Portable medical cooling assembly

A cooling assembly is provided for cooling selected parts of the body of a patient to treat hyperthermia or to induce mild hypothermia in the treatment of strokes. The assembly includes a self-contained cooling unit containing a water supply, a battery operated refrigeration unit and circulating pump. A cooling member is connected to the cooling unit and is adapted for receiving cooled water and contacting selected parts of the patient to cool the patient. The cooling member can be a vest, wrap, blanket, chair, hood or cap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable cooling assembly for cooling a patient. The invention is particularly directed to an assembly including a cooling unit coupled to a garment for cooling a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are situations where a person can become overheated such that the body temperature rises above an acceptable level. Overheating of the body can result in heat exhaustion, heat stroke and occasionally death. When the body temperature rises above an acceptable level, it is desirable to cool the body quickly.

In recent years, it has been found that inducing mild hypothermia following cardiac arrest can reduce the consequences of cardiac arrest including reducing damage to vital organs. Inducing mild hypothermia in stroke victims immediately after the stroke has also been found beneficial in reducing the damage to the brain.

Various attempts have been made to cool down a person and replenish fluids. The methods of cooling the body have included spraying the body with water, applying ice packs and using fans. However, care must be taken to prevent shock caused by cooling too rapidly.

Numerous devices have been proposed for cooling a body. One example uses a pad or cover that can be placed on or under the patient and receives a cooling fluid. Examples of this kind of cooling device are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,115 to Heaton, U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,399 to Schock et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,550 to Clifton et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0005840 to Harty. U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,598 to Hess discloses a chair having an air sack receiving cool air.

Other cooling devices in the form of a garment for cooling selected portions of the body are also known. Examples of these devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,369 to Faghri, U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,995 to Koscheyev et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,179,279 to Radons et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,527,612 to Carpenter et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,565,705 to Elkins et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0204764 to Garetz.

While the prior devices have been acceptable for their intended use, there is a continuing need in the industry for improved cooling apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable cooling assembly adapted for cooling a patient. The invention is particularly directed to a portable liquid cooling apparatus for connecting to a cooling garment in contact with the patient for cooling the patient.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to provide a portable cooling assembly that is able to lower the core body temperature of a patient. The assembly is able to lower the body temperature and cooling the patient quickly and efficiently in a controlled manner. The assembly is able to induce mild hypothermia to treat a patient after cardiac arrest or stroke.

The cooling apparatus of the invention is a self-contained unit containing a water supply and a refrigeration unit for cooling the water. The cooling apparatus has a pump system that is able to circulate the cooling water through a cooling garment and return the water to the assembly in a continuous cycle to continuously cool the patient to a desired level. The unit can be controlled by a thermostat to control the water temperature.

The cooling apparatus includes a removable battery to operate the assembly on battery power. The apparatus also includes a transfer switch to enable operation of the assembly by AC current from a household outlet or generator.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a cooling apparatus having a thermostat to adjust the temperature of the water to a selected temperature for circulating through a garment or other device to cool the patient in a controlled manner.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a cooling garment adapted for coupling to a cooling apparatus for receiving cooling water to cool the body temperature of a patient. The garment is constructed to receive the cooling water through passages or tubes that cover the surfaces of the garment to cool selected portions of the patient. The tubes receiving the cooling water can be concentrated in selected areas and spaced further apart in other areas to control the amount of cooling to the different areas of the patient.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a cooling garment having cooling tubes with an inlet end and an outlet end with a self-closing valve to retain water within the tubes of the garment.

The various objects and advantages of the invention are attained by providing a cooling garment in the form of a blanket, pad, vest, wrap, jacket or hood that can be coupled to a cooling apparatus for receiving cooling water. In another embodiment, the cooling unit can be connected to a cooling device that is able to cool an article or device.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention are basically attained by providing a cooling assembly for cooling a patient comprising a portable integral cooling unit for supplying cooled water. The cooling unit has a water reservoir, a refrigeration unit for cooling water in the reservoir, an inlet having a coupling with a self-closing valve to prevent leakage, an outlet having a coupling with a self-closing valve to prevent leakage, a battery source for operating the refrigeration unit, and a circulating pump for circulating cooled water between the inlet and outlet. A cooling member directly contacts the patient. The cooling member has at least one tube on an inner surface of the cooling member. The tube has a length to contact a selected part of the body. The tube has a first end defining an inlet and a second end defining an outlet. A supply tube has a first feed tube connecting the outlet of the cooling unit to the inlet of the garment. A second feed tube connects the inlet of the cooling unit to the outlet of the garment, and an insulating sleeve surrounding the first and second supply tubes.

