Patent ID: 6620130
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A system for infusing a fluid into a patient such that the fluid mixes in vivo with the patient's blood so as to warm or cool the patient, the system comprising:a volume of fluid within a reservoir; a temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir; s a temperature altering device in close proximity to the volume of fluid, said temperature altering device being useable to alternately heat or cool the volume of fluid within the reservoir to a desired temperature; a positive pressure device to place the volume of fluid within the reservoir under positive pressure while at the desired temperature; a transfer conduit to transfer at least some of the fluid under positive pressure to the patient while at the desired temperature; and a processor that is in communication with at least the temperature sensor and the positive pressure device, said processor being operative to cause the positive pressure device to move fluid through the transfer conduit after the fluid has reached a desired temperature and to control the rate and volume of fluid that passes through the transfer conduit.