JP2004202166A - Cooling/heating system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved flexible heat exchange structure that can be used for administering thermal therapy to a patient or for another purpose of cooling human body. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment includes a flexible heat exchange structure that has fluid conducting channels formed between two layers of flexible material and has, at the ends of the channels, liquid manifolds that have been improved for resisting pinching, crimping, or buckling on pressurization and when the heat exchange structure is subjected to flexure when worn on the human body. The manifolds are configured so that pressurization shrinkage at the manifold is balanced with pressurization shrinkage laterally among the fluid conducting channels. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a heat exchange device for heating and / or cooling a human body, and in particular, to a patient treatment heat exchange structure adapted to be applied to or worn on the human body. The heat exchange structure can be combined with a cooperating moving device, which may be in the form of a wheeled cart, at a desired temperature with or without periodic pressurization. The heating fluid or the cooling fluid is configured to be supplied to the patient treatment apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,762 discloses a temperature that includes a heat exchange vest and / or helmet to be worn by the human body and a mobile unit that manages the cooling of the circulating fluid passing through the heat exchange garment associated therewith. A control device is disclosed. The heat exchange garment according to this US patent is for example Flexitherm (trademark of Life Support Systems), a material made of two sheets of flexible fluid-impermeable plastic material that is heat sealed to each other. Preferably, it is formed and is configured to form a fluid conduit having an appropriate manifold function.
[0003]
Flexotherm heat exchange materials constructed prior to the present invention may cause flow channel narrowing problems under certain conditions. For example, when the heat exchange material is subjected to a relatively sharp bend and is pressurized by the fluid, the stress that bends the material can cause crease lines in the manifold and in the fluid conduit itself. These stress lines or crease lines can be deep creases that block the flow to some flow paths and the flow through part of the manifold. This problem is exacerbated by the imbalance due to pressure shrinkage between the flow path and the manifold. When pressurized by the fluid, the flat channel "expands" in a generally cylindrical shape and draws the structure laterally inward, so the channel shrinks laterally. Adjacent manifolds that are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow path contract in the vertical direction but do not substantially contract in the contraction direction of the flow path. Upon pressurization, this imbalance can apply high stress on the manifold to form a constriction, which means that the Flexitherm heat exchange structure is formed around the curved and bent parts of the human body. The case becomes even more prominent.
These problems limit the usefulness of Flexotherm materials for obtaining additional therapeutic conditions that may require relatively sharp bending and flexing conditions.
[0004]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,304 discloses a bed apparatus with fluid heating or cooling function, which provides warm and cold fluids as selected by the user for high comfort. The temperature control of the fluid is performed by the mixing device for mixing. This allows for a highly responsive control of the temperature in the fluid flow path of the bed apparatus (and individual control in a two-stage controller) to quickly obtain the appropriate temperature for a particular user.
[0005]
Prior to the present invention, closed loop mixing of heated and chilled fluids as described above to achieve rapid temperature changes in a flexible heat exchange device through which the fluid passes was not generally available. The conventional apparatus used has only one fluid tank, and in order to realize the temperature change in the heat exchange device supplied with fluid from this tank, it is necessary to change the temperature of the water in the tank. was there. For example, this general type of heating / cooling device is available from ZERO Cincinnati, Baxter Medical, and Jobst.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible heat exchange structure that can be used to provide temperature therapy to a patient or for other human body cooling purposes. Mobile heating and / or cooling fluid source, and optionally a pneumatic source, connected to a heat exchange structure or heat exchange garment by fluid piping to achieve very rapid temperature regulation for temperature therapy Can be connected.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flexible heat exchange structure that can be used to heat and / or cool a human body for temperature control, particularly for medical purposes but in extreme environments, is a heat exchange fluid. A plurality of fluid passages for passing the fluid. The fluid communication path is formed between a pair of flexible sheets made of a material that is substantially impermeable to heat exchange fluid, the sheets being sealed together along substantially parallel lines. A fluid conduction path is formed between them. At the end of the series of fluid passages, there is a manifold for allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow into and out of the series of passages.
[0008]
In order to form a manifold for inflow and outflow of fluid, a pair of flexible sheets are mutually connected around a series of fluid communication paths along a peripheral sealing line spaced from the end of the communication path in the manifold section. Sealed. According to the present invention, the manifold portion of the sealed wire has a portion formed in a spiral or corrugated pattern. This pattern prevents the fluid manifold from becoming narrow when the flexible heat exchange structure is worn on a human body and subjected to bending or bending. In addition, the spiral or corrugated manifold sealing line can balance the pressurization shrinkage in the manifold portion of the seal line with the lateral pressurization shrinkage between the fluid conduits, so that when the heat exchange structure is pressurized, Reduces the buckling stress.
