CN101217924B - Portable therapeutic cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable, disposable therapeutic cooling system utilizes convective cooling and recirculated air to economically, safely, and effectively cool a patient's head and body immediately following a life-threatening health event (eg, cardiac arrest or stroke).

Description

Portable Therapeutic Cooling System

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60/585,166, filed July 2,2004. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to cooling systems, and more particularly, but not limitedly, to a portable therapeutic cooling system utilizing gas that provides a sub-hypothermic effect suitable for use immediately or as soon as possible after a traumatic event.

Background technique

There are instances where it is desirable to properly cool a patient as part of clinical treatment. Patients who have suffered a stroke or cardiac arrest or other major or life-threatening health event may be treated with mild hypothermia (eg, a temperature in the range of 32°C to 34°C) for more than 1 hour after cardiac arrest. benefit. Since the time period between a major or life-threatening event and the availability of treatment on the patient's body can be long due to external circumstances, such as transport to a hospital, such treatment should begin as quickly as possible.

Temperature is an important variable in judging the extent of neuronal damage caused by an ischemic attack (Dietrich et al., 1990). In clinical practice, temperature is now recognized as an important, independent risk factor for stroke (Reith et al., 1996), and the risk factor is attributed to other risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension, smoking, ventricular fibrillation, diabetes and Transient ischemic attack, etc. In terms of treatment, based on clinical studies (Kammersgaard et al., 2000; Schwab et al., 1997) and animal experiments showing long-term neuronal and behavioral benefits (Cbrbett and Thornhill, 2000; Colbourne and Corbett, 1994), it is considered to be effective for patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. Sub-low temperature (34°C-36°C) is beneficial.

降温毯(wrap)的强迫型空气冷却和麻醉剂(Kammersgaard等，2000)或者借助于风扇和酒精清洗的冷却(Schwab等，1997)，试验中风病人的全身降温。施予陪替丁麻醉剂以防止颤动行为的发生。已经尝试对脑外伤和中风病人进行更加局部化的头部冷却。冷却头盔(之前被冷却的或者使得冷水或空气循环通过它们)试图借助于通过头盔的导热变化降低脑部温度(Klatz和Goldman在1995年的美国专利No.5,913,885；Gunn和Gunn在1998年的PCT专利申请WO98/56310)。已经设计出用于头部和颈部区域的冷却枕垫来降低病人身体的温度(Tsutomu和Koji在1998的日本专利公布09-072152；2000；Katsumitsu和Shinichi在2000年的日本专利公布10-250455)。这些设备通常体积很大，并且为了有效地操作这种设备需要关于这种设备的专用知识。Therapeutically, with the aid of Bair Hugger

Whole-body cooling in stroke patients was tested using forced air cooling with a wrap and anesthetic (Kammersgaard et al., 2000) or cooling with the aid of a fan and alcohol wash (Schwab et al., 1997). Pethidine anesthesia was administered to prevent fibrillation. More localized head cooling has been attempted in traumatic brain injury and stroke patients. Cooling helmets (previously cooled or having cold water or air circulated through them) attempt to reduce brain temperature by means of thermal conduction changes through the helmet (Klatz and Goldman, U.S. Patent No. 5,913,885, 1995; Gunn and Gunn, PCT, 1998 Patent application WO98/56310). Cooling pillows for the head and neck region have been devised to reduce the temperature of the patient's body (Japanese Patent Publication 09-072152 by Tsutomu and Koji in 1998; 2000; Japanese Patent Publication 10-250455 in 2000 by Katsumitsu and Shinichi ). These devices are often bulky and require specialized knowledge of such devices in order to operate them effectively.

A review of exemplary prior devices indicates a need for a device or system that incorporates a temperature monitoring system to regulate the cooling effect to cool the whole body. There is a need for a device that can be applied to a patient soon after a serious or life-threatening health accident. The device is especially required during pre-treatment before arrival at the hospital, for example, during ambulance transport.

Furthermore, existing devices are rather bulky and uncomfortable. For example, in pretreatment before arrival at a hospital, when an injured patient is being transported to the hospital, a device that is comfortable and takes into account the patient's physical condition is required. In the case of brain injury due to stroke, or in the case of cardiac arrest, the patient may be transported a long distance to the hospital. Many of these patients are elderly and would feel uncomfortable, hurt or even disrespected when placed in this known device. For this reason, large helmet-like devices with circulating fluid or cooling inserts are especially unsuitable. Furthermore, the large size of the existing device prohibits it from becoming standard equipment for use in ambulances, or any pre-hospital pre-treatment unit with limited storage space. Existing devices also rely on the infusion of cold saline, during which there is no temperature control.

