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 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 flexible adhesive kinesiology/physio tape adapted to produce heat from the exothermic oxidation when exposed to air. The inventive tape includes a layer of porous material with iron and salt disposed therein. In the best mode, the layer is flexible and self-adhesive. A layer of plastic is included to inhibit oxidation prior to application and use. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive flexible adhesive tape includes a first layer of flexible adhesive high quality porous fabric; a second layer of flexible adhesive high quality porous fabric; and the layer of flexible exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer can be fabricated with cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt or fabricated with a mixture of chemical salt in dry crystal form with water. Or any other chemical mixture that creates an exothermic reaction.

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 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.

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.

Disclosed is a medical pad for exchanging thermal energy between a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid and a patient. The pad includes a fluid channel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a bottom channel wall that is disposed between the fluid and the patient during use of the pad. The wall is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity, and the wall includes elements embedded within the wall. The elements are formed of a material having a greater thermal conductivity than the wall material so that a composite thermal conductivity of the wall that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the wall material alone. The thermal energy exchange between the fluid and the patient is defined in accordance with the composite thermal conductivity. The pad can include channel shapes and features that enhance the heat transfer convection coefficient of the fluid within the channel.

Disclosed is a medical pad for exchanging thermal energy between a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid and a patient. The pad includes a fluid channel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a bottom channel wall that is disposed between the fluid and the patient during use of the pad. The wall is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity, and the wall includes elements embedded within the wall. The elements are formed of a material having a greater thermal conductivity than the wall material so that a composite thermal conductivity of the wall that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the wall material alone. The thermal energy exchange between the fluid and the patient is defined in accordance with the composite thermal conductivity. The pad can include channel shapes and features that enhance the heat transfer convection coefficient of the fluid within the channel.