Therapeutic Cooling Devices

Abstract

A thermal regulatory system to reduce swelling caused by trauma to a variety of tissues and limbs is provided. One or more substantially flexible, at least partially thermally conductive housing containing optionally activatable thermal regulatory medium may be coupled with one or more applicator, such as a splint, that is adapted to apply the medium housing to the tissue. Methods of therapeutically regulating tissue temperature are also provided.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 871,875 which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 080,351, filed Feb. 21, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,359, issued Aug. 31, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2000 / 029509, filed Oct. 26, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 215,988, filed Dec. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,501 B1, issued Feb. 6, 2001, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates, in general, to the field of therapeutic cooling with substantially rigid devices, and more particularly, to devices for cooling various parts of the anatomy to reduce trauma, pain or blood flow to those areas.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with brain and spinal cord treatment, as an examp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a cooling system for head protection and a cooling adhesive bandage for small cuts and dental pain. The cooling system has fasteners that fit over the carotid arteries, which cool the head and blood flow from the arteries. The cooling adhesive bandage has a thin gel pack cooled with a coolant that helps control pain and swelling from injuries. It can be kept refrigerated or frozen and can be applied to small cuts, dental pain, or as a non-toxic cooling gel gauze for swelling control.

Problems solved by technology

When an area of the body collides with an external source in its surroundings, severe trauma and swelling of the tissue may occur in the injured area.

Heretofore, in this field, cold therapy has generally been limited to the limbs of the body including the leg (particularly the knee), the arm, and the shoulder.

The collision of an individual's head with external surroundings causes the brain to collide with the individual's skull, which may produce swelling of the brain.

Swelling can restrict the flow of fluids that normally circulate around the brain and, potentially, cause the fluids to accumulate and therefore compress the brain down into the floor of the skull and cervical bone of the spine.

The collision of the individual's head or body with external surroundings may cause injury to the spinal cord and result in swelling.

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