[0009]
The sheet of flexible material is heat sealed to form a sealed line, and in a preferred embodiment the heat sealed width is about 0.1 inches. The width of the fluid conduit between each heat seal line is about 0.15 inches in the flat state. The spiral shape in the manifold seal line has a width of about 0.5 inches and has the relationship described further below.
[0010]
The spiral or corrugated pattern of sealed lines can include a generally curved corrugated pattern, each corrugation being a fluid conduit on the other side of the manifold when the heat exchange structure is pressurized with fluid. It has a width selected to shrink as much as the width shrinks. This prevents the aforementioned pressure shrinkage difference. The corrugation may be substantially semi-circular or U-shaped, or V-shaped, with the U-shaped or V-shaped open side facing the series of fluid conduits on the other side of the manifold. In a preferred embodiment, the apex of the generally curved waveform (“substantially curved” includes a V-shaped waveform) is directed to approximately the center of the open end of every other flow path on the other side of the manifold, and the respective flow. Located approximately equidistant from the two heat sealed ends of the path.
[0011]
In yet another preferred embodiment, the generally linear heat exchange structure channels or tubules are formed by a staggered pattern of sealed lines, the sealed lines being regularly spaced at approximately equal intervals. These are staggered lines that are repeated, and a flow passage is formed between them. A staggered pattern of conduction paths can be used, for example, when a flexible heat exchange structure is worn on a human body, especially when bent or bent around a relatively sharp bend or curve. Can be prevented from becoming narrow.
[0012]
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a third sheet of flexible material is bonded with a hermetic bond to one side of the fluid conduit structure and secured to the two-layer material. Thereby, an air container is formed between the sheet on one side of the pair of flexible sheets and the third sheet. In order to press the heat exchange treatment device against the skin of human limbs and torso, etc., pressurized air can be stored in the air container, and the combination of temperature treatment device and pressure treatment device can be put in the damaged area Applicable. Pressure also helps to transfer hot or cold heat to the skin and is effective in reducing blood flow or swelling within the treatment area.
[0013]
In yet another embodiment, a fourth sheet of flexible material is secured to the heat exchange / fluid conduit structure opposite the air container. This forms a fluid or gel container that preferably contains a fluid or gel permanently. The fluid or gel container uniformly dissipates hot or cold heat to the patient's skin, particularly when the air container is pressurized. This is important in hazardous or thermotherapy where a relatively high temperature is required and it is undesirable for heat to be applied to individual lines of the flow path.
[0014]
The device of the present invention includes a moving device for applying thermal therapy to a patient by means of a flexible heat exchange structure worn by the patient, which may be in the form of a cart. The moving device includes two containers, a heating fluid container and a cooling fluid container. It is also preferable to include a return container for filling. A mixing valve is provided to allow the selection of the exact temperature desired for patient treatment. By adjusting the mixing of the supplied heating and cooling fluids, an accurate temperature is possible. By changing the mixing ratio, it can be changed instantaneously as desired for a given patient therapy. By adjusting the mixing valve, it is possible to freely adjust from 100% cooling fluid to 100% heating fluid.
[0015]
The fluid that has passed through the patient treatment flexible heat exchange device re-enters the return zone of the mobile device via the pump. As this return fluid re-enters the respective container, it is heated or cooled depending on the current setting of the mixing valve. This allows for maximum efficiency of the mobile device and can be conveniently achieved by providing a closed (substantially) full container with a cooling / heating member in or adjacent to the container. Containers that are closed and have no vents automatically accommodate the same return flow rate as the outflow rate. The return container vented to the atmosphere preferably contains the return fluid first, and this fluid is supplied from the return container to the cooling fluid container and the heating fluid container according to the outflow amount from each container.
[0016]
The moving device also preferably includes a pressurized air source, i.e. a small compressor or a pressurized air supply. This provides pressurized air for use in the aforementioned air container to provide pressure therapy and hot / cold therapy to the patient.
