Abstract:
The present invention relates to an assembly for controlling a temperature of at least a part of a person, comprising an esophagus catheter to be inserted into the esophagus of the person for controlling the temperature. The esophagus catheter extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a proximal heat exchanger defining a first flow direction having a first axial component relative to the longitudinal axis, and a distal heat exchanger defining a second flow direction having a second axial component relative to the longitudinal axis. The esophagus catheter further comprises a plurality of coolant channels each in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger, and a coolant pump connected or connectable to at least one of the plurality of coolant channels. The assembly is configured to cause simultaneously a coolant flow through the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger.
Abstract:
A catheter has a series of hollow loops arranged along a tube for carrying working fluid from a heat exchange system to exchange heat with a patient in whom the catheter is advanced. The loops when inflated are transverse to the catheter axis and parallel to each other, and circumscribe a hollow passageway through which blood can flow. Blood also flows around the outer perimeters of the loops.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hyperthermia of the brain region for neuro-protection. A heat exchange catheter (360) is provided with heat transfer fins (362) 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. Further disclosed are methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter (360) 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 temperature of a target region. The catheter (360) may be used alone or in conjunction with other heat exchangers to cool one region of a patient's body while heating another.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods efficiently dilate and/or cool blood vessels and other body tissues. Controlled cooling with balloon catheters and other probes may be effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid, ofthen after measuring a minimum pulse width for actuating an individual solenoid valve along the cooling fluid path, with the measured pulse width allowing gradual inflation of a balloon without excessive venting of cooling fluid.
Abstract:
An introducer sheath (42) for a central venous catheter (54) includes a sheath body (56) and a temperature sensor (80) mounted distally on the body (56). Also a jugular vein catheter system is disclosed having a heat exchange region and an oxygen sensor connected to an optical fiber.
Abstract:
Apparatus for cooling the brain comprises a pernasal intubation tube (21) for insertion through one of the nostrils of a patient requiring brain cooling,; an inflatable occluder (25) provided the tube (21) for inflation to occlude the nasopharynx of the patient behind the soft palate of the patient thereby to prevent passage of liquid between the nasal cavities and the mouth of the patient; a nostril closure (28) arranged to cooperate with the pernasal intubation tube (21); an orifice (27) for introduction of a liquid coolant into the nasal cavities; and a liquid vent (31) for insertion in the other nostril of the patient for controlling venting of liquid coolant from the nasal cavities. Also described herein is a method of cooling the brain of a patient in danger of suffering brain damage comprising occluding the air passage leading from the nasal cavities to the mouth cavity of the patient behind the soft palate of the patient and irrigating the nasal cavities of the patient with a coolant liquid.