There is a need for a simple, body-enclosing device that can be used by ambulance medical technicians, public health service personnel, or in the patient's immediate area (eg, home) to cool the body to prevent injury to the body. site and minimize the after-effects of the traumatic health event before reaching the hospital.

Contents of the invention

The present invention meets these and other needs through the development of a portable therapeutic cooling system that utilizes convective cooling and recirculated air to economically, Safely and effectively cools the head and body of a dressed or unclothed patient.

The present invention provides a portable therapeutic cooling unit for cooling a patient comprising:

an inflatable jacket for surrounding the patient, the jacket being adapted to allow air to circulate through the inflatable jacket;

a thermal control unit connected to the inflatable jacket, the thermal control unit adapted to circulate air from the thermal control unit into the inflatable jacket;

Wherein the air flow through the inflatable jacket is adapted to convectively cool the patient to induce a sub-hypothermia in the patient in the temperature range of 32°C to 34°C.

Further, wherein said inflatable cover may be an integral head and body cover.

Further, wherein the inflatable jacket may be adapted to provide cooling to the patient's neck, scalp and groin.

Further, the inflatable jacket may be disposable after use.

Further, the portable therapeutic cooling unit provided by the present invention may also include:

an air inlet connected to the inflatable jacket;

an air outlet connected to the inflatable jacket;

Wherein, the thermal control unit is connected to the inflatable jacket via the air inlet and the air outlet.

Further, wherein air introduced into the inflatable jacket may be adapted to be recirculated from the inflatable jacket to the thermal control unit via the air outlet, wherein the air is cooled and The inflatable jacket is introduced.

Further, wherein the air outlet can discharge air from the inflatable jacket to the outside.

Further, the portable therapeutic cooling unit provided by the present invention may further include: a movable power supply.

Further, the movable power source may be a 12-volt DC battery.

Further, wherein said inflatable jacket may be adapted to surround and cool a headgear of a patient's head and neck, including the carotid artery.

Furthermore, the portable cooling unit for treatment provided by the present invention may further include a plurality of veins extending from the head cover to the patient's head to provide cooling to the brain region of the patient.

The present invention also provides a portable cooling system for treatment, which includes:

thermal control unit;

an output device connected to the thermal control unit;

a temperature sensor in communication with the thermal control unit and the output device;

a heat exchanger connected to the output device and connected to the thermal control unit;

a cooling source connected to the thermal control unit and the output device;

a hair dryer electrically connected to the thermal control unit and the output device; and

a pressure sensor coupled to the thermal control unit and the output device;

Wherein, when the thermal control unit is activated, according to the input from the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor, the thermal control unit directs air to blow through the blower and through the heat exchanger, the heat exchange An air cooler communicates with the cooling source to provide cooled air to the output device.

Further, wherein said output device may comprise an inflatable integral head and body cover adapted to surround a patient.

Further, the output device may include an inflatable hood adapted to be placed around the patient's head.

Further, the portable therapeutic cooling system provided by the present invention may further include a diverter valve located between the blower, the heat exchanger, and the cooling source.

Further, the cooling source may be a Peltier element having a hot side and a cold side.

Further, wherein the diverter valve may direct airflow from the blower through the hot side or the cold side of the Peltier element to heat or cool the patient depending on the input received from the thermal control unit.

Furthermore, the output device may be disposable after use.

The present invention also provides a portable cooling system for treatment, which includes:

thermal control unit;

an output device connected to the thermal control unit;

a temperature sensor in communication with the thermal control unit and the output device;

a cooling source connected to the thermal control unit and the output device;

a hair dryer electrically connected to the thermal control unit and the output device; and

a pressure sensor coupled to the thermal control unit and the output device;

Wherein, the thermal control unit is adapted to control the temperature in the output device.

Further, the portable therapeutic cooling system provided by the present invention may further include a heat exchanger connected to the cooling source and the thermal control unit and to the output device.

Further, wherein said cooling source may be compressed gas, and wherein said compressed gas may be stored in a container and connected to a proportional valve, said proportional valve may be connected to said thermal control unit and adapted according to said The input to the thermal control unit proportionally distributes the amount of compressed gas released from the container to the output device.

