A microwave radiometric sensor probe module configured to fit within at least an external portion of an auditory or ear canal of a patient encloses a microwave integrated circuit and associated waveguide printed probe. The probe is configured to receive microwave radiation from a dielectric rod antenna of the module oriented into the auditory canal towards a tympanic membrane. Radiation from the tympanic membrane is coupled into the rod antenna, projected towards the printed probe, and received at the integrated circuit. A communications interface connects the integrated circuit to a temperature monitor and control unit for receiving the sensor output and for deriving at least a measure of patient brain temperature from the sensor output. The temperature monitor and control unit may be connected to a targeted temperature management system for controlling the temperature of a patient on the basis of the derived brain temperature.

Disclosed are sheaths that comprise a first sheath member having a first passageway, a first length, and a first proximal end defined by a first valve apparatus configured to seal the first passageway, the first passageway having a first passageway diameter at a location in the first passageway; and a second sheath member coupled to the first sheath member, the second sheath member having a second passageway and a second length, the second passageway having a second passageway diameter at a location in the second passageway; where the first passageway and the second passageway are separate from each other and not co-axial, the first length is different from the second length, and the first and second sheath members are positioned beside each other for a portion of their first and second lengths.

Thermal therapy systems, devices, and methods of using the same disclosed. A localized hypothermia of the pancreas with a delivery and placement procedure in the stomach of a patient comprising a cooling balloon system is disclosed that can be used for the treatment of pancreatitis in a patient. The cooling balloon system can have mechanisms for affecting the pancreas without impacting or inducing hypothermia in the patient in a systemic fashion. The localized hypothermia system can have a simplified delivery system and can be intended to reduce patient discomfort while reducing the metabolic activity of the inflamed pancreas of the patient.

A device to change the temperature of a localized volume of material. One device includes at least one heat transfer mechanism having a conformable external surface for direct contact with a surface of the material. A working fluid is directed by input and output conduits to contact an internal surface of the heat transfer mechanism. A wall of the heat transfer mechanism exchanges heat between the working fluid and the material. Temperature of the working fluid may be regulated by a thermal control system disposed at a remote location. An optional temperature sensing element may monitor a local temperature of the heat transfer mechanism or otherwise infer a temperature of a portion of the material. Portions of certain devices may be deformed to a desired device shape.

Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

The invention discloses an apparatus for adjusting the temperature of a body comprising a sheath for providing a channel from outside said body to a cavity inside said body, where said sheath comprises a guiding section being angular to said channel. The apparatus further comprises a heat exchange unit comprising an inlet and an outlet, an outer contour and an inner fluid channel, adapted for inserting through said channel of said sheath.

A medical catheter for hypothermic treatment has a catheter tube, which has at least two inner lumina. At least one inner lumen forms a temperature control duct that is suitable for in particular provided for, conveying a cooling liquid. A reinforcement is associated with at least one inner lumen.

Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15 cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette so that, for example, a large capacity control unit can be used initially, and a smaller, battery-powered unit can be substituted once the patient reaches the desired target temperature.

A method for treatment of a brain and/or spinal cord includes inserting a flexible catheter into a cerebrospinal fluid space, the flexible catheter including two lumens adapted to allow a fluid to circulate therein in a closed loop within the flexible catheter and the flexible catheter being adapted to be connected to a device for cooling and circulating the fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebrospinal fluid space is cooled with the flexible catheter to enable selective central nervous system cooling. The functional status of the brain and/or spinal cord is monitored, and the treatment of the brain and/or spinal cord is modified to adjust for any change in the functional status of the brain and/or spinal cord.