Selective organ cooling apparatus and method

• US 7,211,106 B2
• Filed: 01/23/2004
• Issued: 05/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Zoll Circulation Incorporated (Asahi Kasei Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Innercool therapies Incorporated (Taxus Cardium Pharmaceuticals Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lasheras, Juan C., Werneth, Randell L., Dobak, John D. III
• Primary Examiner(s): GIBSON, ROY DEAN
• Application Number:
  US10/763,542
• Publication Number:
  US 20040153133A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,194 Days
• Field of Search: 607/98, 607104-106, 606 20- 26
• US Class Current: 607/105
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00292 mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0212 using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0056 for cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/126 for invasive application, e.g. for introducing into blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/12 Devices for heating or cooling internal body cavities
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0004 having two or more concentrically arranged tubes for forming a concentric catheter system
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/006 having a special surface topography or special surface properties, e.g. roughened or knurled surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3606 cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/00 Catheters; Hollow probes dilators A61M29/00; peritoneal catheters A61M1/285; tracheal tubes A61M16/04; for drainage A61M27/00; for uterus, vagina or rectum A61M31/00 ; for measuring or testing A61B; materials for catheters A61L29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0023 by the form of the lumen, e.g. cross-section, variable diameter

Abstract

An endovascular heat transfer device which can have a smooth exterior surface, or a surface with ridges and grooves. The device can have a plurality of elongated, articulated segments, with each having such a surface. A flexible joint connects adjacent elongated, articulated segments. The flexible joints can be bellows or flexible tubes. An inner lumen is disposed within the heat transfer segments. The inner lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the heat transfer element.

Claims

1. An endovascular heat transfer device, comprising:

a working fluid supply, including a gear pump;

a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected vessel in the vascular system of a patient;

a heat transfer clement attached to a distal end of said catheter, said heat transfer element comprising a plurality of heat transfer segments, each said heat transfer segment being encompassed by a smooth surface;

a smooth flexible tube connecting at least some of said heat transfer segments to adjacent said heat transfer segments; and

an inner rube disposed within said heat transfer element, said inner tube being connected in fluid flow communication with said gear pump.

2. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said gear pump is a helical tooth gear pump.

3. An endovascular heat transfer device, comprising:

a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected vessel in the vascular system of a patient;

a heat transfer element attached to a distal end of said catheter, said heat transfer element comprising a plurality of beat transfer segments, each said heat transfer segment being encompassed by a smooth surface;

a smooth flexible tube connecting at least some of said heat transfer segments to adjacent said heat transfer segments; and

an inner tube disposed within said heat transfer element, said inner tube being adapted to supply heat transfer fluid to the interior of said heat transfer element.