Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided that the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. An uninflatable section may also be provided at the foot end having a pair of seams to form an erectable drape section. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure.

Abstract: A convective thermal blanket is provided which warms or cools a patient's head and body areas by convection. The blanket includes a covering which has top and bottom layers of material, the covering being sealed along its periphery so as to form a plenum chamber. The head end of the covering has a recess for receiving a patient's head. The recess forms the head end of the covering into a pair of flaps, each flap being adapted to extend along a respective side of the patient's head and the covering below the recess being adapted to cover the patient's chest or body area. The recess also forms the plenum chamber into a main plenum chamber for the chest area and a pair of secondary plenum chambers, each secondary plenum chamber being in a respective flap for the head area. The covering has an inlet opening for receiving a gaseous medium for inflating the main plenum chamber and the secondary plenum chambers.

Abstract: Temperature of an airflow for an inflatable thermal blanket is measured near where the temperature is delivered to the blanket through an air hose by a device that simulates the frictional airflow resistance of the blanket. The device is receivable on that end of an air hose that connects to an inflatable thermal blanket. The device includes an airflow resistor having defined airflow resistance, and also includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature at a point between the end of the air hose to which the device is connected and the airflow resistance.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling band device adapted to be positioned upon a user's body, the apparatus comprising: a horizontally disposed band formed in a circular configuration, the band including a hose with a plurality of apertures and a moisture absorbing covering, the hose having two free ends, a Y-shaped tube connector being coupled to the free ends of the hose.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket is disclosed for convectively and evaporatively cooling a patient The inflatable thermal blanket comprises an upper sheet and a base sheet that are attached at a plurality of locations to form an inflatable covering. The base sheet includes a plurality of apertures that direct an inflating medium from the inflatable covering toward the patient. The base sheet also supports a fluid delivery apparatus that distributes and delivers a cooling fluid to the patient. The fluid is evaporated from the patient's skin by the inflating medium exhausted from the inflatable covering. The fluid delivery apparatus may be constructed in a variety of configurations and may be circulate a variety of fluids, which may be pressurized or unpressurized. In operation, an air blower, that may also include a compressor for selectively delivering room temperature or cooled air to the inflatable thermal blanket, is connected to the inflatable covering.

Abstract: Varying flow rate and/or the fluid pressure head through a surgical instrument by selecting which of a plurality of fluid lines will supply fluid through the infusion line of the instrument. The fluid lines connect with supply ports of a common connector that has a common discharge port in fluid connection with the infusion line. The fluid lines are each in fluid connection with either a common fluid source, fluid sources at different elevations, or fluid sources at different or the same pressures. Flow control may be based on opening and closing of valves in the flow lines or operating and stopping operation of pumps or vacuum devices. A controller may determine which flow control to implement based on sensing of pressure changes in the eye or on known capacities of the pumps or vacuum devices. The sensing may be effected with a pressure transducer within the eye, but spaced from the infusion and aspiration lines of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A warming system is provided for convectively warming a patient during a progressive medical procedure, such as cardiac surgery. The system includes one or more inflatable thermal blankets that are adjustably configurable to cover one or both of a patient's legs. Each thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering formed from an upper sheet and a base sheet attached at a plurality of locations. The base sheet includes a plurality of apertures that direct an inflating medium from the inflatable covering toward the patient. A portion of each thermal blanket is initially furled using a retaining device that prevents an inflating medium from inflating the furled portion. The non-furled portion of each thermal blanket is allowed to inflate and cover a patient. Prior to inflation, the furled portion of each thermal blanket defines a thermal blanket edge with demarcates an access area for a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A small container such as a syringe or vial of fluid is inserted into a flow of temperature-conditioned gas to warm the fluid. The gas may be used, for example, to inflate a thermal care apparatus that exhausts the gas through a plurality of exhaust ports about a patient to envelop the patient in a warm bath. In one embodiment, the container is inserted into an inflatable chamber of the apparatus, and sealably held in place by a resilient aperture structure. In another embodiment, the container is inserted into through the aperture structure into a fluid supply hose that brings temperature-conditioned gas to the apparatus from a source. The aperture structure may comprise, for example, a selected pattern of perforations defined in the chamber or hose, or a layering of resilient material affixed to the chamber or hose with a suitably shaped aperture for receiving the container.

Abstract: A new Hypothermic Envelope and Apparatus for Providing Cooled Air Thereto for the emergency medical treatment of accident and other trauma victims whereby the victim's body temperature is lowered to induce a state of controlled hypothermia in order to slow the victim's body metabolism and thereby decrease the adverse effects of the victim's injuries. The inventive device includes coextensive top and bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being sealingly connectable at their peripheries and forming an envelope therebetween and a microcontroller operably connected to a fan motor for producing a burst of cool air by means of passing air over a refrigerant's cooling coil and thereby providing a controlled amount of cool air to the envelope.

