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.

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 heating pad assembly includes a flexible heating pad having a flexible substrate forming a plurality of deflectable tabs and one or more electrically conductive heating traces routed through the plurality of deflectable tabs and configured to radiate heat therefrom in response to electrical current flowing through the one or more heating traces.

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.

Provided are systems and methods for reducing pain during an injection or an insertion of an object into the skin of a subject.

A control unit and methods for operating the control unit to perform non-contact radio-frequency (RF) heating of a fluid flowing through or contained within a non-contact radio-frequency heating element.

An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about −5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

An apparatus for providing prolonged topical cooling to the external female genitalia as a therapeutic benefit to and relief from female itching and burning is disclosed as a lightweight, portable cooling unit in combination with one or more labial inserts which are specifically designed to conform to the user's anatomy. The cooling unit is typically a container capable of both cooling and transporting the labial inserts during travel, and providing easy access to relief when needed by the user. A cooled labial insert can be applied to the external female genitalia for treatment of the acute symptoms associated with vulvar inflammation and irritation. The inventive apparatus can maintain a cooling temperature to the affected area for an extended period of time, limited only by the life of the cooling power source. The labial inserts can be worn in public with minimum disruption to the user's clothing and mobility.

A skin treatment apparatus, such as a microdermabrasion or dermaplaning apparatus, includes a housing having a top end and a bottom end, a treatment head attached to the top end of the housing and arranged to exfoliate skin within a treatment area, and a cooling member provided on the bottom end of the housing arranged to cool skin within the treatment area.