The advantages of the invention are also attained by providing a method of cooling a selected part of a patient. A portable integral cooling unit is provided for supplying cooled fluid and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A plurality of garments are provided having different shapes for cooling different parts of the patient. Each of the garments has at least one tube attached thereto for receiving cooling fluid and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. One of the plurality of garments is selected and the garment is placed on the patient. The selected garment is connected to the inlet and outlet of the cooling unit. Cooling fluid from the cooling unit circulates to the selected garment and cools the patient.

The advantages of the invention are further attained by providing a cooling garment for cooling selected parts of a patient. The garment comprises a back portion having a dimension to cover the back of the patient. The back portion has a first tube arranged in a circuitous pattern for receiving cooling water and has an inlet and an outlet. A first front portion has a first side edge connected to a first side of the back portion and has a second tube arranged in a circuitous pattern for receiving cooling water and has an inlet and an outlet. A second front portion has a first side edge connected to a second side of the back portion and has a third tube arranged in a circuitous pattern for receiving cooling water and has an inlet and an outlet. A first shoulder flap has a first edge connected to a top edge of the back portion and has a fourth tube arranged in a circuitous pattern for receiving cooling water and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The first shoulder flap has a fastener and is adapted for folding over a first shoulder of the patient and fastens to the first front portion. A second shoulder flap has a first side edge connected to a top edge of the back portion and has a fifth tube arranged in a circuitous pattern for receiving cooling water and has a first inlet end and a second outlet end. The second shoulder flap has a fastener and is adapted for folding over a second shoulder of the patient and fastens to the second front portion. Each of the inlets and outlets of the tubes is adapted for coupling directly to a cooling water supply for receiving cooling water to cool the patient.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cooling assembly adapted for cooling the body temperature of a patient. The invention is particularly directed to a cooling assembly that includes a portable cooling unit that can be connected to a cooling device for cooling the patient. Referring toFIG. 1, the cooling assembly10of the invention includes a cooling unit12and at least one cooling device for cooling the patient. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the cooling device is a cooling wrap14.

The cooling assembly10is adapted for treating a patient suffering from hyperthermia or heat exhaustion to cool the patient. The assembly is also adapted for inducing mild hypothermia to a patient after cardiac arrest or a stroke.

The cooling unit12as shown inFIGS. 1-6is a self contained portable unit including a housing16with a top wall18. As shown inFIG. 1, top wall18has a handle20to allow for carrying of the unit.

The cooling unit12in preferred embodiments of the invention is a self contained assembly that is readily portable for operating in various environments and under different conditions and is able to circulate cooled water between the cooling unit and a cooling device. The cooling unit12includes a battery22for supplying electrical power to the unit when the cooling unit is operated in a battery mode. As shown inFIG. 1, the battery22is readily removable and is inserted through an opening24in the top wall18. The battery22preferably includes contacts26which can be at the lower end for mating with corresponding contacts in the cooling unit. The battery preferably includes a handle28for quick removable and replacement of the battery. The battery22can be easily removed and replaced with a fully charged battery. The battery22can be removed and connected to a remote battery charger (not shown) to recharge the battery as needed. In preferred embodiments, the cooling unit22includes a self contained recharging unit for recharging the battery22when the cooling unit is connected to an external power source such as household current or a generator. The external power source can operate off the cooling unit12when the cooling unit is in an external power mode. In preferred embodiments, the battery is able to operate the cooling unit for about 2-4 hours.

Cooling unit22includes an electrical receptacle30or plug for connecting to an electrical cord32. Electrical cord32is connected to a standard electrical outlet or other electrical supply such as a generator. An automatic transfer switch46is typically included to convert the operation of the cooling unit from an external AC power supply to the DC battery supply.

