U.S. patent application number 12/624023 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for portable therapeutic cooling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KCI LICENSING, INC.. Invention is credited to Keith Patrick Heaton.
Application Number | 20100161013 12/624023 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35515032 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100161013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heaton; Keith Patrick |
June 24, 2010 |
Portable Therapeutic Cooling System
Abstract
A disposable portable therapeutic cooling system that utilizes
convective cooling and re-circulated air to efficiently, safely,
and effectively cool the head and body of the patient, clothed or
not, after a life-threatening health event, such as a cardiac
arrest or stroke.
Inventors: |
Heaton; Keith Patrick;
(Poole, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI L.L.P.
600 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 2400
AUSTIN
TX
78701
US
|
Assignee: |
KCI LICENSING, INC.
San Antonio
TX
|
Family ID: |
35515032 |
Appl. No.: |
12/624023 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11175084 |
Jul 5, 2005 |
7637931 |
|
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12624023 |
|
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60585166 |
Jul 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2007/0001 20130101;
A61F 2007/0233 20130101; A61F 7/02 20130101; A61F 2007/0057
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/107 |
International
Class: |
A61F 7/00 20060101
A61F007/00 |
Claims
1-32. (canceled)
33. A portable therapeutic cooling system, comprising: a cooling
source; a heat exchanger in communication with the cooling source;
an air blower in communication with the heat exchanger; and an
inflatable output device comprising an air inlet port and an air
outlet port, wherein the air inlet is coupled to the cooling source
via a first hose and wherein the air outlet port is coupled to the
cooling source via a second hose, wherein: the air blower is
configured to circulate air over the heat exchanger and through the
first hose, the air inlet port, the inflatable output device, the
air outlet port, the second hose, and back to the cooling source;
and wherein the portable therapeutic cooling system is configured
to provide convective cooling to a patient in a closed loop.
34. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33 wherein the
inflatable output device comprises an inflatable suit comprising a
seam adapted to seal about a patient.
35. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33 wherein the
inflatable output device comprises a hood adapted to enclose and
cool a patient's head and neck, including the carotid artery.
36. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 35, wherein
the hood comprises a plurality of stretchers configured to provide
space for allowing air circulation within the hood.
37. The portable therapeutic cooling unit of claim 33, wherein the
inflatable output device is adapted to provide cooling to a
patient's neck, scalp and groin.
38. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33, wherein
the inflatable output device comprises a unitary head and body suit
adapted to enclose a patient.
39. The portable therapeutic cooling unit of claim 33, wherein the
inflatable output device is disposable.
40. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33 further
comprising a temperature sensor and a thermal control unit, wherein
the thermal control unit is adapted to control the temperature in
the inflatable output device.
41. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 38, wherein
the thermal control unit provides a speed control signal to the air
blower to control the temperature in the inflatable output
device.
42. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 41 further
comprising a pressure sensor coupled to the thermal control unit
and the output device.
43. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 42, wherein
the thermal control unit provides a speed control signal to the air
blower to control the pressure in the inflatable output device.
44. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33, further
comprising a mobile power source.
45. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 44, wherein
the mobile power source is a 12 Volt D.C. battery.
46. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33 wherein the
cooling source comprises ice.
47. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33 wherein the
cooling source comprises a peltier element.
48. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 33, further
comprising a diverter valve positioned between the air blower, and
the heat exchanger and cooling source.
49. A portable therapeutic cooling system for cooling a patient,
comprising: an inflatable suit for enclosing a patient, the suit
being adapted to allow air to circulate through the inflatable
suit, and wherein the suit comprises fastening means configured to
seal about the patient along a seam; a cooling source; a heat
exchanger in communication with the cooling source; an air blower
in communication with the heat exchanger, wherein the air blower is
configured to circulate air through the inflatable suit.
50. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 49 wherein the
inflatable suit comprises a unitary head and body suit configured
to enclose the head and body of a patient.
51. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 49 wherein the
fastening means comprises a zipper or buttons.