[0017]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for applying cold and / or heat to a human body, the apparatus comprising a therapeutic flexible heat exchange device that is not subject to stenosis, and hot / cold heat. Includes a mobile device for highly responsive adjustment of therapy. The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a heat exchange garment 10 of the type shown in FIG. 4 of US Pat. No. 4,691,762, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The illustrated garment 10 is a vest for heating or cooling the patient's torso as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1F of this US patent. The principles of the improved heat exchange garment 10 described herein include other garments or temperature attached devices attached to the body, and co-pending U.S. Patent Application Nos. 431,753 and 4,884. , 304 is also applicable to the temperature-controlled bed apparatus.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange garment or temperature treatment device 10 comprises a pair of sheets of flexible fluid-impermeable material that are sealed together along sealing lines 14, 16, 18, 20, etc. 1 is visible on one side or layer 12). Similar to the aforementioned reference patent, the sealing line is preferably formed, for example, by heat sealing a two-layer plastic material layer known as Flexotherm. The material of the sheet can include nylon, nonex, or a woolen fabric coated with, for example, urethane, vinyl, or other impermeable thermosetting plastic.
[0020]
Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the sealed line 16 shown in FIG. 1 as a straight (which may be non-linear) sealed line is a parallel line that functions as a fluid flow tubule of the flexible heat exchange device 10. A fluid conduction path 24 is formed. The peripheral sealing line 14 forms the outermost capillary 24, while the other peripheral sealing lines 18, 20, 22 form a manifold for allowing fluid to flow into and out of the capillary or fluid conduit 24. That is, as illustrated, the manifold or manifold portions 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 are formed on the periphery of the garment or temperature treatment heat exchange device 10 having the illustrated configuration.
[0021]
The main feature of the present invention is that the main manifold of the flexible heat exchange device is configured to pressurize and contract to balance the pressurization and contraction exhibited by the capillary tube or flow path 24. The heat exchange device 10 is flat and is formed of two flat sheets sealed together. Typically, a panel of heat exchange material can have a 0.15 inch channel width with a 0.10 inch heat seal width. Since the capillaries or channels expand into a generally cylindrical shape when pressurized with fluid, each channel has a circumference of about 0.30 inches. Assuming a cylindrical shape, the flow path will have a pressurized diameter of about 0.095 inches for the original flat 0.15 inch width. Considering each flow path and the heat sealing width adjacent thereto, the amount of shrinkage is 0.195 inches (at the time of pressurization) of 0.25 inches (when flat) or less, so the thin tube is traversed laterally. Reduction of the heat exchange device causes the pressure panel to shrink to about 0.195 / 0.25, or 78% of the flat panel size.
[0022]
In conventional flexible heat exchange devices such as that shown in US Pat. No. 4,691,762, this lateral contraction is not balanced by the corresponding contraction at the fluid inlet and outlet manifolds. However, according to the present invention, the manifold sealing lines 18, 20 are formed in a corrugated, spiral, or staggered pattern. FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment, where the spiral is generally C-shaped and has a vertex 38 formed at the connection point. As shown in FIG. 1 and more particularly in FIG. 2, the heat seal 20 can be doubled at the apex 38.
[0023]
In order to successfully prevent stresses, folds, and fold lines that may narrow the manifold, each swirl or corrugation apex has an alternate flow path 24 on the other side of the fluid manifold 26, 30, or 36. It is preferable to point to. This prevents extreme creases when folding the heat exchange device around a relatively sharp bend when used under pressure, for example when wrapped around a patient's limb for temperature treatment Has been found to be most convenient. The vortex or corrugation 40 causes the manifold to contract upon pressurization, and these vortices are shaped and dimensioned to approximately balance the contraction that occurs laterally between each fluid flow path 24. This can remove most of the stress that can cause compression or constriction of the fluid manifold, and this effect becomes even more pronounced when the heat exchange garment is wrapped around a small radius bend.
[0024]
Through the development of the improved thermotherapy heat exchange device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it has been found that minimal stress lines occur during pressurization, and are opposed along line 42 shown in FIG. A generally small stress line is formed that extends between approximately the end of the heat sealed line adjacent to the flow path and the apex of the spiral. If the material is not bent, little or no flow inhibition occurs. For example, if the material is wound laterally around the limb for temperature treatment of the patient, i.e., the tubule line is wrapped circumferentially around the limb, the layer of material closest to the back of the manifold 26, i.e. the skin. Slight creases or creases may occur. Thus, the outer layer is in tension with substantially no creases and the manifold contracts slightly within an acceptable range that continues to provide sufficient flow through the flexible heat exchanger.
[0025]
An example of the preferred dimensions of a flexible heat exchange device according to the present invention is outlined below and shows the balance of pressure shrinkage in the manifold and capillaries. In this embodiment, the spiral is C-shaped or V-shaped (staggered) and is 0.5 inches in the center. All heat seals are 0.10 inches wide. The width of the capillary or fluid flow path between adjacent heat seals is 0.15 inches when flat.
