Cold therapy apparatus using heat exchanger

Abstract

A cold therapy system includes a cooling bath; a therapy pad; a heat exchanger; a first pathway fluidly connecting the cooling bath to the heat exchanger; a second pathway fluidly connecting the heat exchanger to an inlet of the therapy pad; a third pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the therapy pad to the heat exchanger; and a fourth pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the heat exchanger to the cooling bath.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to orthopaedic surgery, and in particular to cooling or heating for the treatment of sore or injured body parts. Background technique [0002] Cooling water is known to cool and soothe wounds or injured body parts. For example, US Patent Nos. 5,241,951 and 5,330,519 describe cryotherapy devices using cooling water. The aforementioned patent requires a variable flow restrictor for temperature control. The more the flow restrictor restricts, the less water flows through the cooling pad, resulting in a warmer treatment pad. The less restrictive the flow restrictor, the more water flows through the cooling pad, resulting in a cooler pad temperature. [0003] Although known devices provide therapeutic cooling, these devices have certain drawbacks. For example, it is difficult to control the temperature of some of these devices, resulting in the water freezing to a level that is uncomfortable for the patient. Also...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] Although known devices provide therapeutic cooling, these devices have certain drawbacks

For example, temperature control of some of these devices is difficult, leading to instances where the water is frozen to the point of discomfort for the patient

Also, certain devices cause the ice to melt too quickly, consuming the thermal potential of the device

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