Enclosure bag for maintaining a patient's body temperature during surgical procedures

US6500199B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Stephen C. Becker · Baltimore, US
• Michael Bamberger · Rielasingen-Worblingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 9, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2007/0288
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A flexible bag is formed with a opening for placing the bag about the head of the patient and a separate connector for connection to an air supply. The open end has a closure unit permitting the collapse of the opening about the neck to enclose the head. Alternatively, the open end can be placed beneath the ears and over the nose to enclose the upper portion of the head. A separation wall within the bag separates and defines an upper air supply chamber and a lower head heating chamber. The wall has openings including flaps to distribute the air from the air supply chamber to the head enclosing chamber and thereby heating the head with the blood passing therefrom to heat the body of the patient. The head heating chamber includes air directing elements therein. The air supply chamber is L-shaped to direct air over the top of the head and to the side or back of the head. The flexible bag may be formed of a thin plastic and packaged as a flat member with a stack of them provided for single use and throw away as needed in a surgical environment.