[0026]
Analytical elucidation of semi-circular or staggered manifolds
A. Nominal heat seal width = 0.10 inch
B. Nominal flow path width = 0.15 inch
C. Flow path circumference = 2 (0.15) = 0.30
D. Channel diameter = 0.3 inch / π = 0.09549 inch
E. Ratio of expanded dimensions to flat dimensions = (0.1 inch + 0.09549 inch) /0.25 inch = 0.782
F. Manifold "V" or "C" = 0.5 inch (when flat, at the center)
G. Nominal heat seal width = 0.10 inch
H. Maximum manifold width = 0.5 inch-2 (0.10 inch) = 0.30 inch
I. Manifold “V” or “C” diameter = 2 (0.30 inch) /π=0.191 inch
J. et al. Ratio of expanded dimensions to flat dimensions = 0.191 inches + 0.2 inches / 0.5 inches = 0.782 inches
Therefore, the ratio of the expansion dimension to the flat dimension of the flow path and the manifold is equal.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the case of the best garment of the type shown, the angle of the manifold relative to the substantially horizontally extending flow path or capillary tube 24 varies depending on the position. Thus, vortices or corrugations that exist in areas where the angle of the manifold is far away from the vertical direction of the flow path will be wider between the vertices to maintain a directional relationship towards every other flow path end. Need to be separated. This slightly changes the pressure-shrinkage relationship but does not appreciably suppress the flow through the manifold even when the flexible heat exchange device is wrapped around the limb or torso. For example, in the manifold sections 28, 32, 34 shown in FIG. 1, the manifold is at an angle of less than about 45 ° to the flow path. In this state, the problem of differential shrinkage is minimized or avoided even without the typical corrugation because the manifold is close to the flow path array and does not pressurize in the longitudinal direction.
[0028]
FIG. 3 schematically shows a modification of the flexible heat exchange device of the present invention. The spiral or corrugated manifold sealing line 20a is shown as a staggered sealing line, i.e., a sealing line configured in a V-shaped spiral rather than a U-shaped spiral in FIGS. It can be appreciated that this shape can be used in place of the U-shaped spiral pattern shown in FIG. 1, and in fact, FIG. 1 shows a portion of the return manifold baffle 44 having a staggered or V-shape. I want.
[0029]
The main difference of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is the staggered shape of the narrow tube or flow path sealing line 46. These sealed lines 46 are formed as regularly repeating staggered lines that are substantially equally spaced in the same pattern as shown in FIG. The arrows in FIG. 3 represent stress lines that may be formed extending from the top of a staggered or semi-circular U-shaped manifold spiral to the end of the sealed line of the flow path that intersects the manifold. If the improved flexible heat exchange structure of FIG. 3 is bent during temperature treatment on a patient, the stress line becomes noticeable inside the bend (eg, the layer of material closest to the skin) It was observed that little or no visibility was seen on the outer layer of material at the same bend. For each apex of the manifold, two stress lines are formed against the opposite ends of the heat seal line forming the capillary channel. Therefore, the stress of each stress line is half of the stress of the known Flexotherm described above. As a result, the bend radius is at least halved without blocking the flow. This bending property increases the applicability of the new material and allows the material to be bent at a relatively steep angle without obstructing the flow of fluid through the manifold or flow path.
[0030]
FIG. 3A shows the entire temperature vest 45 configured to have heat sealed lines that form a staggered channel. The manifold sealing line includes a staggered or V-shaped portion and a U-shaped portion.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a three-layer or three-layer flexible heat exchange structure 50 according to the present invention. The flexible heat exchange device 50 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and can incorporate the configuration shown in those drawings, with the two layers 52, 54 having a sealed line 58 therebetween. Thus, a fluid flow path or capillary 56 is formed. In the heat exchange structure 50 of FIG. 4, an additional layer 60 is provided on the outside of the temperature therapy device, i.e., the side opposite the side that contacts the patient when the device is used for temperature therapy. The outer layer 60 that is sealed to other layers at the peripheral sealing line 62 forms an air container 64 that can contain pressure. As a result, when the heat exchange device 50 is wound around the patient's limbs, torso or the like, the heat exchange device 50 is pressurized and can apply pressure to the treatment area. For example, a pressure of 1 psig or slightly higher is sufficient to perform some type of pressure therapy and at the same time apply heating and / or cooling therapy through the fluid conduit 56.
