Patent ID: 7403704
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A dual-channel fluid temperature control apparatus for controlling temperature of cardiac fluids during surgery using power from an electrical convenience outlet having a power limit, said apparatus comprising: a first circulation channel for conveying a first heat exchange fluid; a second circulation channel for conveying a second heat exchange fluid; a first pump receiving said first heat exchange fluid to selectively pump said first heat exchange fluid within said first circulation channel; a second pump receiving said second heat exchange fluid to selectively pump said second heat exchange fluid within said second circulation channel; a first heater unit thermally coupled to said first heat exchange fluid and comprising a first plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption; a second heater unit thermally coupled to said second heat exchange fluid and comprising a second plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption; a cooling bath for selectably thermally coupling to said first and second heat exchange fluids; and a controller for selectably actuating said first and second pumps and said first and second pluralities of heating elements to selectably heat or cool said first and second heat exchange fluids such that power draw of all activated pumps and heating elements is maintained within said power limits wherein the combined power consumption of the first and second pluralities of heating elements together with the power consumption of the controller and the pumps is greater than the power limit, wherein the first plurality of heating elements includes a first individual heating element having a power consumption sufficiently small to enable the controller to maintain it fully on even when at least one of the second plurality of heating elements is fully on without exceeding the power limit, and wherein the second plurality of heating elements includes a second individual heating element having a power consumption sufficiently small to enable the controller to maintain it fully on even when at least one of the first plurality of heating elements is fully on without exceeding the power limit.