extending orthogonally from each side of a central section that extends uninterrupted from a proximal end below the head portion to a distal foot end of the blanket. Each peripheral section is separable from its adjacent peripheral section by a frangible or tearable common seal. At least one through passage connects each peripheral section to the central section, so that the peripheral sections are inflated when heated air is input to the blanket. The multiple peripheral sections each are movable relative to the central section, so that different body parts of the patient may be selectively accessed. The head portion of the blanket is formed by two tubular sections that extend from the proximal portion of the blanket to encircle the head of the patient, when the blanket is placed over the patient.

Abstract: A convective warming blanket is configured to have an upper body portion and two leg portions that extend from a distal end of the upper body portion. The leg portions are separated by a space sufficient to expose a lateral side of a patient covered by the blanket. A flap separable from the leg portion that extends from the mid-section of the upper body portion may be used to securely wrap around the extended arms of the patient, who is lying on his side. Adhesive tapes are provided on the outside edges of the leg portions to secure the blanket to the surface onto which the patient lies. Apertures are appropriately formed at the sheet that comes into contact with the patient at the upper body portion and along the respective inner side edges of the leg portions so that both the upper body and the exposed lower body of the patient are warmed by heated air. The blanket is designed to have mirror image versions usable for exposing the lateral left side or the lateral right side of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating blanket, particularly a heating sheet, having at least one inner layer which is constructed such that it is permeable for warm air and faces the body to be heated by means of the heating blanket, and at least one intermediate ply or intermediate layer for allowing warm air through, for conveying warm air through, for flowing warm air through and/or for transporting warm air. In order to replace an outer layer, which is composed of polyester and polyurethane, a coating is applied onto the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A flexible drape useful for warming a patient during surgery includes a base film defining a target region, where the base film is attachable to a body surface of the patient, and an evacuation port in fluid communication with the target region. In this regard, the evacuation port is configured to negatively pressurize the target region and vasodilate the body surface of the patient adjacent the target region.

Abstract: A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A disposable portable therapeutic cooling system that utilizes convective cooling and re-circulated air to efficiently, safely, and effectively cool the head and body of the patient, clothed or not, after a life-threatening health event, such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.

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