Method and apparatus for peritoneal oxygenation

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and method for introducing fluids into a body cavity for treatment. One embodiment provides an apparatus for treating a patient including an access device for insertion into the peritoneal cavity of the patient including an infusion member in a lumen of the access device. An oxygenated solution may be infused and removed into and out of the cavity via the infusion member.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of cooling a body cavity of a patient, comprising:
 monitoring a depth of an access device inserted within a body cavity, the access device having a valve for controlling a fluid flow from the body cavity;   introducing a volume of air into the body cavity such that the body cavity is expanded into a distended shape;   introducing a hypothermic solution through a lumen of the access device and into the body cavity such that the body cavity is cooled while expanded into the distended shape;   monitoring a pressure within the body cavity; and   controlling an infusion of the hypothermic solution such that excessive pressure buildup within the body cavity is inhibited.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein monitoring the depth comprises determining when a tip of the access device has entered the body cavity. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the access device is inserted within a peritoneal cavity of the patient. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the access device comprises a tissue penetrating distal end. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising removing the hypothermic solution from the body cavity via a second lumen of the access device. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein removing the hypothermic solution comprises removing the hypothermic solution from the body cavity while simultaneously introducing the hypothermic solution into the body cavity in parallel. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21  wherein monitoring the pressure comprises monitoring the pressure via an electronic controller. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising monitoring a CO 2  level of the patient via an electronic controller. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising enhancing a heat transfer within the body cavity by maintaining the distended shape of the body cavity.