The cooling unit12in one preferred embodiment of the invention includes a water tank34forming a reservoir for the circulating water, a refrigeration unit36and an outlet38. The water tank34is contained within the housing and includes a filler cap40shown inFIG. 1for filling the water tank with water as needed. The water tank34is connected to the refrigeration unit36. A pump42circulates the cooled water from the water tank34to the outlet38for circulating through the cooling wrap14. As discussed below, the cooled water is circulated by the pump through the refrigeration unit and through the wrap14and returns the water back to the cooling unit.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, outlet38of cooling unit12has a pair of coupling members44forming an inlet and an outlet for the cooling water being supplied to the cooling garment. Each coupling44has a self closing valve45to prevent the water from leaking when the unit is not in use. The self closing valve of each coupling unit44is opened by inserting the coupling of a connecting tube that extends between the cooling unit and cooling device such as the cooling wrap14.

Cooling unit12includes an operating switch46for switching the unit between AC power and the battery power. A display panel48is provided on the top wall18. Display panel48includes an actuating on/off button50to actuate the compressor to cool the water in the tank22, a button52for setting the water temperature, an indicator light, an actuator pump switch53to actuate the circulating pump, and a display screen54for displaying the set water temperature and the actual water temperature.

The cooling assembly of the invention is adapted for use with various cooling garments or cooling devices that are capable of cooling the patient for treating heat exhaustion and hyperthermia. The cooling unit of the invention is also suitable for rapidly cooling the core temperature of a patient after stroke or cardiac arrest to induce mild hypothermia for transporting the patient to the medical facility.

The refrigeration unit36of the cooling unit12can operate on battery power or AC power as needed. Preferably, two compressors56are coupled in series to provide the necessary cooling of the water when operating under battery power. Battery power typically operates at 24 volts DC current. The compressors are also adapted for operating under AC current at 120 to 230 volts. Each compressor56includes a fan58for drawing air through the unit to dissipate the heat generated during the cooling of the water.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling garment is a wrap14as shown inFIGS. 7-10. Wrap14has a shape and dimension to wrap around the chest and torso of the patient for rapidly cooling the vital organs of the patient. As shown inFIG. 7, the wrap14includes a back portion60, a first side portion62, and a second side portion64. Back portion60has a width to cover substantially the entire back surface of the patient. First side portion62and second side portion64have complementing fasteners66for securing the wrap on the patient. The fasteners66in the embodiment illustrated are a conventional hook and loop type fastener for allowing adjustment and easy attachment and removal.

Back portion60has a top edge68with a pair of shoulder flaps70that can be folded over the tops of the shoulders of the patient and secured to the top edge of the first side portion62and the second side portion64by fasteners72.

As shown inFIGS. 8,9and10, an underarm portion is provided between the back portion60and the respective first front portion62and second front portion64. Each underarm section74has a substantially U-shape as shown inFIG. 10to extend outwardly from the back portion and the respective front portion. The underarm sections74have a length to cover the armpit of the patient and a portion of the underarm and width to wrap around at least a portion of the sides of the shoulder and arm. The underarm sections74preferably have a length to extend along the under side of the arm about 6-10 inches, although the length and width can vary.

The second front portion64as shown inFIG. 8includes an extension76forming a groin portion having a width and length to wrap under the groin area of the patient. The extension portion includes fasteners that mate with fasteners on the back portion as shown inFIG. 10. The fasteners78are typically a hook and loop type fastener. Alternatively, the groin portion can be integrally formed with the back portion and folded forward to attach to the front portion64by fasteners.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the wrap14includes a plurality of cooling tubes for receiving the cooling water from the cooling unit. The cooling tubes in the preferred embodiment are flexible plastic tubes having an internal diameter of about ¼ inch and a laid out in a circuitous pattern to cover each portion of the wrap. In one embodiment, the tubes are attached to the inner surface of the wrap by stitching or an adhesive. As shown, the tubes are laid in a pattern to provide cooling to the various portions and surfaces of the cooling wrap14.

