Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings, and associated methods of manufacture and use

• US 20030218003A1
• Filed: 04/19/2003
• Published: 11/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medline Industries Incorporated (Medline Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: American Healthcare Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Ellis, Kent D., Wyatt, Charles C., Siegner, Kenneth S., Wilkerson, Jack
• Granted Patent: US 6,933,469 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/528
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0001 Body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0072 remote from the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0288 during operations
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/00 Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body heating or cooling means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses A47C21/00 ; massage, therapeutic baths A61H; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields or ultrasound A61N; electric heating elements H05B
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/005 using multiple resistive elements or resistive zones isolated from each other
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/011 Heaters using laterally extending conductive material as connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/013 Heaters using resistive films or coatings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/017 Manufacturing methods or apparatus for heaters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/36 heating conductor embedded in insulating material

Abstract

Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

Claims

1. A personal warming device usable to warm a patient undergoing an x-ray examination in an x-ray field, the personal warming device comprising:

a patient support portion configured to support at least a portion of the patient in the x-ray field;

a heating element positioned at least proximate to the patient support portion, the heating element configured to generate heat to warm the patient when the patient is positioned at least partially on the patient support portion; and

a temperature sensing device positioned at least proximate to the heating element and configured to respond to changes in temperature of the heating element, wherein the temperature sensing device is at least generally transparent to x-rays.

2. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device includes an optical temperature sensing device.

3. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device includes an optical temperature sensing device, and further comprising at least one fiber optic cable operatively coupled to the temperature sensing device to transmit temperature information from the temperature sensing device.

4. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device includes a thermally responsive device configured to change a characteristic of a light signal passing through it when it is heated to a predetermined temperature.

5. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device includes a thermally responsive device configured to change a characteristic of a light signal passing through it when it is heated to a predetermined temperature, and further comprising first and second fiber optic tubes operably coupled to the thermally responsive device, wherein the first fiber optic tube is configured to transmit the light signal to the thermally responsive device, and wherein the second fiber optic tube is configured to transmit the light signal away from the thermally responsive device.

6. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device includes a thermal chromatic liquid crystal.

7. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the patient support portion includes a compressible foam portion that at least generally overlays the heating element, and wherein the compressible foam portion is positioned at least generally between the temperature sensing device and the heating element.

8. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a flexible substrate, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive ink.

9. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes conductive non-metallic ink disposed on a flexible substrate, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive non-metallic ink.

10. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes carbon ink disposed on a flexible substrate, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the carbon ink.

11. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the patient support portion includes a first foam pad disposed adjacent to a first surface of the heating element, and further comprising a second foam pad disposed adjacent to a second surface of the heating element opposite the first surface of the heating element.

12. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the patient support portion includes a first foam pad disposed adjacent to a first surface of the heating element, and further comprising:

a second foam pad disposed adjacent to a second surface of the heating element opposite the first surface of the heating element; and

a carbon fiber sleeve at least partially enclosing the heating element.

13. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes at least a first layer of polyester film carrying a conductive ink, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive ink.

14. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes a first conductive lead spaced apart from a second conductive lead to define a space therebetween, wherein the heating element further includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive ink.

15. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the heating element includes first and second conductive leads carried by at least one layer of polyester film, wherein the first conductive lead is spaced apart from the second conductive lead to define a space therebetween, wherein the heating element further includes conductive ink carried by the polyester film and extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive ink.

16. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the patient support portion includes a first pad portion, and further comprising a second pad portion, wherein the heating element and the temperature sensing device are at least generally sandwiched between the first and second pad portions.

17. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device is operatively connected to the heating element via a temperature control circuit, and wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to shut off power to the heating element if the temperature of the heating element exceeds a threshold temperature as sensed by the temperature sensing device.

18. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device is a first radiolucent temperature sensing device operatively connected to the heating element via a first temperature control circuit, wherein the first temperature control circuit is configured to shut off power to the heating element if the temperature of the heating element exceeds a first threshold temperature as sensed by the first radiolucent temperature sensing device, and further comprising a second radiolucent temperature sensing device operatively connected to the heating element via a second temperature control circuit, wherein the second temperature control circuit is configured to shut off power to the heating element if the temperature of the heating element exceeds a second threshold temperature as sensed by the second radiolucent temperature sensing device.

19. The personal warming device of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing device is configured to be operatively connected to a display device configured to display a temperature of the heating element.

