Removable liquid heat exchange element for use in a device for temperature-controlled therapy

Abstract

A removable liquid heat exchange element (100) for use in a device (400) for temperature-controlled therapy comprises a support structure (300) and a liquid transport (200) supported by the support structure (300). The removable liquid heat exchange element (100) is configured to be positioned in a slot (402) in the device (400) for temperature-controlled therapy. The liquid transport (200) comprises an inlet (201) and an outlet (206) and a lumen for liquid transport. The lumen is at least partially enclosed by a heat exchange portion (205) of a flexible wall, which heat exchange portion is configured to engage a heat exchange surface (401a, 401b) of the device (400) for temperature-controlled therapy. The support structure (300) is configured to engage and partially enclose a portion of the liquid transport (200) such that an occlusion (203) is formed between the inlet (201) and the heat exchange portion (205) of the lumen for liquid transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heat exchanger. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a removable liquid heat exchange element used in a temperature-controlled therapeutic device. This disclosure further relates to a system for providing temperature-controlled therapy to a patient. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchangers are used in a wide range of technical fields for various applications. One such application is in the medical field, specifically in therapeutic temperature control therapy, such as thermotherapy. The temperature of a person's body or a part of the body can significantly influence the healing process and the risk of permanent damage caused by many pathological conditions. Therapeutic temperature control is often used to improve health outcomes during the recovery period following a period of reduced blood flow to the brain. This period of reduced blood flow can be caused by cardiac arrest or a clot blocking an artery (as in the case of a stroke). Insufficient blood flow and hypoxia are serious because they can cause permanent brain damage unless treatment is initiated early to restore blood flow and protect nerve cells. Cooling the brain is known to effectively reduce the development of cellular damage as a consequence of hypoxia. In cases of circulatory arrest, a reduced risk of permanent brain damage has been found if the brain temperature is lowered before, during, or after circulatory arrest. In cases of traumatic brain injury, cooling the brain has been shown to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury in certain patient categories. Cooling the brain has also been shown to have positive effects on other conditions, such as migraines.

[0003] Several known methods exist for cooling individual organs, such as the brain. An example is shown and described in PCT Publication WO 2005 / 087156 (Lunderqvist et al.). This document discloses a system for controlling brain temperature in a human, comprising a double-lumen catheter inserted through the nostril. The double-lumen catheter includes an inflatable balloon. This method of utilizing a brain pathway accessible via the nasal cavity for heat exchange with the brain is commonly referred to as nasopharyngeal cooling. The double-lumen catheter includes a cooling fluid connected via inlet and outlet tubes to a reservoir comprising a larger volume of the cooling fluid. Relevant background art can be found in US 2015 / 230975 A1, US 2002 / 193739 A1, US 2008 / 269676 A1, WO 2012 / 017417A2, and WO 2018 / 069394 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, a removable liquid heat exchange element is used in a temperature-controlled therapeutic device. The removable liquid heat exchange element includes a support structure and a liquid delivery member for sealing and delivering liquid. The liquid delivery member is supported by the support structure. The removable liquid heat exchange element is configured to be positioned in a tank within the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. The liquid delivery member includes an inlet and an outlet, and a lumen for liquid delivery disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet and outlet are positioned at a first portion of the removable liquid heat exchange element such that the inlet and outlet can be accessed from the same side of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. The lumen is at least partially closed by a heat exchange portion of a flexible wall configured to engage a heat exchange surface av of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. A portion of the lumen for liquid delivery is fluidly connected to the flexible wall and forms the heat exchange portion of the lumen. The support structure is configured to engage and partially close a portion of the liquid delivery member such that a closure is formed between the inlet and the heat exchange portion of the lumen for liquid delivery. The closure serves to distribute the liquid such that it enters the heat exchange portion along the entire length of the closure. This means that the liquid flows uniformly over the heat exchange section, and that heat exchange can occur over the entire surface of the heat exchange section, with the entire surface in contact with the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a first portion of the removable liquid heat exchange element is configured to be visible in the tank.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the tank in the temperature-controlled therapeutic device extends vertically, with the inlet configured to be located at the lower end of the vertical tank and the outlet configured to be located at the upper end of the vertical tank, such that the position where the liquid exits the liquid delivery element is higher than the position where the liquid enters the liquid delivery element. When the system is first filled with liquid (infusion), the vertical installation effectively pushes all air present in the system upward from the inlet to the outlet, resulting in effective filling and reducing the chance of air bubbles being trapped in the system, which could reduce heat transfer efficiency.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the support structure or liquid conveying element is configured to form a sloping lower edge of the liquid conveying element, allowing liquid to flow upward from the inlet along the sloping lower edge into the heat exchange portion of the lumen. The support structure or liquid conveying element can be further configured to form a sloping upper edge of the liquid conveying element, allowing liquid to flow upward from the heat exchange portion of the lumen along the sloping upper edge to the outlet. Because the liquid conveying element has both a sloping lower edge and a sloping upper edge, liquid will flow upward from the inlet along the sloping lower edge through the heat exchange portion to the sloping upper edge of the liquid conveying element and out through the outlet. In embodiments where the removable liquid heat exchange element is positioned in a vertical slot, when the system is first filled with liquid (filling), the sloping edge effectively pushes all air present in the system upward from the inlet to the outlet, resulting in effective filling and reducing the chance of air bubbles being trapped in the system, which could reduce heat transfer efficiency.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the removable liquid heat exchange element is rectangular, and a first short side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element includes an inlet and an outlet. The liquid delivery member includes a lower edge along the first long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element and an upper edge along a second long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element. A support structure is configured to engage and partially enclose a portion of the liquid delivery member along the sides of the lower and upper edges, but at a distance from the lower and upper edges, such that an elongated occlusion, in the form of a gap between portions of the flexible wall, is formed between the inlet and the heat exchange portion of the lumen for liquid delivery, and between the heat exchange portion of the lumen and the outlet.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the flexible wall of the liquid conveying member is configured to form a tube between the inlet and the gap. The gap extends along the side of the opening portion of the tube and opens the opening portion, such that the gap forms a closure between the opening portion of the tube and the heat exchange portion. The gap can range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and preferably less than 1 mm.