[0032]
FIG. 4 shows fluid loop L-shaped fittings 66, 68, passing through the air confinement layer 60 and leading to the outer fluid confinement layer 52, which are in a sealed relationship to allow fluid to enter or exit the fluid flow path 56. 70 is shown schematically. These fittings are used repeatedly elsewhere to complete the inflow / outflow fluid loop. FIG. 4 shows an air pressurization L-shaped pipe joint 72 for receiving pressurized air when the air confining container 64 is pressurized.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram similar to that described in FIG. 4 but showing a longitudinal section of a heat exchange structure 75 having another layer 76 secured to the fluid conduit structure at the peripheral sealing line 62a. It is. This lower or fourth layer is attached to the fluid conducting structure on the opposite side of the air confinement layer 60 and the air container 64 from each other. The lower or fourth sheet 76 forms a heat dissipation container 78 that encloses a thermally conductive fluid or gel 79 that is preferably permanently sealed within the container 78. As the heating or cooling fluid flows through the fluid conduit 56, the fluid or gel container 78 may be properly dissipated to the patient's skin, with heating or cooling not limited to a particular fluid conduit line. Guarantee. This is particularly important for hyperthermia treatment for cancers that require very high temperatures (eg 106 ° F. to 108 ° F.). When the pneumatic chamber 64 is wrapped around the site to be treated and does not have a four-layer structure 75 that is pressed against the skin by pressure, high heat is generated along a specific line at the location of the fluid flow path 56. May be added.
The structure and function of the four-layer heat / pressure treatment device 75 is the same as that described for the three-layer structure 50 except for the points described above.
[0034]
FIG. 6 shows a four-layer heat / pressure therapy device 75 in use on a patient, in this case applied to the knee and the leg area surrounding it. The heat exchange structure 75 includes a pneumatic container and a confinement layer 60 just below the constraining layer 77 that holds the treatment device in place on the patient. The constraining layer 77 surrounds the leg or torso and holds the heat / pressure treatment device 75 against the leg or torso. The constraining layer 77 can be held in place by Velcro surface fasteners. Part of the drawing is cut away to show a two-layer fluid flow path structure (layer 52 is visible). Below the two-layer channel structure is a fluid or gel material 79 (see FIG. 5) and a lower flexible layer 76. FIG. 6 can be considered to show the apparatus 50 of FIG. 4 with an air pressurized container but without a fluid or gel container 78.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 6, a supply line or “conduit cord” 82, which can be covered with fabric or other insulation, provides heat exchange fluid to the device 75 for heat exchange through the fluid conduit. In addition, an air pipe for feeding and sending out and supplying pressurized air into the air container 60 is included. A heating / cooling / compressed air unit 84 is provided at the other end of the supply pipe 82.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main operational components of a moving unit such as unit 84 shown in FIG. The unit 84a shown in FIG. 7 may be in the form of a cart with wheels as shown in FIG. 8 described below.
As shown in FIG. 7, the hot / cold / pressure supply unit 84 a includes a cooling fluid reservoir 86, a heating fluid reservoir 88, and a temperature control unit 90. In a preferred embodiment, the refrigeration or cooling coil 92 is placed directly in the fluid reservoir 86 and the heating coil 94 is placed directly in the fluid reservoir 88. These reservoirs are preferably closed and sealed so that, for each reservoir, a constant balance is maintained between the outflowing fluid and the returning fluid.
[0037]
The fluid is supplied at a temperature selected by temperature control unit 90, which mixes the heating and cooling fluids to achieve the proper temperature in delivery line 96. This fluid is supplied to a temperature treatment device 98 in contact with the patient, which is shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, the heat exchange garment 10 shown in FIG. 3, the three-layer heat exchange / pressure device 50 shown in FIG. It may be similar to the four-layer heat exchange / pressure device 75 shown. In either case, the fluid at the selected temperature passes through the capillary tube of the temperature treatment device 98, returns to the return area via the return line 100, and finally returns to the cryogenic fluid reservoir 86 and the hot fluid reservoir 88. . If the reservoirs 86, 88 are provided with a predetermined elastic expansion or accumulation capability to allow volume changes in the closed loop system, the return line 100 is a branch line leading to the cooling fluid reservoir and the heated fluid reservoir if desired. It would be possible to connect directly to 102,104. This is necessary, for example, when the drying temperature therapy device 98 is connected to the system 84a and draws a portion of the fluid therein. In the above-described configuration, the fluid pump denoted by reference numeral 106 can be disposed in the pipe 96 so as to ensure that the inside of the temperature treatment clothing device 98 is positive pressure.