In one embodiment, a hood80is connected to the back portion60. The hood80has a shape to cover the top sides and back of the patient's head and includes a drawstring82to secure the hood and enclose the hood around the patient's head. The hood also includes a chin strap84to wrap around the neck of the patient under the chin. The chin strap84includes a hook and loop type fastener86to secure the chin strap around the neck of the patient. As shown inFIG. 9, the hood80and the chin strap84include cooling tubes for receiving the cooling water to cool the patient's head and neck.

In the embodiment illustrated, four supply tubes88,90,92and94are provided to circulate the cooling water throughout selected areas of the wrap14. In other embodiments, fewer than four or more than four supply tubes can be provided. Each supply tube includes a feed end and a return end and is laid out in a circuitous pattern in selected portions of the wrap to define a cooling circuit. In the embodiment illustrated, supply tube88forms a circuit that extends to the hood80, the shoulder flap70and the underarm portion74. Supply tube90forms a circuit that extends to the second front portion64and the extension groin portion76. Supply tube92forms a circuit that extends to the back portion60. Supply tube94forms a circuit that extends to the first front portion62and the left underarm portion74. Each supply tube is connected to the cooling unit to receive cooling water and circulate the water through the wrap to selectively cool portions of the patient.

The supply tubes are depicted inFIG. 11. Each supply tube includes a circulating tube96that forms a continuous loop through the selected portion of the wrap. Each supply tube includes an outer insulating shell98to minimize heat transfer between the cooling wrap and the cooling unit. The insulating shell98is provided only on the portions of the supply tube outside of the cooling wrap. Each circulating tube96of the supply tube terminates at a coupling100having an inlet102and an outlet104. InFIG. 11, a single supply tube88is shown for simplicity. It will be understood that the supply tubes88,90,92and94are substantially the same and correspond to the structure of supply tube88as shown inFIG. 11. Preferably, the inlets102and outlets104have a self closing valve103and105that close when disconnected from the feed tubes106and108to retain water in the supply tubes.

Each supply tube is connected to a feed tube106and108for connecting to the cooling unit to carry cooled water and circulate cooled water through each supply tube and return the water to the cooling unit. The feed tubes106and108have a coupling end110and112, respectively, for connecting to the cooling unit. Preferably, the couplings are snap in type couplings for quickly connecting the feed tubes to the cooling unit. In the embodiment shown, the feed tubes106and108form a manifold having a plurality of outlets114and116, respectively, for coupling with the inlet and outlet of the supply tubes. In one embodiment, the outlets114and116include a self-closing valve or one way valve that are opened when the supply tubes are connected to the feed tubes.

The feed tubes include a sufficient number of outlets for connecting with each of the supply tubes of the respective garment. In the embodiment shown, the feed tubes will have four outlets for connecting with each of the four supply tubes of the wrap14. Alternatively, each of the outlets of the feed tubes can be connected to a plurality of different cooling garments to simultaneously operate different garments for cooling more than one patient at a time. In other embodiments, the supply tubes can include a regulating flow valve.

The feed tubes106and108are connected to the couplings44of the cooling unit as shown inFIG. 1and are connected to the respective supply tubes of the wrap14. The cooling unit is then actuated to cool the water and circulate the cooled water continuously through the supply tubes and the wrap.

The wrap14has a shape and configuration for ease of attaching to a patient. As shown inFIG. 7, the wrap14can be laid substantially flat so that the patient can be rolled or placed directly on the wrap with the hood80positioned on the patient's head. The front portions are then wrapped around the body of the patient and secured by the fasteners66. The extension groin section76can then be wrapped under the groin and attached to the back section by the fasteners. The hood80can be fitted onto the heat of the patient by the drawstring82and the chin strap84wrapped around the neck and secured by the fasteners. As shown, each section of the wrap includes cooling tubes for receiving the cooling water to cool selected portions of the body of the patient. In the embodiment illustrated, the groin section cools the blood flow passing through the groin area, the underarm portions cool the blood flow passing through the arms of the patient, and the hood and chin strap cool the head and the blood throughout flowing through the head and the neck of the patient.

