Apparatuses and methods of fabrication are provided which include a mechanical coolant pump to facilitate pumping a coolant through a coolant loop. The mechanical coolant pump is to couple to an individual and be physically powered by a specified movement of the individual to pump coolant. Coolant pumped by the mechanical coolant pump is circulated by the coolant pump through a device associated with the individual to cool the device.

A medical device (10) is provided. The device comprises an elasticated textile body (12) having at least one opening (14,16) into which a limb may be inserted. The device further comprises at least one textile receptacle (17) welded to the elasticated textile body (12), the at least one receptacle containing a thermal storage medium.

A prosthetic socket cooling system and method includes a strap for coupling about a limb fitted with a prosthetic socket. One or more thermally conductive heat spreaders are associated with the strap and may be at least partially seated underneath the prosthetic socket. A heat extraction subsystem is coupled to at least one of the lengthy heat spreaders and carried by the strap. In one version, heat spreaders may form sections of the strap.

A heat sleeve for selectively heating a residual limb of an amputee is provided. The heat sleeve includes a first sock member having an open proximal end, a distal end and a continuous side wall, all defining an open interior area configured to receive the residual limb therein. A temperature regulating apparatus includes a thermal adjustment element adapted to be mounted onto an exterior surface of the first sock member proximate the distal end, and a power supply operatively coupled to the thermal adjustment element. When the power supply is in its ON orientation and providing power to the thermal adjustment element, the thermal adjustment element selectively heats the residual limb within the first sock. A second sock member may then receive the residual limb, the first sock member and the flexible heating element therein.

Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

A prosthesis includes a socket for receiving a residual limb, the socket having a socket wall defining a limb-receiving surface; a heat pipe including a working fluid and a wicking structure, the heat pipe having a socket section and a heat sink section, the heat pipe extending along its length through the socket wall proximate to or exposed at the limb-receiving surface, wherein the working fluid has a boiling point of from about 0° C. to 90° C. such that the working fluid is adapted to evaporate to form vapor under the influence of the heat of a residual limb in the socket thus drawing heat from and cooling the residual limb. A heat sink section of the heat pipe passes through the heat sink, the heat sink reducing the temperature of the working fluid.

A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic liner adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is arranged for regulating fluid communication between an interface region defined between the prosthetic liner and the residual limb and a suspension chamber defined between the prosthetic liner and the prosthetic socket. A vacuum in the suspension chamber selectively moves the valve assembly between a closed position in which the valve assembly fluidly separates the suspension chamber from the interface region, and an open position in which a portion of the vacuum in the suspension chamber draws fluid from the interface region via the valve assembly into the suspension chamber.

A temperature regulating socket apparatus for selectively heating or cooling a residual limb of an amputee is provided. The temperature regulating socket apparatus includes a socket having a brim, a distal end and a continuous side wall, all defining an open interior area for receiving the residual limb therein and a temperature regulating apparatus. The temperature regulating apparatus includes a thermal adjustment element embedded within the socket side wall; a temperature control unit operatively coupled to the thermal adjustment element; and a power supply operatively coupled to the temperature control unit. When the power supply is in its ON orientation the temperature control unit is powered so that the temperature control unit regulates the temperature of the thermal adjustment element to selectively heat or cool the residual limb within the socket.

A prosthetic socket cooling system and method includes a thermally conductive heat spreader including a curved shaped portion configured to maximize contact with a residual limb of a user. A heat extraction subsystem is coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the thermally conductive heat spreader and is configured to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket.

A prosthetic socket cooling system and method includes a thermally conductive heat spreader including a curved shaped portion configured to maximize contact with a residual limb of a user. A heat extraction subsystem is coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the thermally conductive heat spreader and is configured to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket.