Breathable thermal contact pad

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing targeted temperature management (TTM) therapy to a patient. The systems described herein provide airflow to a patient in addition to a liquid flow that defines thermal energy exchange with the patient. Various systems may provide air at a defined TTM temperature to a thermal contact pad, a mattress, or a ventilator that delivers the TTM air to the patient via the ventilator. Also disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for preventing, managing, and / or removing sweat moisture from between a thermal contact pad and a patient. Disclosed herein is a thermal contact pad that includes a wicking material to wick moisture away from the patient. Also disclosed herein is a thermal contact pad that includes an airflow that wicks moisture away from the patient.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The effects of temperature on the human body are well documented, and the use of targeted temperature management (TTM) systems to selectively cool and / or heat bodily tissues is known. High temperatures, i.e. hyperthermia, can be detrimental to the brain under normal conditions, and more importantly, during periods of physical stress such as illness or surgery. Conversely, lower temperatures, i.e. mild hypothermia, may provide some degree of neuroprotection. Moderate to severe hypothermia tends to be more detrimental to the body, particularly the cardiovascular system.

[0002] Targeted temperature management can be viewed in two different aspects. The first aspect of temperature management involves treating abnormal body temperature, i.e., cooling the body under conditions of hyperthermia or warming the body under conditions of hypothermia. The second aspect of thermoregulation is an advanced treatment that uses techniques to physically control the patient's temperature to provide physiological benefits, such as cooling stroke patients to provide some degree of neuroprotection. As an example, the TTM system may be utilized in early stroke treatment to reduce neurological damage from stroke and head trauma patients. Further applications include selective patient heating / cooling during surgical procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

[0003] A TTM system circulates a fluid (e.g., water) through one or more thermal contact pads coupled to a patient to affect surface-to-surface thermal energy exchange with the patient. Generally, a TTM system includes a TTM fluid control module coupled to at least one contact pad via a fluid delivery line. One such TTM system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,323, entitled "Patient Temperature Control System with Fluid Pressure Maintenance," filed October 11, 2001, and one such thermal contact pad and related system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,323, entitled "Cooling / heating Pad and System," filed January 4, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,323, the ability to establish and maintain intimate contact between the pad and the patient is critical to fully realizing medical effectiveness with a TTM system.

[0004] In some instances of TTM therapy, patients may sweat over the contact area of ​​the thermal contact pad, causing skin irritation and / or hydrogel denaturation. Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for preventing, managing, and / or removing sweat moisture from the contact area of ​​the thermal contact pad.

[0005] In some cases, a patient may benefit from enhanced thermal energy exchange during TTM therapy. Typically, thermal energy exchange is limited by the contact area of ​​a thermal contact pad. Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a prescribed temperature airflow to a patient in accordance with TTM therapy to enhance thermal energy exchange with the patient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,645,232 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,197,045 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Briefly summarized, disclosed herein is a medical pad configured to provide thermal energy exchange with a patient, according to several embodiments. The pad includes a fluid-containing layer configured to circulate a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid therein to provide thermal energy exchange between the TTM fluid and the patient. A plurality of openings extend through the fluid-containing layer from a top surface to a bottom surface of the fluid-containing layer with a wicking material disposed therein, the wicking material configured to wick moisture away from the pad contact area on the patient.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wicking material extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the fluid containing layer. The openings define a top surface open area and a bottom surface open area, and in some embodiments, the top surface open area is greater than the bottom surface open area. In some embodiments, a hydrogel is disposed along the bottom surface of the fluid containing layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pad further includes a cover including a top wall extending over an upper surface of the fluid containing layer and a peripheral wall coupled to the top wall to define a compartment for the fluid containing layer when the pad is attached to a patient. The top wall may include a plurality of vent holes extending therethrough, and a support structure may be disposed between the top wall and the top surface to define a space between the top wall and the top surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pad can include an air pump coupled to the cover, the air pump configured to draw air from the compartment to define a vacuum within the compartment, the vacuum can increase the wicking rate of moisture away from the contact area, and the vacuum can further increase the evaporation rate of moisture away from the wicking material.