[0010] The function of the tube and the occlusion gap is to distribute the liquid flowing through the tube along its entire length, so that it enters the heat exchange section along the entire length of the occlusion. This means that the liquid flows uniformly over the heat exchange section, and that heat exchange can occur over the entire surface of the heat exchange section, with the entire surface in contact with the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device.

[0011] The opening portion of the removable liquid heat exchange element can have a C-shaped cross-section.

[0012] The removable liquid heat exchange element may further include a flexible holding device integrated into a support structure. The flexible holding device can be configured to engage as part of a temperature-controlled therapeutic device to secure the removable liquid heat exchange element within the tank.

[0013] The flexible holding device allows for easy manual manipulation of the removable liquid heat exchange element to remove and replace it.

[0014] A removable liquid heat exchange element may include at least one of a sloping lower edge and a sloping upper edge of a liquid conveying element, wherein at least one of the sloping lower edge and the sloping upper edge is formed by a support structure pressing against a flexible wall. Alternatively, or in combination, the sloping lower edge and the sloping upper edge of the liquid conveying element may be formed by the shape of the flexible wall.

[0015] Liquid delivery components may include polymer sheets that can be welded to form a suitable shape for the lumen.

[0016] A further provision provides a device for temperature-controlled therapy. The device includes a Peltier element and a tank within the device for accessing a heat exchange surface connected to the Peltier element. The device further includes a removable liquid heat exchange element according to any embodiment of the examples herein.

[0017] The main advantage of heat pumps based on Peltier elements is that there are no moving parts or circulating fluid, which means that these heat pumps have an extremely long lifespan, are less prone to leaks, and can be made in virtually any shape.

[0018] The device for temperature-controlled therapy may further include: at least one patient-connecting heat exchange element configured to be inserted into a patient's nasal cavity to administer temperature-controlled therapy; and a tubing for connecting the patient-connecting heat exchange element to a removable liquid heat exchange element. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The inventive concept will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, which illustrate presently preferred embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 An embodiment of the removable liquid heat exchange element is shown in a frontal perspective perspective view.

[0021] Figure 2 An embodiment of a removable liquid heat exchange element is shown above.

[0022] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removable liquid heat exchange element is shown.

[0023] Figure 4a The device for temperature-controlled therapy is shown in a frontal stereoscopic view.

[0024] Figure 4b It shows according to Figure 4a The illustrated embodiment is a temperature-controlled therapeutic device when connected to a patient-contact heat exchange element.

[0025] Figure 5 An alternative embodiment with a removable liquid heat exchange element is shown in an exploded view. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to achieve thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The present invention relates to a removable liquid heat exchange element used in a device for temperature control therapy of a patient.