Abstract: A thermal blanket including an inflatable covering having a plurality of apertures for delivering a thermally-controlled medium to a patient sitting in a chair. The inflatable covering includes an upper sheet and a base sheet connected at a periphery. The periphery includes a shoulder-facing head section proximate to the head of the patient, a foot section opposite thereto, a first side section extending from the head section to the foot section, and a second side section opposite thereto. A non-inflatable shoulder drape is formed in the head section. The shoulder drape includes an aperture for accommodating the head of the sitting patient so that the thermal blanket is affixed to the sitting patient. An uninflatable first side drape is formed in the first side section and an uninflatable second side drape is formed in the second side section. An uninflatable foot drape may also be formed in the foot section of the inflatable covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of preventing hypothermia utilizing to an upper body blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an integrally formed head cover and integrally formed tie straps. By providing a blanket with a head cover, heat loss from the head area of the patient can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe comprises a probe head operable to be cooled by the expansion of a refrigerant gas within the probe head; a probe handle having means for precooling the refrigerant gas; and a flexible catheter linking the probe handle and the probe head, the catheter defining a channel for carrying precooled refrigerant gas from the probe handle to the probe head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets allow for access to portions of a patient's body before, during or after surgery. In addition, the blankets according to the present invention allow versatility in use by providing access to portions of the patient's body before, during, or after surgery, but which may also completely cover the patient after the surgical procedure is complete. To accomplish these purposes, the blankets according to the present invention include seals or separation lines which extend into the interior of the blanket and which may be separated to allow access to portions of the patient's body.

Abstract: An electrically operated source provides a stream of thermally-controlled inflating medium to inflate an inflatable thermal care apparatus for treating a hospital patient while employing active noise cancellation to reduce noise created by the source, thereby provides a reduced noise treatment device for treating hypothermic patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.

Abstract: Temperature of an airflow for an inflatable thermal blanket is measured near where the temperature is delivered to the blanket through an air hose by a device that simulates the frictional airflow resistance of the blanket. The device is receivable on that end of an air hose that connects to an inflatable thermal blanket. The device includes an airflow resistor having defined airflow resistance, and also includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature at a point between the end of the air hose to which the device is connected and the airflow resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an airflow deflector internal to the blanket and located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with an airflow deflector, better distribution of air within the confines of the blanket may be achieved, which helps to reduce and eliminate problems associated with hot and cold spots within the blanket.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal care apparatus directs a thermally-controlled inflating medium into a thermal care zone to regulate a patient's body temperature, while providing selective access to desired parts of the patient. The apparatus includes an elongate member, inflatable and formable into an enclosure that surrounds a patient and defines a thermal care zone. A plurality of exhaust ports open through sides of the inflatable member to exhaust the thermally-controlled medium. A deformally resilient, insulating access panel interconnects the sides, and extends over the patient and the enclosure to confine the inflating medium to the thermal care zone. The panel includes boundaries, such as perforations, defining sections that may be selectively removed to create temporary or permanent access openings, exposing selected regions for treatment, inspection, healing, and the like.

Abstract: A convective thermal blanket is provided which warms or cools a patient's head and body areas by convection. The blanket includes a covering which has top and bottom layers of material, the covering being sealed along its periphery so as to form a plenum chamber. The head end of the covering has a recess for receiving a patient's head. The recess forms the head end of the covering into a pair of flaps, each flap being adapted to extend along a respective side of the patient's head and the covering below the recess being adapted to cover the patient's chest or body area. The recess also forms the plenum chamber into a main plenum chamber for the chest area and a pair of secondary plenum chambers, each secondary plenum chamber being in a respective flap for the head area. The covering has an inlet opening for receiving a gaseous medium for inflating the main plenum chamber and the secondary plenum chambers.