Further, the compressed gas may be a fluid.

Further, the cooling source may be compressed gas.

Further, wherein said compressed gas may be stored in a container and connected to a proportional valve, said proportional valve may be connected to said thermal control unit and adapted to proportionally distribute the gas from said thermal control unit according to the input of said thermal control unit. The amount of compressed gas released by the container to the output device.

Further, wherein said output device is selectable from the group consisting of an integral head and body cover adapted to enclose a patient, a headgear adapted to enclose a patient's head, or a full body cover adapted to enclose a patient's body.

Furthermore, the output device may be disposable after use.

Further, wherein the output device may be inflatable.

The present invention also provides a portable cooling system for treatment, which includes:

thermal control unit;

output device;

a gas mover connected to the thermal control unit and the output device and adapted to convey gas to the output device;

a cooling source comprising compressed gas in a container connected to a valve which in turn is connected to the thermal control unit and connected to an upstream region of the gas mover prior to the output device;

wherein said valve is adapted to increase or decrease the amount of gas provided to said output device;

a temperature sensor in communication with the thermal control unit and the output device and adapted to provide feedback to the thermal control unit during operation;

Wherein gas from said output device is adapted to be recirculated to said gas mover.

Furthermore, the output device may be disposable after use.

Further, wherein said output device is selectable from the group consisting of an integral head and body cover adapted to enclose the patient, a headgear adapted to enclose the patient's head, or a full body cover adapted to enclose the patient's body.

Furthermore, the output device may be disposable after use.

The present invention also provides a portable cooling system for treatment, which includes:

thermal control unit;

output device;

a variable speed gas mover coupled to said thermal control unit and said output device and adapted to convey gas to said output device;

Cooling sources containing ice;

a heat exchanger in communication with the ice;

a temperature sensor in communication with the thermal control unit and the output device and adapted to provide feedback to the thermal control unit during operation;

a recirculation line connected to said output device and said variable speed gas impeller;

Wherein said variable speed gas impeller is adapted to convey gas through said heat exchanger in communication with said cooling source to convey said cooled gas to said output device.

Description of drawings

A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed drawings of the invention, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top partial sectional view of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is another schematic illustration of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

5 is another schematic illustration of an optional cooling system for use with a portable therapeutic system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is another schematic illustration of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is yet another schematic illustration of a portable therapeutic cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by developing a portable therapeutic cooling system adapted to be applied as soon as possible after a health incident, suitable for use in temporary installations such as ambulances, or in Where the patient's seizure occurs, such as the patient's home, the device is suitable for operation by personnel present at the incident, nursing staff or other nearby personnel, and can be effectively used to dress the patient.

First, referring to FIG. 1 , a top partial cross-sectional view of a therapeutic cooling system is shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cooling system 100 includes an inflatable integrated head and body cover 102 connected to a cooling unit 104 . Preferably, the inflatable casing 102 is composed of a disposable material that allows air to circulate through the inflatable casing 102, although non-disposable embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Although the convective nature of the heat transfer from the inflatable jacket 102 to the patient does not require the inflatable jacket 102 to be sealed around the patient in order to cool the patient, the inflatable jacket 102 is adapted to fit along the seams 106, such as by zippers, buttons or other equivalent means. The fastening device seals around the patient.

Cover 102 may be configured in a small, medium, large, or extra large size according to the user's requirements, or otherwise sized for a pediatric patient. The outer shell 102 is adapted to allow air to circulate throughout the outer shell 102 and has an air inlet 108 and an air outlet 110 while preventing air from escaping to the environment. Preferably, the air inlet 108 is connected to the cooling unit 104 via a hose or the like which conveys cooled air from the source to the jacket 102 . The air outlet 110 is adapted to convey the air circulated through the outer casing 102 via a hose or the like to the cooling unit 104 to be recirculated into the outer casing 102 via the air inlet 108 .

The jacket 102 is adapted to deliver cooling to the patient via convective heat transfer. Outerwear 102 is further adapted to provide cooling to critical areas such as the neck, scalp and groin.

When a person suffers a traumatic health incident, incident personnel, paramedics, or other nearby people can conveniently slide the clothed injured person into the jacket 102 and close the jacket 102 through the seam 106 . Once sealed, the cooling unit 104 is activated if it is connected to the jacket, or is connected to the air inlet 108 and air outlet 110 . Cooling air is then directed throughout the entire garment and convectively cools the patient's body through a large area surrounding the patient's entire body. The recirculation feature of jacket 102 allows the system to operate efficiently and maintain the air at a predetermined cooling temperature.