[0028] Figure 1 An embodiment of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is shown in a frontal perspective view. The removable liquid heat exchange element 100 includes a support structure 300, which supports... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment features a frame made of polymer material. The removable liquid heat exchange element 100 further includes a liquid delivery element 200, which... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a flexible liquid container (similar to a plastic bag) made of a flexible polymer sheet. The liquid delivery unit 200 is configured to seal and deliver a patient's temperature-controlled therapeutic liquid and is supported by a support structure 300. The liquid delivery unit 200 may be made, for example, of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet that may include a lipophilic plasticizer (such as DEHP).

[0029] The removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is configured to be positioned in a tank within a temperature-controlled therapeutic device, such that a first portion 101 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is visible within the tank (further reference). Figure 4a and Figure 4b(As shown). The liquid delivery element 200 includes an inlet 201 and an outlet 206, and a lumen for liquid delivery disposed between the inlet 201 and the outlet 206 and enclosed by a flexible polymer sheet. (When the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is positioned in a temperature-controlled therapeutic device) both the inlet 201 and the outlet 206 are positioned at a first portion 101 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, such that the inlet 201 and the outlet 206 can be accessed from the same side of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. The lumen is at least partially enclosed by a flexible wall of the liquid delivery element 200 (which, in... Figure 1 The heat exchange portion (made of a flexible polymer sheet) in the illustrated embodiment is enclosed and configured to engage with the heat exchange surface of a temperature-controlled therapeutic device (such as...). Figure 4a (As shown). A portion of the lumen for liquid delivery is fluidly connected to the flexible wall and forms a heat exchange section 205 of the lumen, in which the liquid in the lumen is heated or cooled by the heat exchange surface of a temperature-controlled therapeutic device.

[0030] The support structure 300 is configured to engage and partially close a portion of the liquid delivery member 200, such that a closure portion 203 is formed between the inlet 201 and the heat exchange portion 205 of the lumen for liquid delivery.

[0031] The support structure 300 can be configured to engage and partially close a portion of the liquid transport member 200 along the sides of the lower edge 102 and the upper edge 103 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, but at a certain distance from the lower edge and the upper edge, such that an elongated closure portion 203 in the form of a gap is formed between portions of the flexible wall, between the inlet 201 and the heat exchange portion 205 of the lumen for liquid transport.

[0032] Furthermore, a gap-shaped closure 203' can be formed between the heat exchange portion 205 of the lumen and the outlet 206.

[0033] The flexible wall of the liquid conveying member 200 can be configured to form a tube 202 between the inlet 201 and a closure portion in the form of a gap 203. The gap 203 extends along the side of the opening portion of the tube and opens the opening portion (further reference). Figure 3 As shown), the gap 203 forms a closed portion 203 between the opening portion of the tube and the heat exchange portion 205.

[0034] Starting from the first portion 101 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, liquid can enter the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 through inlet 201, and then flow into the lumen of the liquid conveying member 200 through the orifice 301 in the support structure 300. The liquid conveying member 200 can be formed as mentioned, into a tube 202 closed by the support structure wall 302 (as in...). Figure 3 (As seen in the cross-section), and the tube may be restricted on one side by an inclined weld 204 along the lower edge 102 of the first long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and on the other side by a restricting portion 303 of the support structure 300, which creates a closure portion 203 in the form of a gap extending parallel to the wall 302 of the support structure 300, along the side of the lower edge 102 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and along the entire length of the liquid transport member 200.

[0035] The liquid that has flowed into the pipe 202 formed by the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200 is squeezed through the closure portion 203 and enters the heat exchange portion 205 of the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200. In the heat exchange portion 205, the liquid in the lumen of the heat exchange portion 205 can be heated or cooled by the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a As shown in the image).

[0036] The liquid can continue through the same closure portion 203', which is parallel to the wall 302 of the support structure, extends along the side of the upper edge 103, and along the entire length of the liquid conveying member 200, and further enters the upper tube 202', which is similarly restricted on one side by an inclined weld 204' extending along the upper edge 103 of the second long side of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and on the other side by a restricting portion 303' of the support structure 300.

[0037] The liquid can then flow through pipe 202', thereby exiting support structure 300 through hole 301' in support structure and exiting through outlet 206.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion 101 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is configured to be visible in the tank when the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is positioned in the tank.

