Patent ID: 7903957
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: A61B,G05D

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a sterile liquid near a target temperature using a liquid warming device, the method comprising the steps of: placing a surgical drape with an opening over a cavity in the liquid warming device, the opening having a perimeter; placing a portion of a sterile removable basin in the cavity, an exterior of the sterile removable basin in contact with the perimeter of the opening in the surgical drape such that a portion of the sterile removable basin extending into the cavity through the opening of the surgical drape is placed into thermal contact with a temperature sensing device, the combination of the surgical drape and the sterile removable basin forming a sterile barrier for at least a top surface of the liquid warming device; placing a sterile liquid in the sterile removable basin; providing an indication of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing device to a fluid temperature controller; controlling a heater to provide thermal energy to a portion of the sterile removable basin where a least a portion of the thermal energy travels through a path from the heater to the sterile removable basin that does not include the surgical drape; and the heater controlled to avoid applying additional thermal energy when the indication of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing device exceeds a desired indication of temperature so that the sterile liquid is maintained near the target temperature.