Abstract: In feather comforters and other comforters (primarily coverlet comforters) having a heat insulating material filled therein, to provide an air controlled comforter which makes it possible to obtain good sleep under comfortable sleeping conditions in terms of both temperature and humidity with the aid of warm or cool air, and which will not be moisturized itself so as to be free from the need of drying it each time after use. In a comforter in which a front cloth (1) and a rear cloth (2) is joined together at their peripheral edges to form a shape of bag, where a heat insulating material such as feather, wool, and cotton is filled in the bag, an air-permeable cloth (3) is joined with the rear cloth to define an air passage (4) ranging from hem to center part of the comforter. The air passage (4) is opened at the hem of the comforter, where an air opening (7) is provided for feeding warm or cool air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus ulcer prevention device, which comprises an air generator having a fan, an air mattress for receiving air, from the air generator, that is discharged at a surface through minute air discharge holes, and a hose for connecting the air mattress to the air generator. Along a flow path of the air that passes through the fan, are located, in order as named, a heater and an alkaline chlorine dioxide gas generator, in which is internally provided a ceramic body that is impregnated with an alkaline chlorine dioxide solution. Air that is heated, by passing through the heater, is brought into contact with the ceramic body, so that air that includes alkaline chlorine dioxide gas is thus supplied to the air mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided that the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. An uninflatable section may also be provided at the foot end having a pair of seams to form an erectable drape section. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling the body temperature of a patient, received in substantially horizontal disposition on a supporting surface, wherein an apparatus includes an air heater, at least one air hose having a plurality of side apertures therein which is positionable so that it extends along the perimeter of the body of the patient, and a surgical drape receivable over the air hose and the adjacent portion of the body of the patient. The method includes the steps of assembling the air hose so that it extends along the perimeter of the body of the patient, assembling a surgical drape over the air hose and the adjacent portions of the body of the patient and supplying heated air to the air hose so that the heated air is exhausted adjacent the body of the patient.

Abstract: A technique for inducing analgesic effects to relieve pain in a living organism whose central nervous system is associated with thermal receptors in the skin that sense heat and transmit signals through afferent fibers reflecting the intensity of the heat and its duration to the brain via the spinal cord. Applied to an area of the skin for a predetermined period is an air stream whose temperature is periodically elevated to create high-temperature pulses separated by lower temperature intervals whereby as a result of heat transfer from the skin area to tissue underlying the skin, the temperature at the surface of the skin is at a tolerable level. The signals transmitted to the brain during this period that reflect the sensed high temperature pulses stimulate the brain into producing endorphins having analgesic effects on the organism and relieving pain.

Abstract: A heating unit and control system for warming tissue exposed during an open surgical procedure to an ambient temperature below body temperature, such that the exposed tissue remains substantially at body temperature. Heated air is blown through a duct to be introduced into the surgical field where the temperature of the tissue and the temperature of the exiting air is monitored and processed by a control system to insure maintenance of the tissue at substantially body temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the body temperature of a patient, received in substantially horizontal disposition on a supporting surface, wherein the apparatus includes an air heater, at least one air hose having a plurality of side apertures therein which is positionable so that it extends along the perimeter of the body of the patient, and a surgical drape receivable over the air hose and the adjacent portion of the body of the patient. Includes the steps of assembling the air hose so that it extends along the perimeter of the body of the patient, assembling a surgical drape over the air hose and the adjacent portions of the body of the patient and supplying heated air to the air hose so that the heated air is exhausted adjacent the body of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.

Abstract: An improved therapy member (10) for treatment of sprains, muscle aches and orthopaedic injuries is provided which is very flexible to permit the member to be placed in conforming relationship with a patient's limb or other body part, while also allowing effective hot or cold thermal therapy. The therapy member (10) preferably includes an internal bladder (12) having a fluid inlet (26) and a fluid outlet (28). The bladder (12) is substantially surrounded by a body of flexible, thermally conductive gel (32), the latter being encased within a flexible fabric-type sheath (34). An inlet/outlet fluid supply tubing assembly (16) is coupled with the bladder (12) in order to permit circulation of hot or cold fluid through the bladder (12) for therapy purposes. The gel (32) advantageously includes a water soluble humectant entrapped within a polyacrylamide matrix.

Abstract: A technique for inducing analgesic effects to relieve pain in a living organism whose central nervous system is associated with thermal receptors in the skin that sense heat and transmit signals through afferent fibers reflecting the intensity of the heat and its duration to the brain via the spinal cord. Applied to an area of the skin for a predetermined period is an air stream whose temperature is periodically elevated to create high-temperature pulses separated by lower temperature intervals whereby as a result of heat transfer from the skin area to tissue underlying the skin, the temperature at the surface of the skin is at a tolerable level. The signals transmitted to the brain during this period that reflect the sensed high temperature pulses stimulate the brain into producing endorphins having analgesic effects on the organism and relieving pain.

Abstract: A disposable pneumatic thermal blanket for controlling a patient's body temperature wherein the blanket includes structure for providing access through the blanket for surgical purposes. The inflatable blanket consists of upper and lower thermoplastic sheets heat sealed at the periphery and specified locations and sealed slits within the blanket central region permit access to a patient without loss of temperature controlled air. The blanket includes strategically placed adhesive strips or patches to aid the positioning of folded blanket access portions, or positioning of the blanket on the patient, and the location and relationship of the slits permit a variety of shapes and sizes of access openings to be selectively formed.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering includes a plurality of inflatable chambers that are inflated when a thermally-controlled inflating medium is introduced into the thermal blanket through an inlet at the foot end. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects into a structure and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure through an aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable covering. The thermal blanket includes a first aspect in which the inflatable chambers in the covering are oriented for substantially longitudinal disposition over a portion of a patient's body extending from the pelvic area to the feet of the patient's body. This aspect may include a provision for securing the inflatable covering to the patient's body at the head end and an uninflatable foot drape at the foot end.