[0038]
However, a more preferred device is shown in FIG. 7 and includes a return reservoir 108 (or sealed and inflatable) that contains fluid from the fluid return line 100 and is preferably vented to the atmosphere. Thus, freedom with respect to the total volume of the system can be provided by the reservoir 108. The fluid pump 106 is positioned directly downstream of the return reservoir 108 to cool positive pressure fluid at the same rate that the fluid is delivered from the cooling reservoir 86 or thermal reservoir 88 via the temperature controller / mixing valve 90. Supply to reservoir 86 or thermal reservoir 88. Thus, the two reservoirs 86, 88 can be rigid, occluded, and can be substantially fully filled at all times, and the positive pressure of the fluid pump 106 is set to the desired value set by the mixing valve 90. At a rate, fluid will be pushed from the reservoirs 86 and 88 into the temperature therapy device 98. The return pipe 100 has no suction force, and there is no negative pressure anywhere in this closed loop system except in the pipe 110 on the suction side of the pump that draws fluid from the return reservoir 108.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 7, the moving unit 84a passes pressurized air through a pneumatic controller 114 and a delivery line 116 to a heat / pressure treatment unit 98 of the type shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 having a pressurized air reservoir. An air pump or air compressor 112 is preferably included.
A fluid mixing valve 90 that supplies hot and cold fluids mixed as selected to the temperature therapy device 98 is one important feature of the present invention. As mentioned above, this configuration allows the temperature of the managed treatment device to be changed instantaneously. In certain types of treatments, such as sports injuries, a 48 hour cooling treatment may be prescribed followed by alternating heating and cooling. The control system 84a shown in FIG. 7 is very suitable for this purpose.
[0040]
Further, the temperature controller / mixing valve 90 can be connected to a microprocessor or programmable controller, generally indicated at 118, or can include such a microcontroller. This allows the doctor or therapist to preset a continuous temperature change over time for the aforementioned sports injury treatment.
Furthermore, it becomes possible to approach the target temperature most rapidly without exceeding the target temperature. For example, in the whole body thermotherapy for cancer treatment, a relatively high temperature is required. To approach a temperature of 108 ° F., for example, the controller quickly raises the temperature of the temperature treatment unit 98 to about 106 ° F. (this may cause the local temperature feedback line 119 or the feedback line 119a from the supply line 96 to be The temperature can then be gradually increased until the correct desired temperature is reached while monitoring feedback from line 119. During the treatment, the desired temperature can be maintained in the same manner as described above by feedback from the heat exchange device 98 and control by the microcontroller 118. Electrically controlled valves including solenoid operated valves can be used for this purpose.
[0041]
In temperature therapies that require very high temperatures, such as the whole body thermotherapy described above, the temperature control that the present invention allows is very important. In hyperthermia, it is important to cool the patient quickly if the body temperature rises to a dangerous temperature that can cause cardiac fibrillation or brain damage. When using a conventional device prior to the present invention, it was necessary to immediately remove the thermal cover from the patient and immerse the patient in cold water or an ice bath.
[0042]
Note that some conventional thermotherapy systems use a heavy rubber blanket that covers the patient and is somewhat insulating. In order to obtain the desired temperature for the human body, temperatures as high as 125 ° may be used, much higher than the supply temperature and higher than the skin burn temperature of about 113 °. The system provides the desired temperature very efficiently without exceeding the skin burn temperature anywhere.
[0043]
Since the hot fluid reservoir 88 and the cold fluid reservoir 86 are closed, the temperature control system 84a shown in FIG. 7 automatically replenishes the same amount of fluid drawn into these reservoirs. The same desired effect described above can be obtained if it includes a return fluid reservoir (vented to the atmosphere or occluded but expandable / shrinkable).
[0044]
FIG. 8 shows a cart 120 that implements the heat / pressure supply device 84a shown in FIG.
The moving device 120 is preferably in the form of a cart with wheels 122. Its dimensions can be very small but are limited primarily by the volume of fluid (preferably water or treated water) that needs to be contained within the cooling reservoir 86 and heating reservoir 88. These volumes must be large enough to maintain a predetermined temperature range in each reservoir, even if it can return to the two reservoirs at a temperature substantially different from the reservoir temperature. . Cooling member 92 and heating member 94 have sufficient capacity to quickly return these reservoirs to a predetermined temperature range, or sufficient capacity to maintain the effluent fluid from each reservoir in the desired temperature range. Small volume reservoirs 86 and 88 can be used. As long as the temperature required for the patient is not lower than the temperature of the cold reservoir or higher than the temperature of the hot reservoir, the desired therapy can be administered. The important thing to consider is not to overload the system so that the mixed fluid is repeatedly returned to the reservoir so that the cooling and / or heating capacity does not fall below that required for this therapy. Needless to say, this depends on the size of the temperature treatment device 98 and the difference between the treatment temperature and body temperature in a particular therapy.
