Patent · US Expired

Patient temperature control system with fluid temperature response

US6699267B2 · kind B2 · utility

148Cited by
59References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 11, 2001
Grant dateMar 2, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 11, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2007/0054
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved patient temperature exchange system and method is disclosed for use with one or more interconnectable patient contact pads. In one embodiment, the system includes a circulating pump for drawing fluid through the interconnected pad(s) under negative pressure, and for pumping the fluid through one of more heat exchange devices into a circulating reservoir. A make-up reservoir may be provided for gravity fluid flow into the circulating reservoir during the filling of the interconnectable pad(s) and for receiving fluid upon emptying of the interconnectable pad(s). During normal heating/cooling operations, the circulated fluid does not pass through the make-up reservoir, thereby yielding a highly responsive system. The make-up and circulatory reservoirs may be directly interconnected, with the make-up reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure (e.g. via a non-spill vent). To reliably maintain the desired negative pressure in the interconnectable pad(s), the system may provide for fluid pressure sensing on the inlet side of the circulating pump. The sensed pressure may be utilized to control the speed of the circulating pump. The system may further provide for the positioni…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.