[0011] Also disclosed herein is a medical system including a Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) system. The TTM system includes a TTM module configured to provide a TTM liquid at a prescribed liquid temperature in accordance with a TTM therapy, and a thermal contact pad fluidly connected to the TTM module, the pad configured to receive the TTM liquid from the TTM module and circulate the TTM liquid within a liquid-containing layer of the pad to define a thermal energy exchange between the TTM liquid and the patient. The TTM module is further configured to provide a TTM airflow at a prescribed air temperature in accordance with a TTM therapy to the patient.

[0012] The TTM airflow may define a thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient, and in some embodiments, the temperature of the TTM airflow and the temperature of the TTM liquid are approximately the same. In some embodiments, the TTM airflow passes through a heat exchanger in the TTM module, the heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the TTM liquid and the TTM airflow, and in some embodiments, the TTM module includes an air pump configured to pump the TTM airflow through the heat exchanger.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pad is configured to receive the TTM airflow, hi some embodiments, the pad includes a number of liquid flow channels through which the TTM liquid circulates, and a number of air flow channels through which the TTM airflow circulates.

[0014] In some embodiments, the airflow channels are configured to wick moisture away from the pad contact area on the patient. In some embodiments, the airflow channels include moisture permeable wall segments that extend along the underside of the pad adjacent the patient's skin, the moisture permeable wall segments including one or more of a moisture wicking material or a moisture permeable membrane. In some embodiments, the TTM airflow moves sweat moisture away from the patient.

[0015] In some embodiments, the medical system further includes a ventilator system fluidly connected to the TTM system, wherein the ventilation airflow is delivered to the patient in accordance with a ventilation therapy, and the ventilation airflow includes the TTM airflow such that the ventilation airflow defines a thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient.

[0016] In some embodiments, the medical system further includes a ventilated mattress configured to place a patient thereon, (i) the mattress includes a plurality of mattress airflow channels disposed therein, (ii) the mattress is fluidly connected to the TTM module such that the TTM airflow passes through the mattress airflow channels, and (iii) the mattress airflow channels are configured within the mattress such that the TTM airflow therethrough defines a thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient. In some embodiments, the mattress is configured to conform to a shape of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient. In further embodiments, the mattress includes one or more fastening devices configured to extend a portion of the mattress upwardly adjacent one or more sides of the patient to further define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient. In some embodiments, the mattress includes a preformed recess configured to receive the patient.

[0017] Also disclosed herein is a mattress ventilation system including a ventilation control module configured to provide ventilation air at a prescribed temperature, the ventilation control module including an air pump configured to generate a flow of ventilation air, a chiller configured to cool the ventilation air, and a heater to heat the ventilation air.

[0018] The system further includes a mattress in fluid communication with the TTM module, the mattress configured to receive ventilation air from the TTM module, the mattress including a plurality of airflow channels disposed within the mattress, the airflow channels configured within the mattress such that, in use, a flow of ventilation air defines a thermal energy exchange between the ventilation air and a patient positioned on the mattress.

[0019] In some embodiments, the mattress is configured to conform to the shape of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient. The mattress may also include one or more fastening devices configured to extend a portion of the mattress upwardly adjacent one or more sides of the patient to further define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient. The mattress may also include a preformed recess configured to receive the patient.

[0020] Also disclosed herein is a method of exchanging thermal energy with a patient, the method including: (i) attaching a thermal contact pad to the patient, (ii) circulating a liquid from a targeted temperature management (TTM) module within a liquid-containing layer of the pad, the liquid having a prescribed liquid temperature in accordance with a TTM therapy, the liquid-containing layer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, and (iii) providing an airflow to the patient, the airflow having a prescribed air temperature in accordance with a targeted temperature management therapy.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method, the pad includes a plurality of openings extending through the liquid containing layer from the upper surface to the lower surface, the openings including a wicking material disposed therein, and the method further includes wicking moisture through the openings and away from the patient via the wicking material.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method, providing airflow to the patient includes circulating airflow through air channels in the pad, the air channels being in fluid communication with the pad contact area of ​​the patient, and the method further includes wicking sweat moisture away from the patient via the airflow through the air channels.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method, providing an airflow to the patient includes providing ventilation air to the patient via a ventilator, the ventilation air passing through a TTM module to define the air temperature.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method, providing an airflow to the patient includes passing the airflow through a plurality of airflow channels in a mattress for the patient, and in some embodiments the airflow passes through a TTM module to define the air temperature.

