Cooling system for indwelling heat exchange catheter

Abstract

A system for exchanging heat with the body of a patient for cooling or warming the patient provides for automatic temperature control in accordance with the monitored temperature of the patient. The system comprises a temperature control module and temperature probes for making body core temperature measurements. The body core temperature measurements are used to control the temperature of fluid circulating within the fluid circuit.

1 . An apparatus for changing and maintaining the temperature of at least a portion of the body of a patient, the apparatus comprising: 
 an indwelling catheter adapted for heat exchange within the body, the indwelling catheter including at least two heat exchange members;    a means for measuring a core body temperature of the patient;    a primary fluid circuit in fluid flow communication with the indwelling catheter, the primary circuit adapted to contain a first circulating fluid therein;    a secondary fluid circuit which is in heat exchange relationship with the primary fluid circuit and adapted to contain a second circulating fluid therein, the first and second fluids being in fluid-flow isolation from each other; and    a temperature control module for changing the temperature of the second fluid,    whereby, the temperature control module operates depending on the measured core body temperature of the patient.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control module is adapted to automatically heat or cool the second fluid in accordance with a sensed temperature of the body of the patient such that a desired body temperature is approached.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a temperature probe for providing a body temperature signal representative of the body temperature of the patient, the temperature control module having a temperature controller for receiving the body temperature signal and actuating heating or cooling of the second fluid in accordance with a temperature control algorithm.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a first pump for effecting circulation of the first fluid in the primary fluid circuit at a first rate;    a second pump for effecting circulation of the second fluid in the secondary fluid circuit at a second rate; and    a temperature controller for automatically controlling at least one of the heating, cooling, first rate and second rate in accordance with a sensed temperature of the body of the patient.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a heat exchanger for effecting heat exchange between the primary and secondary fluid circuits.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the first pump is a roller pump.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the primary circuit is provided with a detector for sensing fluid loss.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two heat exchange members includes a balloon.