20. A personal warming device usable to warm a patient undergoing an x-ray examination in an x-ray field, the personal warming device comprising:

a patient support portion configured to support at least a portion of the patient in the x-ray field;

a heating element positioned at least proximate to the patient support portion, the heating element having an electrically conductive portion configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current, wherein the electrically conductive portion is at least generally transparent to x-rays; and

a temperature sensing device positioned at least proximate to the heating element and configured to respond to changes in temperature of the heating element.

21. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a flexible substrate.

22. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes carbon ink disposed on a flexible substrate.

23. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the patient support portion includes a first foam pad disposed adjacent to a first surface of the heating element, and further comprising a second foam pad disposed adjacent to a second surface of the heating element opposite the first surface of the heating element.

24. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a at least a first layer of polyester film.

25. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes a first conductive lead spaced apart from a second conductive lead to define a space therebetween, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element further includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads.

26. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes a first bus bar spaced apart from a second bus bar to define a space therebetween, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element further includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second bus bars.

27. The personal warming device of claim 20 wherein the patient support portion includes a foam pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface facing opposite the first side surface, wherein the heating element includes a first conductive lead extending at least generally along the first side surface of the foam pad, and a second conductive lead extending at least generally along the second side surface of the foam pad, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads.

28. A personal warming device comprising:

a patient support portion configured to support at least part of person;

a heating element positioned at least proximate to the patient support portion, the heating element configured to generate heat to warm the person when the person is positioned at least partially on the patient support portion; and

a temperature sensing device positioned at least proximate to the heating element and configured to respond to changes in temperature of the heating element, wherein the temperature sensing device is at least generally transparent to x-rays.

29. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the patient support portion includes foam material.

30. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the patient support portion includes a plurality of individual foam particles.

31. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the patient support portion includes a viscoelastic foam pad at least generally overlaying the heating element.

32. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the patient support includes a contoured foam portion configured to support at least a portion of the person'"'"'s body in an elevated position.

33. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the temperature sensing device includes an optical temperature sensing device.

34. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the temperature sensing device includes an optical temperature sensing device, and further comprising at least one fiber optic cable operatively coupled to the optical temperature sensing device to transmit temperature information from the optical temperature sensing device.

35. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the temperature sensing device includes a thermally responsive device configured to change a characteristic of a light signal passing through it when it is heated to a predetermined temperature.

36. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the temperature sensing device includes a thermal chromatic liquid crystal.

37. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a flexible substrate, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the conductive ink.

38. The personal warming device of claim 28 wherein the heating element includes carbon ink disposed on a flexible substrate, and wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current through at least a portion of the carbon ink.

39. A personal warming device comprising:

a patient support portion configured to support at least part of person; and

a heating element positioned at least proximate to the patient support portion, the heating element having an electrically conductive portion configured to generate heat by conducting electrical current, wherein the electrically conductive portion is at least generally transparent to x-rays.

40. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a flexible substrate.

41. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes carbon ink disposed on a flexible substrate.

42. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the patient support pad portion includes a first foam pad disposed adjacent to a first surface of the heating element, and further comprising a second foam pad disposed adjacent to a second surface of the heating element opposite the first surface of the heating element.

43. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink disposed on a at least a first layer of polyester film.

44. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes a first conductive lead spaced apart from a second conductive lead to define a space therebetween, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element further includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads.

45. The personal warming device of claim 39 wherein the patient support pad portion includes a foam pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface facing opposite the first side surface, wherein the heating element includes a first conductive lead extending at least generally along the first side surface of the foam pad, and a second conductive lead extending at least generally along the second side surface of the foam pad, and wherein the electrically conductive portion of the heating element includes conductive ink extending at least partially between the first and second conductive leads.

46. A patient warming device comprising:

a contoured patient support portion having at least one contoured surface configured to support at least a portion of a patient'"'"'s body; and

a heating element positioned at least proximate to the contoured patient support portion, the heating element configured to generate heat to warm the portion of the patient'"'"'s body when the portion of the patient'"'"'s body is positioned at least partially on the patient support portion.

47. The patient warming device of claim 46 wherein the contoured patient support portion includes a first concave surface and a second concave surface, the second concave surface being positioned adjacent to the first concave surface, wherein the first concave surface is configured to support the left leg of the patient and the second concave surface is configured to support the right leg of the patient.

48. The patient warming device of claim 46 wherein the contoured patient support portion includes a generally flat first surface configured to contact a support surface and a second surface configured to be positioned at an incline relative to the support surface when the first surface is contacting on the support surface.