52. The portable therapeutic cooling system of claim 49 wherein
system is configured to re-circulate air from the inflatable suit
back to the air blower.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/585,166 filed Jul. 2, 2004. The entire contents
of the above application are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a cooling system
and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a portable
therapeutic cooling system utilizing gas that provides a mild
hypothermic effect adapted to be used immediately or as soon as
possible following a traumatic event.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are circumstances in which it may be desirable to
positively cool a patient as part of clinical treatment. Benefits
may arise by subjecting patients who have suffered a stroke or
cardiac arrest, or other significant or life threatening health
event, to mild hypothermia, e.g. a temperature in the range of
32.degree. to 34.degree. C. for a period of more than about 1 hour
after the cardiac arrest. Because the period of time from the
significant or life threatening health event to when the patient's
body may be treated may be great due to extraneous circumstances,
such as transportation to a hospital, it is suggested that such
treatment begin as soon as possible.
[0006] Temperature is an important variable in determining the
amount of neural damage resulting from an ischemic attack (Dietrich
et al, 1990). Clinically, temperature is now deemed a significant,
independent risk factor for stroke (Reith et al, 1996), as well as
a contributing risk factor to other risk factors for stroke such as
hypertension, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and
transient ischemic attacks etc. Therapeutically, the implementation
of mild hypothermia (34-36.degree. C.) to stroke and head trauma
patients is advocated as beneficial based on clinical studies
(Kammersgaard et al, 2000; Schwab et al, 1997) and animal
experiments indicating long term neural and behavioral benefits
(Corbett & Thornhill, 2000; Colbourne & Corbett, 1994).
[0007] Clinically, whole body cooling of stroke patients has been
tested with forced air-cooling with the Bair Hugger.RTM. wrap and
anesthetics (Kammersgaard et al, 2000) or with cooling from fans
and alcohol washes (Schwab et al, 1997). Pethidine anesthetic is
given to prevent shivering activation. More regionalized head
cooling of head trauma and stroke patients has been attempted.
Cooling helmets (previously cooled or having cooled water or air
circulating through them) attempt to decrease brain temperature via
conductive changes through the skull (Klatz & Goldman, 1995 in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,885; Gunn & Gunn 1998 in PCT Patent
Application WO98/56310). Cooling pillows for the head and neck
region have also been devised to decrease the body temperature of
the patient (Tsutomu & Koji, 1998 in Japanese Patent
Publication 09-072152; Katsumitsu & Shinichi, 2000 in Japanese
Patent Publication 10-250455). These devices are often bulky and
require specialized knowledge of the device in order to operate the
device effectively.
[0008] Review of exemplary prior devices indicates that there is a
need for a device or system that cools the entire body in
conjunction with a temperature monitoring system so as to regulate
the cooling effect. There is a need for a device that can be
quickly applied to the patient shortly after a significant or life
threatening health event. Such a device is particularly necessary
in a pre-hospital setting, such as during transport in an emergency
vehicle.
[0009] Further, prior devices are relatively bulky and
uncomfortable. In the pre-hospital setting, for example, when a
subject is being transported to a hospital after injury, there is a
need for a device that is comfortable and respectful of the
subject's physical condition. In the case of injury to the brain
induced by stroke, or in the case of cardiac arrest, a subject may
be transported to a hospital over a long distance. Many such
subjects are elderly and would find it uncomfortable, traumatic or
even undignified to be encased in such devices as are known.
Particularly, bulky helmet-like devices with circulating fluids or
large cooling inserts are inappropriate for this reason. Further,
the sheer size of the known devices prohibit them from becoming a
standard item kept in an emergency vehicle, or in any other
pre-hospital setting having a limited amount of storage space.
Prior devices further rely on infusions of cold saline, which
suffers from a lack of temperature control during application of
the infusion.
[0010] There is a need to have a simple, body-enclosing device that
may be utilized by emergency medical technicians, health-service
personnel, or in the patient's immediate area (e.g. home) that can
cool the body to prevent damage to critical portions of the body
and minimize any after-effects of such traumatic health events
prior to reaching a hospital.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention fulfills these and other needs through
the development of a portable therapeutic cooling system that
utilizes convective cooling and re-circulated air to efficiently,
safely, and effectively cool the head and body of the patient,
clothed or not, immediately after a significant or life threatening
health event, such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0012] A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of
the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following
Detailed Description of the Invention, with like reference numerals
denoting like elements, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top partial cutaway view of a portable
therapeutic cooling system is shown according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top-plan view of a portable therapeutic cooling
system in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portable therapeutic
cooling system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a portable
therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram of an alternate cooling
system used with a portable therapeutic system according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram of a portable
therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of a portable
therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the
prior art through the development of a portable therapeutic cooling
system adapted to be applied as soon as possible to the patient
after the health event, that is adapted to be used in transitory
settings, such as in an ambulance, or in a patient's immediate
area, such as the patient's home, that is adapted to be operated by
a bystander, paramedic, or other nearby personnel and can be used
effectively on clothed patients.