Abstract: A pneumatic, disposable, temperature control blanket pressurized with a heated or cooled air comprises an inflated envelope having a lower sheet having openings formed therein for impinging the air upon a patient. Air is introduced into the blanket envelope at a single inlet port, and an interior flexible conduit or subtube located within the envelope communicates with the inlet for distributing freshly introduced air throughout the blanket length with little temperature loss.

Abstract: Scalp cooling apparatus is describe in which an air flow is recirculated so as to reduce entrained moisture to that initially in the air circuit and to the direct contribution of moisture resulting from evaporation from the scalp, and by matching the impedance between the delivery tubing and evaporation orifice for warm incoming air and chilled outgoing air. In one arrangement an applicator helmet has an air delivery gallery which directs air onto the scalp and hairline through a number of profile drillings of such size and profile as to minimize frictional losses in the air stream. Air is extracted at the crown of the helmet where the convergence and increasing air velocity compensates for increased air temperature so that at this point, scalp cooling is optimized by using the wind-chill effect. The interior of the helmet includes a number of spacers which are held in gentle contact with the scalp by applying a slight force in the helmet using a counter-balanced arm.

Abstract: A thermal blanket of the Augustine type includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided at the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover toward the periphery of the thermal blanket. A pair of uninflatable drape sections are provided at the head end for covering the chest area and enabling viewing thereof. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure. When the structure covers a patient, the uninflatable transparent section at the head end provides a relatively unobstructed view of the sides of the patient's chest and upper torso.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally-controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided at the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure.

Abstract: Hypothermia therapy apparatus comprises an inflatable blanket having a cavity therein, and a neck extending outwardly of the perimeter of the blanket body, the interior of the neck being in communication with the cavity. A nozzle is also provided, the forward portion of the nozzle being receivable in the outer end of the neck, and the rearward portion of the nozzle is connectable with a source of air. The nozzle includes an engagement mechanism for engaging at least a portion of the exterior surface of the neck. The engagement mechanism comprises a spring clip normally biased in the closed position and selectively openable to receive a portion of the neck thereunder. The forward portion of the nozzle is frusto-conical to facilitate insertion into the open end of the neck, and the neck is dimensioned to loosely engage the intermediate portion of the nozzle. A connector is provided for removably connecting an air hose to the rearward portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: Warm air is distributed through a device and diffused along a person's body who is lying under a blanket. Warm air is supplied to the invention from a base unit that has various settings with respect to temperature of air supplied to the invention. The device has three distribution tubes that are long enough to extend from a person's feet to their upper torso while they are lying down. Heating takes place both conductively where the device is in contact with the patient and convectively where the warmed air circulates about the skin. The device is constructed from a light weight tissue paper that is plastic coated on one side and perforated at regular intervals. Heated air is supplied to the invention near the person's feet and is channeled to the several tubes toward the person's upper body. The heated air diffuses through perforations in the tubes as it moves up through the tubes and warms or maintains the body temperature of the patient.

Abstract: An inflatable chamber which is formable into a generally U-shaped structure includes an air inlet for receiving a thermally-controlled inflating medium and a plurality of holes in a side portion. When the medium is received in the chamber, it is expelled through the holes and bathes a patient to effect hypothermia treatment. In addition, the apparatus may include selectively positionable non-inflatable coverings for selectively warming pediatric patient body portions while leaving other portions exposed to untreated ambient air.

Abstract: A hypothermic therapy heater blower control system for use with patient warming blankets flowing warm air over the patient wherein the control system includes a data display indicating the temperature of the supplied air and the circuitry includes audible and visual alarms to indicate overheating or failure modes. The circuitry includes dual safety heater shut-off circuits and also includes a self-testing cycle which tests all of the major safety features and shut-offs, and in the test mode the circuitry simulates an over temperature condition.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided at the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. An uninflatable section may also be provided at the foot end having a pair of seams to form an erectable drape section.

Abstract: A hospital bed has an articulated patient support surface with four air outlet housings mounted thereon at spaced locations. An air supply arrangement supplies temperature-controlled air to an air outlet opening in each of the housings. Associated with each housing is an elongate tubular fabric diffusion member having an O-ring which encircles one end thereof and is removably received in a circumferential groove in the air outlet opening. Each diffusion member can be tucked completely into its housing when not in use. Each housing has a cap movable between open and closed positions with respect to the air outlet opening, and an arrangement yieldably urging the cap toward its closed position. A valve arrangement is provided below two of the housings in order to automatically discharge fluids which happen to enter the air supply system through the air outlet openings.