Patent ID: 6051019
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus for selective organ hypothermia, said apparatus comprising:a compressor;a flexible elongated catheter, said catheter having a flexible tubular outer catheter body;a flexible tubular inner refrigerant supply conduit located within said outer catheter body, a proximal end of said inner refrigerant supply conduit being connected in fluid flow communication with an outlet of said compressor;a refrigerant return path within said outer catheter body, a proximal end of said refrigerant return path being connected in fluid flow communication with an inlet of said compressor;an expansion element located adjacent to a distal end of said outer catheter body, said expansion element having an inlet at a distal end of said inner refrigerant supply conduit;a flexible elongated, hollow, heat transfer element mounted to said distal end of said outer catheter body, said heat transfer element being transformable to a shape having an enhanced heat transfer surface area; anda refrigerant chamber within said hollow heat transfer element, said refrigerant chamber being connected in fluid flow communication with an outlet of said expansion element, said refrigerant chamber being connected in fluid flow communication with a distal end of said refrigerant return path within said outer catheter body.