[0039] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is rectangular. However, the disclosure herein is not limited to a rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100. For example, one or more cylindrical heat exchangers using cylindrical core elements may be used in the system, thereby allowing the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 to be shaped accordingly. The first short side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element includes a first portion 101, which includes an inlet 201 and an outlet 206. The removable liquid heat exchange element 100 includes a lower edge 102 along the first long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100 and an upper edge 103 along the second long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100. The support structure 300 is configured to engage and partially enclose a portion of the liquid conveying member 200 along the sides of the lower edge 102 and the upper edge 103, but at a certain distance from the lower and upper edges, such that an elongated, gap-shaped occlusion 203 is formed between portions of the flexible wall, between the inlet 201 and the heat exchange portion 205 of the lumen for liquid conveying. Further, a gap-shaped occlusion 203' is formed between the heat exchange portion 205 of the lumen and the outlet 206.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid conveying member 200 is configured to form an inclined lower edge 204, allowing liquid to flow upward from the inlet 201 along the inclined lower edge 204 to the heat exchange portion 205 of the cavity. Further, the liquid conveying member 200 is configured to form an inclined upper edge 204', allowing liquid to flow upward from the heat exchange portion 205 of the cavity along the inclined upper edge 204' to the outlet 206. The inclined lower edge 204 and inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200 are formed by the shape of a flexible wall, and... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined lower edge 204 and inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200 are formed by welds in the flexible wall of the liquid conveying member 200.

[0041] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200 is configured to form a tube 202 between the inlet 201 and a closure portion in the form of a gap 203. The gap 203 extends along the side of the opening portion of the tube and opens the opening portion (further reference). Figure 3 As shown), the gap 203 forms a blocking portion 203 between the opening portion of the tube and the heat exchange portion 205. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the opening portion of the tube has a C-shaped cross-section.

[0042] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 further includes flexible holding devices 305a, 305b, 306, and 307 integrated into the support structure 300. The flexible holding devices 305a, 305b, 306, and 307 are configured to engage as part of a temperature-controlled therapeutic device (e.g., Figure 4b (As shown) to secure the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 in the tank. The flexible holding device includes two actuating elements 305a and 305b, which are adapted to be moved toward each other by manual force. Each of the two actuating elements 305a and 305b is connected to a locking edge 306 (the same locking edge is positioned on the removable liquid heat exchange element). Figure 1 On the side not visible in the middle, the locking edge is configured to engage a corresponding edge in a slot in a temperature-controlled therapeutic device to lock the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 in that slot. The two actuating elements 305a, 305b and the locking edge(s) 306 are integrated into the same polymer material as the rest of the support structure 300, and are flexible relative to the rest of the support structure by means of a slit 307 in the material of the support structure, which increases the flexibility of the two actuating elements 305a, 305b and the locking edge(s) 306.

[0043] Starting from the first portion 101 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, liquid enters the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 through inlet 201 and flows into the lumen of the liquid conveying member 200 through the orifice 301 in the support structure 300. The liquid conveying member 200 forms a tube 202 closed by the support structure wall 302 (as in...). Figure 3 (As seen in the cross-section), and the tube is restricted on one side by an inclined weld 204 along the lower edge 102 of the first long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and on the other side by a restricting portion 303 of the support structure 300, which creates a closure portion 203 in the form of a gap that is parallel to the wall 302 of the support structure 300, along the side of the lower edge 102 of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and along the entire length of the liquid transport member 200.

[0044] Liquid that has flowed into the pipe 202 formed by the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200 is squeezed through the closure portion 203 and enters the heat exchange portion 205 of the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200. In the heat exchange portion 205, the liquid in the lumen of the heat exchange portion 205 is heated or cooled by the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a(As shown in the diagram). The liquid continues through a closure portion 203', which is a gap extending along the side of the upper edge 103 of the wall 302 parallel to the support structure and along the entire length of the liquid conveying element 200, and further into the upper tube 202', which is similarly restricted on one side by an inclined weld 204' extending along the upper edge 103 of the second long side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100, and on the other side by a restricting portion 303' of the support structure 300. The liquid then flows through the tube 202', thereby exiting the support structure 300 through the hole 301' in the support structure and exiting through the outlet 206.

[0045] The second short edge of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100 includes an inlet edge 207 of the liquid delivery element 200, which is configured to enter a groove in the temperature-controlled therapeutic device and into the gap between the heat exchange surfaces of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a (as shown in the image).