[0045]
FIG. 8 shows a control panel 124 on the cart or mobile device 120 for inputting the desired treatment parameters and monitoring the temperature of the aforementioned patient treatment device 98. Details of the panel are not shown. A removable cover 126 can be provided at the top of the unit to provide access to the return fluid reservoir 108 which also functions as a fill reservoir for adding replenishment fluid. On the side of the mobile device 120, another openable panel 128 is shown for accessing the contained components.
A cord 82 including a fluid feed line 96, a fluid return line 100, and a pressurized air line 116 is shown by several lines. The cord or tube bundle also includes a thermocouple line 119 (or 119a, see FIG. 7) that feeds back the temperature of the temperature treatment device 98 to the control device.
[0046]
FIG. 9 shows a variation of the system shown in FIG. 7 and shows that the same system can be used to operate two or more patient treatment devices 98. One common cryogenic fluid reservoir 86 and one common hot fluid reservoir 88 can supply cooling and heating fluid to piping 130, 132 leading to two different temperature control fluid mixing valves 90 and 90a, as shown. Therefore, the temperature of each temperature treatment unit 98 can be controlled separately. The capacity and response time of the cooling member 92 and the heating member 94 need to be sufficient to allow them to function simultaneously for a plurality of temperature treatment units 98.
[0047]
Microprocessor 118 is shown to function with both temperature controlled mixing valves 90 and 90a. Microprocessor 118 can receive temperature feedback from thermocouple line 119 or 119a (for controller 90) and temperature feedback from thermocouple line 119b or 119c (for controller 90a).
Two treatment units 98 are shown to receive compressed air from the pneumatic control unit 114. If desired, a pressure regulator (not shown) for separately controlling the pressure therapy unit can be included. Microprocessor 118 is illustrated as controlling pneumatic control unit 114.
[0048]
The preferred embodiments described above are for purposes of illustrating the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will envision other embodiments and variations besides these preferred embodiments, which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a flat heat exchanger vest as one example of an improved structure of a Flexitherm fluid heat exchange material.
2 is a detail view showing a portion of the flexible heat exchange structure of FIG. 1; FIG.
3 is a detailed plan view schematically illustrating a portion of a flexible heat exchange structure similar to the flexible heat exchange structure of FIG. 1 but including fluid flow paths formed in a staggered pattern. FIG. It is.
3A is a plan view showing the entire heat exchange garment configured as shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
4 is similar to the flexible heat exchange structure of FIGS. 1-3, but includes one additional layer of flexible material that forms an air container for pressurizing the device during treatment. 3 shows a three layer flexible heat exchange structure.
FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, but a fourth layer for forming a fluid or gel container placed on the patient side to more evenly distribute the hot or cold heat from the heat exchanger flow path 4 shows a four-layer flexible heat exchange structure having
6 is a perspective view showing the heat exchanger structure of FIG. 5 in use for patient treatment. FIG.
7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a moving device, which may be in the form of a cart, for supplying heated fluid, cooling fluid, a selected mixture of fluids, and air pressure for the application shown in FIG.
8 is a perspective view of the moving device of FIG. 7 for use with the flexible heat exchange therapy device shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7 but shows a variation of the mobile device that can treat several patients simultaneously at different temperatures.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Heat exchange device
12 layers
14 Sealed wire
16 Sealed wire
18 Sealed wire
20 Sealed wire
20a Manifold sealed wire
22 Perimeter sealed line
24 tubules
26 Fluid Manifold
28 Manifold part
30 Fluid manifold
32 Manifold part
34 Manifold part
36 Fluid Manifold
38 vertices
40 Swirl or corrugation
44 Return manifold baffle

Claims (20)

A pair of overlapping flexible materials configured to form a fluid conduit that is sealed together in a plurality of spaced apart separate areas and expands to reduce lateral dimensions when pressurized by a fluid A sheet of
Flexible heat exchange having means for sealing the sheets together along a wavy line to form a chamber that conducts through the conducting path and expands when pressed to reduce lateral dimensions. A structure,
The corrugated line is dimensioned and oriented such that a decrease in lateral dimension is substantially equal to a decrease in lateral dimension of the conduit and the chamber. Heat exchange structure. The sheets are configured to be sealed together along a continuous, generally parallel line to form the conducting path;
The heat exchange structure according to claim 1. And further comprising a third sheet made of a flexible material covering one side of the stacked sheets, and configured to form an air chamber on one side of the structure.