[0021] Referring first to FIG. 1, a top partial cutaway view of a
therapeutic cooling system is shown according to one embodiment of
the present invention. The cooling system 100 includes an
inflatable unitary head and body suit 102 coupled to a cooling unit
104. The inflatable suit 102 is preferably composed of disposable
material capable of allowing air to circulate through the
inflatable suit 102, but non-disposable embodiments are
contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. The
inflatable suit 102 is adapted to be sealed about the patient along
a seam 106, such as by a zipper, buttons or other equivalent
fastening means, although the convective nature of the heat
transfer from the inflatable suit 102 to the patient does not
require the inflatable suit 102 to be sealed about the patient in
order for the patient to be cooled.
[0022] The suit 102 may be designed in small, medium, large and
extra-large configurations or otherwise sized to shape pediatric
patients, depending on the requirements of the user. The suit 102
is suitably adapted to circulate air throughout the suit 102 while
preventing the air from escaping to the environment, and has an air
inlet port 108 and an air outlet port 110. The air inlet port 108
is preferably connected to the cooling unit 104 via hoses or the
like, which delivers cooled air from a source to the suit 102. The
air outlet port 110 is adapted to deliver air circulated through
the suit 102 to the cooling unit 104 via hoses or the like for
re-circulation into the suit 102 via the air inlet port 108.
[0023] The suit 102 is adapted to deliver cooling to the patient
via convective heat transfer. The suit 102 is further adapted to
provide cooling to critical areas such as the neck, scalp, and
groin.
[0024] When a person undergoes a traumatic health event, the
bystander, paramedic or other nearby person may easily slide the
clothed person into the suit 102 and close the suit 102 via the
seam 106. Upon sealing, the cooling unit 104 is either activated,
if already connected to the suit, or connected to the air inlet
port 108 and air outlet port 110 and then activated. Cool air is
then directed to flow throughout the suit and convectively cool the
patient's body by encompassing a significant percentage of the
patient's entire body. The re-circulation feature of the suit 102
allows the system to operate efficiently and maintain the air at a
predetermined cooling temperature.
[0025] Although not specifically shown in this FIG. 1, a power
source, such as a 12 V. D.C. device--such as those available in
ambulances--or other power sources including A.C.
current-delivering devices may be suitably used to power the
cooling unit 104. Alternatively, a battery may be included in the
cooling unit 104.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a top-plan view of a portable
therapeutic cooling system 200 in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portable
therapeutic cooling system 200 is adapted to be placed about a
patient's head and neck only, and cool the head and neck, including
the carotid artery. One of skill in the art will appreciate that
the placement of the portable therapeutic cooling system 200 will
allow other parts of the body to be cooled as well via normal blood
circulation in a patient's body. As such, a hood 202 is provided
connected to a cooling unit 204. The hood 202 provides convective
airflow through the hood 202 around the scalp of a patient in a
closed loop, and further includes means to provide a transmission
path for the air in an effort to cool the patient's brain, such as
emissary veins in an open loop. The hood 202 further includes
stretchers 206 in the fabric structure thereof to provide space for
allowing circulation of air around the scalp.
[0027] An air inlet port 208 is provided on the hood 202 for
connecting a delivery tube 210 to the cooling unit 204. When the
cooling unit 204 is activated, cold air is delivered through the
delivery tube 210 and into the hood 204, where it circulates around
the head and neck area of the patient and provides convective
cooling.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of a portable
therapeutic cooling system 300 is shown according to one embodiment
of the present invention. A control unit 302 is provided, which
receives temperature input from a temperature sensor 303 between a
heat exchanger 304 and the output devices, such as the hood 306 and
suit 308. The control unit 302 provides a speed control signal to
an air blower 310, which, in turn, blows air over the heat
exchanger 304 in communication with a cooling source 314. A
pressure sensor 316 may be provided between the air blower 310 and
heat exchanger 304 and connected to the control unit 302 to assist
the control unit 302 in determining the appropriate speed of the
air blower 310.