Although not specifically indicated in FIG. 1 , a power source, such as a 12V DC device - such as may be found in an ambulance - or other power source including an AC power sending device may be suitably used to power the cooling unit 104 . Optionally, a battery may be included in the cooling unit 104 .

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a top view of a portable therapeutic cooling system 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portable therapeutic cooling system 200 is adapted to be placed only around the patient's head and neck and to cool the neck and head, including the carotid artery. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of the portable therapeutic cooling system 200 will allow cooling of other parts of the body via the normal blood circulation of the patient's body. For example, the hood 202 is configured to be connected to a cooling unit 204 . The hood 202 provides convective airflow through the hood 202 around the patient's scalp in a closed circuit, and also includes a delivery path providing means for delivering air to cool the patient's brain, such as an emissary vein in an open circuit. vein). The hood 202 also includes extenders 206 in its fabric structure to provide space to allow air to circulate around the scalp.

An air inlet 208 is provided on the hood 202 to connect the delivery tube 210 to the cooling unit 204 . When cooling device 204 is activated, cooling air is delivered through delivery tube 210 and into hood 202 where it circulates around the patient's head and neck area and provides convective cooling.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , there is shown a schematic diagram of a portable therapeutic cooling system 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A control unit 302 is provided which receives temperature input from a temperature sensor 303 located between a heat exchanger 304 and an output device such as a hood 306 and an outer jacket 308 . Control unit 302 provides a speed control signal to blower 310 which blows air through heat exchanger 304 in communication with cooling source 314 . A pressure sensor 316 may be disposed between the blower 310 and the heat exchanger 304 and connected to the control unit 302 to assist the control unit 302 in determining the proper speed of the blower 310 .

Thus, 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 blower 310 which activates and blows air through the heat exchanger 304 . The final air is then delivered to either the hood 306 or the outer shell 308 depending on which device is connected to the system 300 .

Referring now to FIG. 4 , another schematic illustration 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 combined with a heat exchanger to control the temperature of the air passing therethrough. The control unit 404 is connected to a blower 406 , a diverter valve 408 and a temperature sensor 410 . Diverter valve 408 is pre-positioned between blower 406 and Peltier element 402 and thus directs airflow through the hot or cold side of Peltier element 402 depending on control element 404 and heating or cooling requirements. Depending on the configuration of system 400 , temperature sensor 410 is placed downstream of Peltier element 402 and upstream of hood 412 or jacket 414 . In this way, the cooling system 400 provides adequate thermal control to the patient when utilizing the hood 412 or outerwear 414 . It should be appreciated that the hood 412 or outer shell 414 is inflatable, and that the hood 412 or outer shell 414 may be integral.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another schematic illustration of an alternative cooling source 500 for use with the portable therapeutic system shown in FIG. 6 is shown. An optional cooling source 500 is compressed gas, which is typically stored in a container 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 possibly to a heat exchanger (not shown). Optionally, instead of being connected to a heat exchanger, valve 504 may be connected to a dilution device (not shown) to dilute the compressed gas with air. Liquid air can be used as compressed gas.

Figure 6 is another schematic illustration of a portable therapeutic cooling system 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 600 includes a control unit 602, is connected to the control unit 602, and is connected to an air mover 604 of a hood 606 or outer shell 608 as desired. A compressed gas container 610 is also arranged to be connected to a valve 612 . The valve 612 is connected to the control unit 602 and is connected to the upstream region of the air mover 604 before the hood 606 or the jacket 608 . A temperature sensor 614 is provided in the same area and is connected to the control unit 602 to provide temperature data to the control unit 602 during operation.

When the jacket 608 is in use, air is recirculated from the jacket 608 to the air mover 604 to increase the efficiency of the system. Compressed gas, such as liquid air, provides a cooling flow of air to the hood 606 or outer shell 608, thereby eliminating the need for a heat exchanger. Fluid from container 610 is controlled by valve 612, which in turn is directed by control unit 602 to increase or decrease the flow therethrough. Although the term air is used, it should be understood that the air may include any gas, including fluids, capable of providing cooling to the output device. It should also be understood that the hood 606 or the outer shell 608 are inflatable, and that the hood 606 or the outer shell 608 may be unitary.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another schematic illustration of an optional portable therapeutic cooling system 700 is shown. A control unit 702 is provided which receives temperature input from a temperature sensor 703 located between a heat exchanger 704 and an output device such as a hood 706 and an outer jacket 708 . Control unit 702 provides a speed control signal to blower 710 which in turn blows air through heat exchanger 704 which communicates with ice 712 . A recirculation line may be placed between the jacket 708 and a blower 710 which may be a pump or the like to increase the cooling effect of the system 700 . Ice 712 provides a generally readily available source of cooling for users of system 700 in an emergency.

