The invention relates to devices and methods for affecting an internal body tube, such as the esophagus, particularly to affecting the internal body tube by inserting a device into the internal body tube and more particularly to affecting the internal body tube by at least partially sealing off a section and moving the walls of the internal body tube, and/or applying cooling to the internal body tube. This invention further relates to methods of using such devices to move portions of an internal body tube away from an area undergoing a treatment or therapy, such as to minimize damage to the internal body tube, and/or providing cooling/temperature monitoring.

A cryotherapy apparatus including a heat exchanger, a cryotherapy chamber, cryogenic nitrogen supply and exhaust conduits to and from the heat exchanger, an air return conduit to flow warmed air from the cryotherapy chamber to the heat exchanger, an air supply conduit to flow chilled air from the heat exchanger to the cryotherapy chamber, a variable speed fan to cause flow of air through a loop including the air supply and return conduits, the heat exchanger, and the cryotherapy chamber, and a controller programmed to control the flow rate of air by regulating the speed of the variable speed fan according to a treatment protocol; and a method of delivering cryotherapy according to a customized treatment protocol taking into account one or more of: a patient's treatment goals, a customization factor, a personalization factor, and an adaptation factor.

Device for carrying out a Shirodhara treatment in which a liquid is poured over the forehead of a person, whereby said device comprises an outlet for the liquid and a pump and a supply line running from said pump to said outlet, whereby said outlet is can move reciprocally in a regular manner, whereby said device is provided with a heating unit for heating liquid to a target temperature, whereby said heating unit comprises a heating element, whereby said heating element is disposed in or around said supply line, whereby said heating unit comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid, whereby said device comprises a control unit to regulate the power of said heating element on the basis of the temperature measured by said temperature sensor.

Systems and methods provide air or gas-based temperature-controlled medical devices. The systems and methods may be applied to provide therapy to a patient suffering orthopedic or other injuries. Air or other gas is temperature-controlled and adjusted to meet a patient's physical needs and delivered the patient therapy site through a temperature regulated system including a therapeutic orthopedic wrap. Feedback mechanisms allow the caregiver or the patient to adjust the temperature of the gas. Other fluids may also be used. The systems and methods permit use of electrotherapy for enhanced therapy and injury recovery.

The apparatus includes a moxibustion container assembly for localized application of therapeutic herbal smoke originated from gas-producing combustible material, an air pump connectable to the moxibustion container assembly via an inlet tube to supply air to the moxibustion container assembly, a vacuum pump connectable to the moxibustion container assembly via an outlet tube to create a partial vacuum to draw air from the moxibustion container assembly and exhaust air thereafter, and an air purifier connected to the vacuum pump to remove the contaminants in the air exhausted from the vacuum pump.

Endotracheal devices, systems, and methods of using the same for transpulmonary thermal transfer to, e.g., induce transpulmonary hypothermia and/or warming. The endotracheal devices may include first and second lumens extending through the endotracheal device along with insulation located in an interior of the tube of the endotracheal device to limit thermal energy transfer between fluids in the first and second lumens.

Apparatus for cooling an object, space, or tissues of a patient. A vacuum chamber is designed to be placed in thermal contact with the object or space to be cooled, or against a patient to be treated. A water sprayer is configured to spray water into the vacuum chamber or against a cooling wall of the chamber. A vacuum pump and control are designed to maintain vacuum below ambient pressure in the vacuum chamber sufficient to cause accelerated evaporation of the water and cooling to a temperature desired for cooling of the object, space, or patient.

Systems and methods for a medical device configured to provide cooling to a tissue region are provided. The medical device may be configured to noninvasively cool the tissue region to a predetermined operating temperature via a two-phase heat transfer process. In some aspects, the medical device can be configured to be in communication with a vacuum to provide a suction to the medical device. In some aspects, the medical device can be adapted to a medical device to noninvasively cool the tissue region near a fractional treatment area.

Systems and methods for systems and methods for focal cooling of the brain and spinal cord are disclosed. Some embodiments may be directed to a neuroprotection system that includes a cerebrospinal fluid processing platform. Embodiments may provide rapid and selective spinal cord hypothermia and drainage. Embodiments may be tailored to selective spinal cord cooling, pressure monitoring and automated drainage. Embodiments may enable local hypothermic neuroprotection, limit the stress of systemic cooling, minimize secondary neuronal damage and achieve maximal neuroprotection while at the same time improving workflow as a result of automated drainage. Embodiments may to include a multi-lumen catheter, a drainage collection reservoir bag, a pump to circulate coolant, sensor hardware and controllers to modulate the flow of a heat transfer fluid for cooling to modulate therapeutic hypothermia and re-warming. Certain embodiments may include extracorporeal cooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Certain embodiments may include circulating heat transfer fluid within a CSF-containing space near the brain or spinal cord using a catheter. Particular methods may be used to determine the length and amount of cooling.

A thermal pad is adapted to be placed in physical contact with a patient and to receive temperature controlled fluid from a thermal control unit. The temperature controlled fluid circulates through the thermal pad and controls the patient's temperature. The thermal pad includes first and second sheets that are sealed together about their periphery to define a fluid chamber there between. A fluid inlet and fluid outlet are fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber. In some embodiments, a filter sheet is sandwiched between the first and second sheets and arranged such that fluid entering the fluid inlet must pass through the filter sheet before exiting out of the fluid outlet. A plurality of bonds may be included that seal the first and second sheets together at a plurality of locations. In some embodiments, a non-sheet filter is positioned within the fluid chamber and filters the circulating fluid.