The heat exchange structure according to claim 1. Further comprising a layer of heat dissipating material adjacent to one side of the stacked sheets;
The heat exchange structure according to claim 1. Means for communicating with the chamber to circulate fluid via the conducting path;
The heat exchange structure according to claim 1. A sheet of a pair of overlapping flexible materials that are sealed together and form a plurality of fluid communication paths that can expand and reduce in width when pressurized fluid passes through;
A manifold that is in fluid communication with the conducting path at one end and may be expanded by pressurized fluid;
A flexible heat exchange structure comprising:
The manifold has a corrugated wall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conduction path and having a vertex, the vertex is opposed to the conduction path, and the width of the conduction path is increased when the structure is pressurized. Separated by a distance that decreases as much as it decreases,
A flexible heat exchange structure. The sheets are configured to be sealed together along a continuous line to form the conducting path;
The flexible heat exchange structure according to claim 6. The conduction path is formed in a staggered pattern,
The flexible heat exchange structure according to claim 6. Adjacent vertices are aligned with every other conducting path;
The flexible heat exchange structure according to claim 6. The means for circulating fluid through the conducting path is connected between a heating fluid reservoir, a cooling fluid reservoir, the chamber and the reservoir, and fluid from the two reservoirs for supplying the conducting path Mixing valve adjustable to mix any desired ratio, and means for circulating fluid through the two reservoirs, the mixing valve, and the conduit.
The flexible heat exchange structure according to claim 6. The two reservoirs, the mixing valve, and the means for circulating fluid via the conduction path include a return reservoir for containing fluid circulating via the conduction path, and the return reservoir; A pump connected between the other two reservoirs for supplying fluid from the return reservoir to the conduction path via the heating fluid reservoir and the cooling fluid reservoir;
The flexible heat exchange structure according to claim 10. A sheet of a pair of overlapping flexible materials that are sealed together and form a plurality of fluid communication paths that can expand and reduce in width when pressurized fluid passes through;
A manifold that is in fluid communication with the conducting path at one end and may be expanded by pressurized fluid;
A flexible heat exchange structure comprising:
The manifold has corrugated walls that are dimensioned and oriented such that when the structure is pressurized the width of the conducting path decreases to the same extent.
A flexible heat exchange structure. The corrugated wall is formed by a series of substantially semi-circular seals connected together in a corrugated pattern,
The heat exchange structure according to claim 12. The corrugated wall is formed by a series of V-shaped seals connected together in a staggered pattern,
The heat exchange structure according to claim 12. A heat exchange system for temperature treating the body,
A sheet of first and second superimposed flexible materials that are sealed together and form a plurality of fluid communication paths that can expand and reduce in width when pressurized fluid passes through;
A manifold that is in fluid communication with the conducting path at one end and may be expanded by pressurized fluid;
A heat exchange panel having
The manifold has corrugated walls that are dimensioned and oriented so that the dimensions decrease to the same extent as the width of the conduction path decreases when the panel is pressurized;
An outer layer wrapped around the body and configured to hold the panel on the body with the first sheet facing the body;
An air chamber between the outer layer and the second sheet;
Means for pressurizing the air chamber and pressing the heat exchange panel against the body;
A heating / cooling unit for circulating a fluid at a predetermined temperature through the panel;
A heat exchange system comprising: The means for pressurizing the air chamber and the heating / cooling unit are combined in separate units and connected to the panel by flexible tubing,
The system according to claim 15. A hook and loop fastener attached to the outer layer to secure the device to the body;
The system according to claim 15. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a layer of heat dissipating material adjacent to the first sheet for more uniform heat transfer between the fluid in the conduction path and the body. System. A personal heating / cooling system,
A sheet of a pair of overlapping flexible materials that are sealed together and form a plurality of fluid communication paths that can expand and reduce in width when pressurized fluid passes through;
A manifold that is in fluid communication with the conducting path at one end and may be expanded by pressurized fluid;
A heat exchange panel having
The manifold has a corrugated wall dimensioned and oriented such that upon pressurization of the panel, the dimension of the conduit decreases to the same extent as the width of the conducting path decreases.
A heated fluid reservoir;
A cooling fluid reservoir;
A mixing valve connected between the panel and the reservoir and adjustable to mix fluid from the two reservoirs in any desired ratio to supply the panel;
A return reservoir for containing fluid from the panel;
A pump for supplying fluid from the return reservoir to the conducting path via the heating fluid reservoir and the cooling fluid reservoir;
including,
A personal heating / cooling system. The pump is connected between the return reservoir and the other two reservoirs;
The system of claim 19.

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