49. The patient warming device of claim 46 wherein the contoured patient support portion includes a generally flat first surface configured to contact a support surface and a second cylindrical surface configured to elevate a portion of the patient'"'"'s body above the support surface when the first surface is contacting on the support surface.

50. The patient warming device of claim 46 wherein the contoured patient support portion includes a generally flat first surface configured to contact a support surface and an elongate concave second surface configured to support an arm of the patient when the first surface is contacting on the support surface.

51. A control unit for providing at least one of power and control inputs to a patient warming device, the control unit comprising:

a user interface having at least one temperature selector configured to receive an operator input for controlling the temperature of the patient warming device; and

an attachment feature configured to releasably engage a support structure, wherein engagement of the support structure with the attachment feature causes the control unit to be supported by the support structure.

52. The control unit of claim 51 wherein the attachment feature is configured to releasably engage at least one of an IV pole, an OR table, and a gurney.

53. The control unit of claim 51, further comprising an IV pole, wherein the attachment feature is configured to releasably engage the IV pole.

54. The control unit of claim 51 wherein the attachment feature includes a clamping device configured to adjustably clamp the support structure.

55. A control unit for providing at least one of power and control inputs to a personal warming device, the control unit comprising:

a chassis;

a power outlet positioned proximate to the chassis, the power outlet configured to transmit power from the control unit to a heating element; and

a controller positioned within the chassis, wherein the controller is configured to control power to the heating element to warm the heating element from a first temperature to a second temperature in a step-wise fashion.

56. The control unit of claim 55, further comprising a user interface, the user interface including a step-wise warming selector, wherein the controller is configured to implement a step-wise warming program in response to selection of the step-wise warming selector by an operator of the control unit.

57. A patient warming system comprising:

a first control unit, the first control unit configured to provide power to a first patient warming device; and

a second control unit operatively connected to the first control unit to receive at least one of power and control inputs from the first control unit, the second control unit configured to provide power to at least a second patient warming device.

58. The patient warming system of claim 57 wherein the first and second control units are configured to be attached to an IV pole.

59. The patient warming system of claim 57 wherein the first control unit includes an output port configured to receive a cable for operatively connecting the first control unit to the second control unit.

60. The patient warming system of claim 57 wherein the first control unit includes a first temperature display configured to display a first temperature associated with the first patient warming device, and wherein the second control unit includes at least a second temperature display configured to display a second temperature associated with the second patient warming device.

61. The patient warming system of claim 57 wherein the first control unit includes a user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to receive user inputs for controlling the temperature of both the first patient warming device and the second patient warming device.

62. A method for performing a medical procedure on a patient, the method comprising:

positioning the patient on warming device, the warming device including a heating element and temperature sensor;

warming at least a portion of the patient with the warming device; and

conducting the medical procedure.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising generating heat with the heating element by conducting electrical current through a radiolucent conductive portion of the heating element.

64. The method of claim 62, further comprising sensing a temperature of the warming device with a radiolucent temperature sensor.

65. The method of claim 62 wherein conducting the medical procedure includes x-ray imaging at least a portion of the patient while the patient is positioned on the warming device.

66. A method for controlling activation of an alarm associated with a patient warming device, the method comprising:

receiving a temperature selection from an operator of the patient warming device;

determining if the temperature of the patient warming device is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature, wherein the threshold temperate exceeds the selected temperature by a predetermined margin;

if the temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature, delaying activation of an alarm for a predetermined period of time;

at the end of the predetermined period of time, determining if the temperature of the patient warming device is still equal to or greater than the threshold temperature; and

if the temperature of the patient warming device is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature after the predetermined period of time, activating the alarm.

67. A control unit configured to provide at least one of power and control inputs to a personal warming device, the control unit comprising:

a power outlet configured to provide power to a heating element positioned within the personal warming device; and

a user interface, the user interface including a plurality of temperature selectors, wherein the control unit modulates power provided to the heating element to control the temperature of the heating element in response to selection of one or more of the temperature selectors by an operator of the personal warming device.

68. The control unit of claim 67, further comprising:

a chassis; and

a plurality of rollers positioned toward the bottom of the chassis, wherein the rollers are configured to facilitate movement of the control unit.

69. The control unit of claim 67 wherein the user interface faces at least generally upward in a vertical direction.

70. The control unit of claim 67 wherein the power outlet includes a wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit power to the heating element.