Heat exchange catheter with discrete heat exchange elements
US6264679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/126
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter for exchanging heat with a body fluid is disclosed. The catheter includes a main shaft and a heat exchange region having a plurality of heat exchange elements each having a length and opposed ends. Each of the elements is attached on at least one of its ends to the shaft and disposed so that when inserted in a fluid body cavity having body fluid therein, the body fluid may circumferentially surround each heat exchange element along a portion of the length of the heat exchange element. The catheter includes a fluid circulation path therein, which desirably includes the hollow lumen within each of heat exchange elements. The heat exchange elements may be connected at two points along the shaft using manifolds that are in fluid communication with fluid flow paths within the shaft. Alternatively, the heat exchange elements may be connected at only one point and be permitted to float in a proximal or distal direction with respect to the catheter. The heat exchange region may be formed on a distal portion of the catheter, or may be formed along the entire length thereof. In the former configuration, an insulating member, such as a balloon, may be provided along the shaft proxi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.