Intravascular catheter with heat exchange element having inner inflation element and methods of use
US6716236B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/1011
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intravenous catheter system (apparatus and method) for controlling patient temperature includes a generally tubular elongate body, a heat exchange element through which a heat exchange fluid circulates, and an inflation element or irregular surface positioned within the heat exchange element for promoting mixing of the circulating heat exchange fluid. The heat exchange element and inflation element preferably include inflatable balloons. The catheter preferably has two to four balloons having a substantially straight configuration, each balloon containing an inner balloon inflation element having a substantially spiral configuration. The catheter also preferably has at least one infusion lumen for providing access to the patient's blood and a guidewire lumen to accommodate a guidewire. The catheter is used in conjunction with a heat/cool system to cool a hyperthermic patient as quickly as possible, to warm a hypothermic patient as quickly as possible or to maintain normothermia.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.