Patent ID: 6146411
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
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 self-contained primary fluid circuit in fluid flow communication with the indwelling catheter, the primary circuit adapted to contain a first circulating fluid therein;a self-contained 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; anda temperature control module for changing the temperature of the second fluid,wherein the primary circuit is provided with a detector for sensing fluid loss, the detector comprising: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; anda switch adapted to toggle between first and second states depending on the configuration of the fluid volume reservoir.