It should be appreciated that each of the embodiments shown in the figures are portable and, although not limited in this regard, adapted to be disposable. Thus, the embodiments shown herein provide an effective, portable therapeutic cooling system that can be used by on-site personnel, paramedics, or anyone else who can assist after a serious or life-threatening health incident to a patient The system is easy to use with few instructions required. It should also be appreciated that the cooling disclosed herein is typical of a convective cooling system, although conduction, radiation or alternative heat transfer mechanisms suitable for portability are considered within the scope of the present invention. The hoods and jackets shown in this embodiment are adapted to be disposable, avoiding the decontamination procedures normally required for re-use of these devices. It should also be understood that when the term air is used, it encompasses any gas including a fluid capable of providing cooling to various output devices (eg, hoods, outerwear, and integrated head and body outerwear).

The foregoing descriptions are of preferred embodiments for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not be limited by this description. Instead, the scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. portable cooling system for treatment, it comprises:

Thermal control units;

Be connected to the outut device of described thermal control units;

The temperature sensor that is communicated with described thermal control units and described outut device;

Be connected to described outut device and be connected to the heat exchanger of described thermal control units;

Be connected to the cooling source of described thermal control units and described outut device;

Be electrically connected to the hair-dryer of described thermal control units and described outut device; And

Be connected to the pressure transducer of described thermal control units and described outut device;

Wherein, when described thermal control units is activated, according to input from described temperature sensor and described pressure transducer, described thermal control units guides the described hair-dryer of blows air over and by described heat exchanger, described heat exchanger is communicated with so that cooled air is provided to described outut device with described cooling source.

2. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 1, wherein, described outut device comprises the head and the body suit of the inflatable one that is suitable for surrounding patient.

3. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 1, wherein, described outut device comprises the inflatable head-shield that is suitable for around the patient head placement.

4. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 1 also comprises the flow divider between described hair-dryer and described heat exchanger and described cooling source.

5. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 4, wherein, described cooling source is the Peltier's element with hot side and cold side.

6. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 5, wherein, described flow divider according to the input that receives from described thermal control units will from the air-flow guiding of described hair-dryer by described Peltier's element hot side or cold side with heating or cool off described patient.

7. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 1, wherein, described outut device with after be discardable.

8. portable cooling system for treatment, it comprises:

Thermal control units;

Be connected to the outut device of described thermal control units;

The temperature sensor that is communicated with described thermal control units and described outut device;

Be connected to the cooling source of described thermal control units and described outut device;

Be electrically connected to the hair-dryer of described thermal control units and described outut device; And

Be connected to the pressure transducer of described thermal control units and described outut device;

Wherein, described thermal control units is suitable for controlling the temperature in the described outut device.

9. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 8, it also comprises the heat exchanger that is connected to described cooling source and described thermal control units and is connected to described outut device.

10. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 9, wherein, described cooling source is a Compressed Gas, and wherein, described compressed gas storage is in container and be connected to proportioning valve, described proportioning valve is connected to described thermal control units, and is suitable for distributing the compressed gas scale of construction that is discharged into described outut device from described container pari passu according to the input of described thermal control units.

11. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 10, wherein, described Compressed Gas is a fluid.

12. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 8, wherein, described cooling source is a Compressed Gas.

13. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 12, wherein, described compressed gas storage is in container, and being connected to proportioning valve, described proportioning valve is connected to described thermal control units and is suitable for distributing the compressed gas scale of construction that is released into described outut device from described container pari passu according to the input of described thermal control units.

14. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 8, wherein, described outut device from by the head and the body suit of the one that is suitable for surrounding patient, be suitable for surrounding the head-shield of patient head or be suitable for surrounding the group that the whole body overcoat of patient body forms and select.

15. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 8, wherein, described outut device with after be discardable.

16. portable cooling system for treatment according to claim 8, wherein, described outut device is inflatable.

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