Patent ID: 6454792
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
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; 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 and provided with a detector for sensing fluid loss; 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; wherein the detector for sensing fluid loss comprises: a fluid volume reservoir in fluid communication with the primary circuit, the fluid volume reservoir assuming a first configuration when the first fluid level is at an acceptable level and assuming a second configuration when the first fluid level is at an unacceptable level; a switch adapted to toggle between first and second states depending on the configuration of the fluid volume reservoir.