[0046] Figure 2 A top view of the removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is shown, illustrating a support structure 300 whose walls 302 extend along its lower edge 102 and upper edge 103, respectively. The two long sides of the support structure 300 are connected by a short side 308. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the short side 308 and the two long sides that define the edge of the support structure 300 by the wall 302 are made of the same polymer material and integrated within the same polymer material, which further includes flexible holding devices 305a, 305b, 306, and 307. (As shown in...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the support structure 300 creates a frame with one side open for the liquid delivery component 200, so that the liquid delivery component 200 is supported by the support structure 300, and the heat exchange portion 205 remains flat to optimize the connection between the heat exchange portion 205 and the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a As shown in the figure, this results in optimal heat exchange between the heat exchange surface and the liquid flowing in the liquid transport member 200.

[0047] The support structure 300 is preferably made of a relatively rigid polymer material (such as thermoplastic material or (ultra) high-density polyethylene ((U)HDPE)).

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the top view, you can also see how the inlet 201 and outlet 206 are positioned relative to the supporting structure.

[0049] Figure 2The inclined lower edge 204 and inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200 are also shown. These two edges allow liquid to flow from the inlet 201 along the inclined lower edge 204 through the heat exchange section 205 to the inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200. The inclined lower edge 204 and inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200 are formed by welds in the flexible wall of the liquid conveying member 200. The inclined lower edge 204 and inclined upper edge 204' of the liquid conveying member 200 form an angle γ with respect to the lower edge 102 and upper edge 103 and the wall 302 of the support structure 300. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the angle γ is an angle ranging from 1° to 5°; however, in alternative embodiments, the angle is an angle ranging from 1° to 10°, or 1° to 15°, or 1° to 20°.

[0050] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cross-section AA of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100 is shown. In the cross-sectional view, an open tube 202, showing a lumen for liquid flow, is clearly shown, formed by an upper flexible wall W1 and a lower flexible wall W2 made of polymer sheets. The cross-sectional view also shows how the open tube 202 portion of the liquid transport element 200 is closed by a supporting structural wall 302 and how the open tube portion 202 is externally restricted by inclined weld edges 204, 204' in the form of inclined welds connecting the upper flexible wall W1 and the lower flexible wall W2. The cross-sectional view further shows how the open tube portion is internally restricted by restrictive portions 303, 303' of the supporting structure 300, which create closure portions 203, 203' in the form of gaps G extending parallel to the walls 302 of the supporting structure 300. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the gap G ranges from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and preferably less than 1 mm. The function of the occlusion gap G is to distribute the liquid flowing through the pipe 202 along its entire length, thus allowing it to enter the heat exchange section 205 over the entire length of the occlusion portion 203. This means that the liquid flows uniformly over the heat exchange section 205, and that heat exchange can occur over the entire surface of the heat exchange section 205, with the entire surface in contact with the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a (as shown in the image).

[0051] Figure 4a A temperature-controlled therapeutic device 400 is shown in a frontal perspective view. The device includes a tank 402, referenced... Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 5The described rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element 100 can be inserted into the slot. The slot 402 includes a first heat exchange surface 401a and a second heat exchange surface 401b, the first heat exchange surface and the second heat exchange surface being... Figure 4a In the illustrated embodiment, a Peltier element for thermoelectric cooling is directly connected. A Peltier element is a solid-state active heat pump that transfers heat from one side of a device to the other, consumes electrical energy, and depends on the direction of the current. The Peltier element can be used for either heating or cooling, depending on the direction of the current, thus allowing both cooling and heating to be transferred using heat exchange surfaces 401a and 401b. A major advantage of heat pumps based on Peltier elements is the absence of moving parts or circulating fluid, meaning these heat pumps have an exceptionally long lifespan, are less prone to leaks, and can be manufactured in virtually any shape. However, in alternative embodiments, it is conceivable to replace the Peltier element with another type of heat pump, such as a vapor compression refrigerator. A gap is formed between the first heat exchange surface 401a and the second heat exchange surface 401b, into which the liquid delivery member 200 is configured to insert, such that the heat exchange portion 205 can tightly engage the first heat exchange surface 401a and the second heat exchange surface 401b to produce efficient heat transfer. Figure 4a In the illustrated embodiment, the gap ranges from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm.

