Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders characterized by low cardiac output. The devices, systems and methods use intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in combination with hypothermia of all or a portion of a human or veterinary patient's body to improve coronary perfusion and cardiac output. To effect the hypothermia, a heat exchange catheter may be positioned in the a patient's vasculature separately from the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter. Alternatively, a combination Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation/heat exchange catheter may be utilized. Such combination catheter comprises a) a catheter sized for insertion into the aorta, b) a counterpulsation balloon and c) a heat exchanger. A drive/control system receives temperature and electrocardiograph signals and drives the inflation/deflation of the counterpulsation balloon as well as the heating/cooling of the heat exchanger.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for controlling the operation of endovascular heat exchange devices and/or body surface heat exchange devices such as blankets.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for warming or cooling blood flowing through the vasculature of a human or animal subject so as to alter or control the temperature of all or part of the subject's body. Heat exchangers are positioned within the subject's vasculature and heated or cooled heat exchange fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger. For certain therapeutic applications, the heat exchanger and associated elements of the system have sufficient power to lower the subject's body temperature by at least 3 degrees C. in less than 30 minutes.
Abstract:
A heat exchange system for exchanging heat with working fluid from an intravascular heat exchange catheter or an external heat exchange pad includes a working fluid that circulates between the catheter or pad and a fluid cassette, and a refrigerant system that flows against the outer sides of cold plates between which the cassette is disposed.
Abstract:
A catheter includes working fluid supply and return lumens through which working fluid circulates to exchange heat with a patient in whom the catheter is positioned. Plural wires arranged in a mesh are located longitudinally along the catheter and engaged therewith. The mesh can be moved between a radially expanded configuration, in which the mesh circumscribes an inner wall of a vessel in which the catheter is disposed and in which blood flowing through the vessel is not significantly impeded from flowing within the mesh past the catheter, and a radially collapsed configuration, in which the mesh lies against the catheter or is closely spaced therefrom to facilitate advancement and retraction of the catheter from the vessel.
Abstract:
A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for attaching a belt cartridge to a belt drive platform. A clip attached to the belt is inserted into a slot in the drive spool of the belt drive platform. The cover plate of the belt cartridge fits into a channel beam in the housing of the belt drive platform, thereby securing the cartridge to the housing. Belt guards, for protecting the cartridge, belt drive platform, patient and rescuer, are rotatably attached to the cover plate and are secured around spindles disposed on the sides of the housing.
Abstract:
A system and method for adding or removing heat from a heat exchange fluid circulating between an external heat exchanger and an intravascular heat exchange catheter is described. The system includes a two stage cooling system providing for a high rate of cooling in one stage and a lower rate of cooling in a second stage. Both stages may be used to provide maximal cooling while the second stage is used to provide improved control of the cooling rate as a target temperature is approached. The second stage may also be used to provide heat to the heat exchange fluid.
Abstract:
An intravascular heat exchange catheter has serpentine-like supply and return conduits circulating working fluid with a heat exchange system to warm or cool a patient in which the catheter is intubated.
Abstract:
A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.