Primary heat exchanger for patient temperature control
First Claim
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1. A heat exchange system, comprising:
- a primary heat transfer element through which primary coolant from a primary heat exchange element flows;
a secondary heat transfer element containing a bath of secondary heat exchange fluid; and
at least one switch connecting the secondary heat transfer element to ground substantially when the primary coolant heat transfer element is not immersed in the bath and substantially disconnecting the secondary heat transfer element from ground when the primary coolant heat transfer element is immersed in the bath.
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Abstract
A system for exchanging heat with primary coolant flowing through an intravascular catheter or externally-applied pad to warm or cool a patient. A secondary heat transfer element can be engaged with a primary heat transfer element and is not grounded when the primary heat transfer element is fully engaged with the secondary heat transfer element during operation. In contrast, the secondary heat transfer element is grounded when the primary heat transfer element is at a predetermined disengaged position relative to the secondary heat transfer element.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A heat exchange system, comprising:
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a primary heat transfer element through which primary coolant from a primary heat exchange element flows; a secondary heat transfer element containing a bath of secondary heat exchange fluid; and at least one switch connecting the secondary heat transfer element to ground substantially when the primary coolant heat transfer element is not immersed in the bath and substantially disconnecting the secondary heat transfer element from ground when the primary coolant heat transfer element is immersed in the bath. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for exchanging heat with primary coolant flowing through a patient-engageable heat exchange element, comprising:
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a secondary heat transfer element; a primary heat transfer element engageable with the secondary heat transfer element, the secondary heat transfer element not being grounded if the primary heat transfer element is fully engaged with the secondary heat transfer element during operation, the secondary heat transfer element being grounded if the primary heat transfer element is at a disengaged position relative to the secondary heat transfer element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for exchanging heat with a patient, comprising:
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flowing primary coolant through a primary heat exchange element and a primary heat transfer element in a closed loop; thermally engaging the primary heat transfer element with a secondary heat transfer element for transferring heat therebetween; grounding the secondary heat transfer element when a first relative position exists between the primary heat transfer element and the secondary heat transfer element; and ungrounding the secondary heat transfer element when a second relative position exists between the primary heat transfer element and the secondary heat transfer element. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification