Patent ID: 7311724
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for lowering the core body temperature of a patient, said method comprising the steps of: A. monitoring the patient's core body temperature; B selecting a desired core body temperature that is lower than the patient's current core body temperature; C. providing a heat exchange catheter which is insertable into the patient's vasculature, said heat exchange catheter comprising an elongate, flexible catheter body and a heat exchanger which occupies less than the entirety of the catheter body, said heat exchanger comprising a balloon through which a cooled fluid is circulated; D. inserting the heat exchange catheter into the patient's vasculature such that the heat exchanger is positioned within a blood vessel through which blood is flowing; E. circulating cooled fluid through said balloon to lower the monitored core body temperature to approximately the desired core body temperature.