[0052] exist Figure 4a In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 402 in the temperature-controlled therapeutic device 400 extends vertically, with an inlet 201 positioned at the lower end of the vertical groove 402 and an outlet 406 positioned at the upper end of the vertical groove 402, such that the liquid exits the liquid delivery member at a higher position than the liquid enters the liquid delivery member. Because the liquid delivery member has a sloping lower edge 204 and a sloping upper edge 204', the liquid flows upward from the inlet 201 along the sloping lower edge 204 through the heat exchange section 205 to the sloping upper edge 204' of the liquid delivery member 200 and exits through the outlet 206. When the system is first filled with liquid (infusion), the sloping edges 204, 204' effectively push all air present in the system upward from the inlet 201 to the outlet 206, resulting in effective filling and reducing the chance of air bubbles being trapped in the system, which could reduce heat transfer efficiency.

[0053] Figure 4b It shows that according to Figure 4a The illustrated embodiment is a temperature-controlled therapeutic device 400. Figure 4bIn the illustrated embodiment, the temperature-controlled therapy device 400 is connected to a patient-connecting heat exchange element 501 in the form of a balloon catheter, which is configured to be inserted into the patient's nasal cavity to administer temperature-controlled therapy. A balloon catheter and temperature-controlled therapy are further described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,189,253 (Lunderqvist et al.). Fittings 502a and 502b connect the patient-connecting heat exchange element 501 to the temperature-controlled therapy device 400, such that cooling fluid (if the temperature-controlled therapy device is for cooling) flows from an outlet 206 in the liquid delivery system via a first fitting 502a to the patient-connecting heat exchange element 501, and further via a second fitting 502b to an inlet 201 in the liquid delivery system, where the fluid is cooled. Figure 4b As can be seen, when the removable liquid heat exchange element is positioned in the vertical slot of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device 400, the first part ( Figures 1 to 3 101 in the middle is still visible.

[0054] Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the removable liquid heat exchange element is shown in an exploded view. This embodiment of the removable liquid heat exchange element is similar to... Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated embodiment is similar, but differs in that the support structure 300 includes an inclined lower edge 309 and an inclined upper edge 309', which press against the flexible wall of the liquid delivery member 200, thereby facilitating the formation of inclined limiting edges 204, 204' in the liquid delivery member 200.

[0055] Starting from the top of the figure, the support structure 300 includes a first upper portion 300a, the wall 302 of which extends along the upper and lower edges (e.g., Figure 4a and Figure 4b (As shown in the diagram, when the removable liquid heat exchange element is positioned in a vertical slot within a temperature-controlled therapeutic device). The two long sides of the upper portion 300a of the support structure are connected by means of the short side 308 of the support structure 300a. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the short side 308 and the two long sides of the wall 302 having an edge defining the upper portion support structure 300a are made of the same polymer material and integrated within that same polymer material. This same polymer material further includes flexible holding devices 305a, 305b (and...). Figures 1 to 3 The flexible holding device described in the embodiments is the same. Figure 5As can be seen, the liquid delivery component 200 is pressed between the upper portion 300a and the lower portion 300b of the support structure, creating a frame with one side open, thereby supporting the liquid delivery component 200 and keeping the heat exchange portion 205 flat to optimize the connection between the heat exchange portion 205 and the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. Figure 4a As shown in the figure, this results in optimal heat exchange between the heat exchange surface and the liquid flowing in the liquid transport member 200.

[0056] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid delivery member 200 includes a through hole H, the lower portion 300b of the support structure includes a corresponding blind hole H, and the upper portion of the support structure includes protruding cylindrical elements (not shown) configured to engage the through hole H and the blind hole H to fix the upper portion 300a and the lower portion 300b of the support structure 300 and the liquid delivery member relative to each other.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, both the support structure 300 and the liquid delivery member 200 include beveled edges 309, 309', 204, 204', which facilitate bubble-free filling of the system. The beveled edges 309, 309', 204, 204' of the support structure and the liquid delivery member 200 result in the liquid delivery member 100 achieving a state similar to that obtained from… Figure 5 The truncated conical tube cavity is seen from above. Liquid enters the liquid conveying member 200 at inlet 201 (which is located in a hole 301 in the support structure 300) and is squeezed through the lower gap created between the upper portion 300a and the lower portion 300b of the support structure 300, through the heat exchange portion 205, and through the upper gap created between the upper portion 300a and the lower portion 300b of the support structure.