The cooling unit12is adapted for use with various cooling garments and cooling devices. In another embodiment shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the cooling unit can be connected to a cooling vest120. Vest120as shown inFIG. 12has a front section122and a back section124. The front section is connected to the back section by one shoulder portion126. A cooling tube128extends in a circuitous path around the front section122and the back section124to provide the cooling effect to the patient. In the embodiment shown, the cooling tube128is attached to the vest by cross stitching130, although other fastening means can be used.

Front section122includes side flaps132having a hook and pile type fastener134. The open shoulder portion136also includes a flap having a fastener140such as a hook and pile fastener.

In use, the vest is placed over the patient and the side flaps132and the shoulder flap136are connected to the back portion124by complementing fasteners142and144, respectively.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 14, a vest148has a front portion50, a back portion152, and a continuous tube154arranged in a circuitous path around the front and the back portions. The front portion150is provided with a zipper156to close the front portion and secure the vest148onto the patient. In another embodiment shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, the cooling device is a chair that can be connected directly to the cooling unit. The chair160has a frame162, a seat portion164, and a back portion166. In a preferred embodiment, the frame162is collapsible or foldable to assist in transporting and storage.

In the embodiment illustrated, the seat portion164and the back portion166are integrally formed together to form a continuous sling for supporting the patient. A head rest168is connected to the upper end of the back portion166for supporting the head and neck of the patient.

The chair160includes arm sections170for supporting the arms of the patient while seated in the chair. The arm sections are formed from a fabric and are connected to the frame162to form a sling having a substantially U-shaped interior surface as shown inFIG. 16. The arm sections170form side portions172and a bottom portion174having a shape and dimension to contact the bottom surface and side surfaces of the arms of the patient. A top flap171is provided that can be folded over the arm of the patient to assist in cooling the patient. A cooling tube176extends through the seat portion164, back portion166, head rest168and each arm section170in a circuitous manner to provide a cooling effect to the patient. The tube176preferably extends the entire length of each arm section170as shown inFIG. 15to provide cooling of the bottom and sides of the arm of the patient.

FIG. 17shows a cooling pad180for connecting to the cooling unit. The cooling pad180is formed from top and bottom sheets that are sealed around the edges182and sealed at a plurality of points184. A barrier186is formed by sealing the top and bottom sheets together to direct the cooling water from the inlet188to the outlet190so that the water circulates throughout the cooling pad. The cooling pad can be used as blanket or a pad placed under a patient. The cooling pad can also be used in a temporary or portable mortuary.

FIGS. 18 and 19show a cooling cap for use in connection with the cooling unit. The cooling cap is made of a fabric and has a shape to fit over the head of the patient. The head portion194of the cap192includes a tube196arranged in a circuitous pattern around the sides and top portions of the head portion194. A strap198extends from the bottom edge of the head portion194for securing the cap192to the head of the patient by a hook and loop type fastener200.

In a further embodiment shown inFIG. 20, the cooling device is a pouch210forming an envelope to surround an article212. The pouch210in the embodiment shown has two opposite walls formed from two sheets of plastic material joined together to form a bottom seam214, opposite side seams216and an open end218. Cooling supply tubes220and222are connected to the pouch to circulate cool water through the pouch. As in the previous embodiment, a divider224is provided between the two layers of each side wall. The ouch has a dimension to receive an article that needs to be cooled such as a medication. In the embodiment shown, the article212being cooled is an IV bag.

The cooling unit of the invention is interchangeable with a variety of cooling garments and cooling devices that are capable of cooling the body temperature of the patient. The cooling unit is capable of being connected to one or more of the cooling devices for cooling more than one patient at a time and for cooling different cooling devices simultaneously. The cooling unit is readily portable and can be operated by battery power or an external power supply. The unit is particularly adapted for use by emergency medical personnel to treat a patient suffering from hyperthermia and for inducing mild hyperthermia in a patient who has suffered a stroke or cardiac arrest.

In the embodiments shown, the cooling garments are formed from a fabric material that has flexible plastic tubes attached to the inner surface to be in contact with the patient. Alternatively, the garments can be made from two sheets of plastic material that are fused together to form channels for directing the water to selected areas.

While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.