Polymers, hydrogels, and thermochromic agents, including products embodying them, methods of using them, and processes for making them. In certain embodiments, temperature therapy packs which utilize thermochromic agents integrated into solid, semi-solid, or liquid hydrogels. In preferred (but optional) embodiments, the thermochromic agents are integrated into the composition used as the temperature exchange material of the therapy pack. In certain other embodiments, methods of using the thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials, or processes for manufacturing such thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials and/or methods or processes for manufacturing or using thermal packs embodying such materials. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, novel polymer compositions and/or processes for making polymers, which improve product durability or longevity and/or which improve use cycles or usage times.

A targeted temperature management (TTM) system includes a TTM module configured to provide a TTM fluid and a pad configured to facilitate thermal energy transfer between the TTM fluid and a patient. The system includes a fluid delivery line (FDL) with a hub at the distal end of the FDL. The pad includes a connector including a flapper valve configured to alternate between open and closed positions based on whether the connector is coupled with the FDL hub. The flapper valve in the closed position covers openings of each of the fluid delivery conduit and fluid return conduit when the connector is uncoupled from the FDL hub. The flapper valve is configured to deform into the open position upon coupling of the connector and the FDL hub thereby establishing fluid communication therebetween.

Described are various embodiments of a cooling pack. In one such embodiment a cooling pack is provided for cooling a crotch region of a human while seated on a seating surface, the cooling pack comprising a tapered container for holding a cooling material therein, and defined by tapering upper and lower surfaces drawing into a tapered edge to be positioned between the crotch region and the seating surface in use, thereby providing cooling for the region.

A hot air producing system produces and stores hot air, and applies the stored hot air to a human body. The system includes a heating apparatus to heat the air, a temperature setting gauge to allow a user to set a desired temperature, a pressure gauge to measure a pressure of the air in the container, a pump to pump the hot air, a fill connection, an expandable container for receiving and storing the hot air, with a valve to connect to the fill connection such that the expandable container can receive the hot air, an adjustable flow release mechanism to allow a user to adjust an amount of flow of hot air out of the expandable container, and a flexible hose connected to the adjustable flow release mechanism, with a nozzle to direct the hot air to a portion of the human body.

Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect; and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.

An apparatus and method use a catheter for specific and discriminate treatment of central nervous system disease. With the catheter, selective hypothermia to the brain and/or the spinal cord for injury protection can be achieved without the need for systemic cooling. The catheter is also capable of draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.

An electric heating pad for warming a patient includes a heated underbody support or heated mattress. The heated underbody support or mattress includes a heater assembly having a flexible sheet-like heating element, conductive bus bars attached at or near side edges of the heating element, and fabric side edge extensions attached to heating element side edges. The heated underbody support or mattress also includes a layer of polymeric foam positioned under the heater assembly and a shell, including at least two sheets of flexible material, covering at least a portion of the heater assembly and the layer of polymeric foam. When the heater assembly is wrapped around the top surface of the layer of polymeric foam, side edges of the heating element extend partially down the two side walls of the layer of polymeric foam and the conductive bus bars lie adjacent those two side walls.

A device for indirect temperature regulation of the brain of a human via a nasal cavity thereof, the device comprising: a membrane having a membrane surface area, a length, a center point with respect to the length, a width, and a center point with respect to the width, said membrane adapted to be arranged in contact with a surface of the nasal cavity, said membrane defining a closed volume and having the shape of the nasal cavity such that when in use, it expands and conforms to the nasal cavity, a first catheter, a second catheter, and means for circulating said fluid into said volume via said first catheter and out of said volume via said second catheter.

A cryogenic fluid composition may include water (H20), and at least one salt. The ratio of water to the at least one salt is approximately between 1% and 6% salt with the remainder water. A cryogenic fluid production device may include a cylindrical housing, and a heat exchanger disposed within the cylindrical housing. The heat exchanger may include an inlet, a channel, and an outlet. A coolant may be conveyed through the inlet, the channel, and the outlet of the heat exchanger. The cryogenic fluid production device may further include an interior wall, and an auger disposed within the interior wall of the heat exchanger.

A cryogenic fluid composition may include water (H20), and at least one salt. The ratio of water to the at least one salt is approximately between 1% and 6% salt with the remainder water. A cryogenic fluid production device may include a cylindrical housing, and a heat exchanger disposed within the cylindrical housing. The heat exchanger may include an inlet, a channel, and an outlet. A coolant may be conveyed through the inlet, the channel, and the outlet of the heat exchanger. The cryogenic fluid production device may further include an interior wall, and an auger disposed within the interior wall of the heat exchanger.