Patent ID: 6149674
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61G,A61H,F21W,G16H

Abstract:
A method for regulating an actual core body temperature of a person having a core body, a core body temperature, and blood vessels, the method comprising the steps of:providing a controller and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being adapted to be coupled to the patient,setting a desired core body temperature of the person in the controller,measuring the actual core body temperature of the person using the temperature sensor,comparing, in the controller, the actual core body temperature of the person to the desired core body temperature of the person to determine if the core body temperature of the person needs to be adjusted, the comparing step being performed on an ongoing basis,vasodilating blood vessels of a portion of the person to promote absorption and transfer of heat from the portion of the person to the core body of the person, andone of heating or cooling the portion of the person if the comparing step determines that the core body temperature of the person needs to be adjusted.