An intravenous heat exchange catheter and/or an external cooling pad/bladder can be used to maintain hypothermia in, e.g., a cardiac arrest patient, but to accelerate the cooling process the patient first can be infused with cold saline before the opportunity arises to connect the catheter or pad to the patient.

Thermal management devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a representative device can comprise (i) thermoelectric components (TECs) each including a first side configured to be operated at a desired temperature and a second side opposite the first side, and (ii) a heat transfer system including an array of fluid distribution networks, an inlet passage coupled to the fluid distribution networks, and an outlet passage coupled to the fluid distribution networks. In operation, a working fluid flows through the fluid distribution networks from the inlet passage to the outlet passage, and absorbs heat from the fluid distribution networks. The inlet and outlet passages can be fluidically coupled to individual fluid distribution networks such that pressure drop and/or temperature drop of the working fluid across the individual fluid distribution networks is about the same as one another.

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.

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.

A portable body surface air cooling method and a device thereof are disclosed. A portable air compression and heat dissipation set at least composed of an air compression unit, an air heat dissipation passage set and a power unit. The device compresses air with normal temperature in an environment to form compressed air, transfers the compressed air through a transfer passage, dissipates the heat of the compressed air and lowers the temperature of the compressed air in the transfer process, making the compressed air with lowered temperature continuously self-expand to reduce the pressure and lower the temperature in the transfer passage, guiding the compressed air to a terminal expansion spraying/spreading position, The compressed air is directly sprayed to the body surface of the user to spread hot air layer and perform the processes of final expansion, heat absorption and temperature lowering. Accordingly, double cooling effects are achieved.

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.

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.

The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling, fluid removal and/or energy removal. The method and device provide for removal of fluid and cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation of body fluid, removal of energy, cooling of the anatomical feature, and systemic cooling. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest. Similarly, excess fluid removal may be achieved for treatment of cardiogenic shock or other conditions that cause significant fluid build-up, especially in cases of compromised renal function. Additionally, the invention may be used to reduce fever, and other conditions where removal of heat, energy and/or water are beneficial.