[0058] The inclined edges 309, 309', 204, and 204' of the support structure and liquid conveying component form an angle γ with respect to the wall 302 of the support structure 300. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the angle γ is an angle ranging from 1° to 5°; however, in alternative embodiments, the angle is an angle ranging from 1° to 10°, or 1° to 15°, or 1° to 20°.

[0059] The embodiments described herein are not limited to the examples described above. Many different alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. For example, one or more cylindrical heat exchangers using cylindrical core elements may be used in the system. Therefore, this disclosure should not be limited to the specific forms described herein. This disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, and other embodiments besides those described above are also possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A removable liquid heat exchange element for use in a temperature-controlled therapeutic device, the removable liquid heat exchange element comprising: Supporting structure, and A liquid conveying component for sealing and conveying liquid, the liquid conveying component being supported by the support structure, wherein... The removable liquid heat exchange element is configured to be positioned in a tank within the temperature-controlled treatment device. The liquid delivery element includes an inlet and an outlet, and a lumen for liquid delivery disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet and the outlet are positioned at a first portion of the removable liquid heat exchange element, such that the inlet and the outlet can be accessed from the same side of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device. The lumen for fluid delivery is at least partially enclosed by a heat exchange portion of a flexible wall, the heat exchange portion being configured to engage with the heat exchange surface of the temperature-controlled therapeutic device, wherein a portion of the lumen for fluid delivery is fluidly connected to the flexible wall and forms the heat exchange portion of the lumen. The support structure is configured to engage and partially close a portion of the liquid delivery member, such that a closure is formed between the inlet and the heat exchange portion of the lumen for liquid delivery, wherein the flexible wall is configured to form a tube between the inlet and the closure in the form of a gap, the gap extending along the side of the opening portion of the tube and opening the opening portion, such that the gap forms the closure portion between the opening portion of the tube and the heat exchange portion.

2. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure or the liquid conveying element is configured to form an inclined lower edge of the liquid conveying element, such that the liquid can flow upward from the inlet along the inclined lower edge to the heat exchange section of the cavity.

3. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure or the liquid conveying element is configured to form an inclined upper edge of the liquid conveying element, such that the liquid flows upward from the heat exchange portion of the cavity along the inclined upper edge to the outlet.

4. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein, The removable liquid heat exchange element is rectangular, and in which, The first short side of the rectangular removable liquid heat exchange element includes the inlet and the outlet. The liquid delivery component includes the lower edge of the first long side of the removable liquid heat exchange element of the rectangle. The liquid delivery component includes the upper edge of the second long side of the removable liquid heat exchange element of the rectangle, and The support structure is configured to engage and partially enclose a portion of the liquid delivery member along the sides of the lower and upper edges, but at a certain distance from the lower and upper edges, such that an elongated occlusion portion in the form of a gap between the portions of the flexible wall is formed in: Between the inlet and the heat exchange section of the cavity used for liquid transport, and The heat exchange section of the tube is located between the outlet and the outlet.

5. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 4, wherein, The opening of the pipe has a C-shaped cross-section.

6. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein, The removable liquid heat exchange element further includes a flexible holding device integrated in the support structure, wherein the flexible holding device is configured to engage with part of the temperature-controlled treatment device to secure the removable liquid heat exchange element in the tank.

7. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one of the inclined lower edge and inclined upper edge of the liquid conveying component is formed by pressing the support structure onto the flexible wall.

8. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one of the inclined lower edge and inclined upper edge of the liquid conveying component is formed by the shape of the flexible wall.

9. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid delivery component comprises a polymer sheet.

10. The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 4, wherein, The gap ranges from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

11. A device for temperature-controlled therapy, the device comprising: Peltier element, The device for temperature-controlled therapy includes a tank for storing a heat exchange surface connected to the Peltier element, and The removable liquid heat exchange element according to claim 1 is positioned in the tank.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The first part of the removable liquid heat exchange element is configured to be visible in the tank.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The tank in the temperature-controlled treatment device extends vertically, and within it, The inlet is configured to be located at the lower end of the vertical slot, and The outlet is configured to be located at the upper end of the vertical channel, such that the position where the liquid leaves the liquid conveyor is higher than the position where the liquid enters the liquid conveyor.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: At least one patient-connected heat exchange element is configured to be inserted into the patient's nasal cavity to administer temperature-controlled treatment, and A fitting for connecting the patient engagement heat exchange element to the removable liquid heat exchange element.

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