Patent ID: 7507249

Claim:
An apparatus for providing thermal control to a patient, the apparatus comprising: a framework of inflatable tubes; a patient-enclosing air tent mounted on the framework of inflatable tubes, the inflatable tubes being operable, when inflated, to support the air tent above the patient; a mattress connected to the patient-enclosing air tent, the mattress comprising: a frame; a central manifold extending longitudinally adjacent and inside the frame; an air system integrated under the foot end of the mattress and connected to the central manifold; a plurality of sets of interleaved air bags forming a patient support surface, each set of interleaved air bags being independently inflatable and connected to the central manifold; at least one flexible vent hose connected to a central manifold proximal the head end of the mattress and extending through the plurality of sets of interleaved air bags for directing air from the air system into the patient-enclosing air tent and onto the patient for thermal control of the patient; and a recirculation duct attached at the foot end of the mattress for recirculating air from the patient-enclosing air tent through the air system to conserve energy; wherein the air system directs air into the patient-enclosing air tent, to the plurality of sets of interleaved air bags, and to the central manifold and into the patient-enclosing air tent, and recirculates air from the plurality of sets of interleaved air bags, the central manifold and the patient-enclosing air tent.