METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING BODY CORE TEMPERATURE

• US 20070112400A1
• Filed: 12/04/2006
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AVAcore Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dynatherm Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Hickerson, Barry, Kane, John, HAMILTON, NATHAN, Titsworth, Loren, Fisher, H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,066,752 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0036 Hand
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0045 Foot
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 10/023 Rooms for the treatment of patients at over- or under-pressure or at a variable pressure

Abstract

A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient'"'"'s appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.

Claims

1. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:

an appendage chamber having an appendage seal attached thereon, wherein the appendage chamber is collapsible.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage chamber comprises a nylon, polyester, polystyrene, polypropylene, or high density polyethylene.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage chamber is disposable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage chamber is a plastic bag.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage chamber is adapted to be stored flat and expanded for use.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage chamber comprises a top portion and a bottom portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top portion is flexible.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bottom portion is rigid.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heat exchange element that protrudes through an opening in the appendage chamber.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a heat exchange surface that is molded into the shape of a hand.