[0029] Accordingly, when the control unit 302 is activated, it
first determines the temperature from the temperature sensor 303
and the pressure from the pressure sensor 316. The control unit 302
then provides a signal to the air blower 310, which activates and
blows air over the heat exchanger 304. The resulting air is then
transmitted to either the hood 306 or the suit 308, depending on
which device is connected to the system 300.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4, another schematic diagram of a
portable therapeutic cooling system 400 according to one embodiment
of the present invention is shown. The cooling system 400 is
provided with a peltier element 402 in combination with a heat
exchanger for controlling the temperature of air passing
therethrough. A control unit 404 is connected to an air blower 406,
a diverter valve 408 and a temperature sensor 410. The diverter
valve 408 is prepositioned between the air blower 406 and the
peltier element 402 and directs airflow accordingly over the hot
side or cold side of the peltier element 402 based on the control
unit 404 and the requirement to warm or cool. The temperature
sensor 410 is placed downstream from the peltier element 402 and
upstream of either the hood 412 or suit 414, depending on the
configuration of the system 400. As such, the cooling system 400
provides sufficient thermal control to the patient when using the
hood 412 or suit 414. It is to be appreciated that the hood 412 or
suit 414 may be inflatable, and that the hood 412 or suit 414 may
be unitary.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, another schematic diagram of an
alternate cooling supply 500 used with the portable therapeutic
system of FIG. 6 is shown. The alternate cooling supply 500 is
compressed gas, which is often stored in containers such as
container 502. The container 502 is connected to a proportional
valve 504, which in turn is connected to a control unit (not
shown), and may be connected to a heat exchanger (not shown).
Alternatively, instead of connecting to a heat exchanger, the valve
504 may be connected to a dilution device (not shown) to dilute the
compressed gas with air. Liquid air may be used as the compressed
gas.
[0032] FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram of a portable
therapeutic cooling system 600 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The system 600 includes a control unit 602, an
air mover 604 connected to the control unit 602 and to either a
hood 606 or suit 608 as desired. A compressed gas container 610 is
further provided connected to a valve 612. The valve 612 is
connected to the control unit 602, and to an area upstream of the
air mover 604 before the hood 606 or suit 608. A temperature sensor
614 is provided in the same area and connected to the control unit
602 for providing temperature data to the control unit 602 during
operation.
[0033] When the suit 608 is used, air is re-circulated from the
suit 608 to the air mover 604 to increase the efficiency of the
system. The compressed gas, such as liquid air, provides a cool
stream of air to the hood 606 or suit 612, and thereby eliminates
the need for a heat exchanger. Flow from the container 610 is
controlled by the valve 612, which in turn is directed to increase
or decrease the airflow therethrough by the control unit 602.
Although air is used in terminology, it is to be understood that
air may comprise any gas, including fluid, capable of providing
cooling to the output device. It is to be further understood that
the hood 606 or suit 608 may be inflatable, and that the hood 606
or suit 612 may be unitary.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 7, another schematic diagram of an
alternate portable therapeutic cooling system 700 is shown. A
control unit 702 is provided, which receives temperature input from
a temperature sensor 703 between a heat exchanger 704 and the
output devices, such as the hood 706 and suit 708. The control unit
702 provides a speed control signal to an air blower 710, which, in
turn, blows air over a heat exchanger 704 in communication with ice
712. A re-circulation line may be provided between the suit 708 and
the air blower 710, which may be a pump or the like, to increase
the cooling efficiency of the system 700. The ice 712 provides a
generally readily available cooling source for users of the system
700 in the event of emergency.
[0035] It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments shown
in the FIGURES are portable, and adapted to be disposable, though
not limited to this feature. As such, the embodiments shown herein
provide an efficient, portable therapeutic cooling system that may
be conveniently used by bystanders, paramedics, or anyone who is
available to assist after a patient undergoes a significant or life
threatening health event, with little instruction required. It is
further to be appreciated that the cooling disclosed herein is
typical of that of a convective cooling system, though conductive,
radiation or alternate heat-transfer mechanisms adapted to be
portable are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.
Both the hood and suit in the embodiments shown is adapted to be
disposable to avoid the necessary decontamination procedures that
would normally accommodate re-use of these devices. It is to be
further appreciated that when the term air is used, it encompasses
any gas, including a liquid, capable of provided cooling to the
respective output device (e.g. the hood, suit, and unitary head and
body suit).
[0036] The previous description is of preferred embodiments for
implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should
not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the
present invention is instead defined by the following claims.
* * * * *