[0025] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be made by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a patient and a targeted temperature management (TTM) system for cooling or warming the patient, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 2 is a hydraulic schematic illustrating the TTM system of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating various elements of a console of the TTM module of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4A] 2 illustrates a top view of the thermal contact pad of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4B]4B is a cross-sectional side view of the thermal contact pad of FIG. 4A taken along section line 4B-4B, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the thermal contact pad of FIG. 4A in combination with a cover extending over the thermal contact pad, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a patient and a targeted thermal management (TTM) system for cooling or warming the patient, the TTM system further providing a TTM airflow to a thermal contact pad, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 3 illustrates a portion of the hydraulic schematic of FIG. 2 further including an air flow circuit according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] 6B is a top view of the thermal contact pad of FIG. 6A according to some embodiments. [Figure 6D] 6D is a cross-sectional side view of the thermal contact pad of FIG. 6C taken along section line 6D-6D, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 illustrates a patient and medical system including the targeted temperature management (TTM) system of FIGS. 1-3 in combination with a ventilator system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the hydraulic schematic of FIG. 2 further including a ventilation airflow circuit, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 illustrates a patient and medical system including the targeted temperature management (TTM) system of FIGS. 1-3 in combination with a mattress ventilation system, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Before some specific embodiments are disclosed in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiment and, optionally, combined with or substituted for features of any of the other numerous embodiments disclosed herein.

[0028] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that the terms are intended to describe some particular embodiments, and that the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps, and do not provide sequential or numerical limitations. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Labels such as "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. are used for convenience and do not imply, for example, a particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such designations are used to reflect, for example, a relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "one", "one", and "said" also include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The words "including," "has," and "having" have the same meaning as the word "comprising" when used herein, including the claims. Furthermore, the terms "or" and "and / or" when used herein shall be construed to mean inclusive or any one or any combination. As an example, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any of the following: A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C." Exceptions to this definition occur only when combinations of elements, components, features, steps, or acts are in some way essentially mutually exclusive.

[0029] The phrases "connected" and "coupled" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, signal, communication (including wireless), and thermal interaction. Two components may be connected or coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. For example, two components may be coupled to one another through an intermediate component.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 1 illustrates a targeted temperature management system 100 coupled to a patient 50 for administering a targeted temperature management (TTM) therapy to the patient 50, which may include cooling and / or warming of the patient 50, according to some embodiments. The TTM system 100 includes a TTM module 110 including a graphical user interface (GUI) 115 housed within a module housing 111. The TTM system 100 includes a fluid delivery line (FDL) 130 extending from the TTM module 110 to a thermal contact pad (pad) 120 to provide a flow of TTM fluid 112 between the TTM module 110 and the pad.

[0031] The TTM system 100 may include one, two, three, four, or more pads 120, and the TTM system 100 may include one, two, three, four, or more fluid delivery lines 130. In use, the TTM module 110 prepares the TTM fluid 112 for delivery to the pads 120 by heating or cooling the TTM fluid 112 to a prescribed temperature according to a predetermined TTM therapy. The TTM module 110 circulates the TTM fluid 112 within the pads 120 to facilitate thermal energy exchange with the patient 50. During TTM therapy, the TTM module 110 may continuously control the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 toward a target TTM temperature. In some cases, the target TTM temperature may change during TTM therapy.

[0032] 2 shows a hydraulic schematic of the TTM system 100. The FDL 130 and pad 120 are located external to the housing 111 of the TTM module 110. The TTM module includes various fluid sensors and fluid control devices for preparing and circulating the TTM fluid 112. The fluid subsystems of the TTM module may include a temperature control subsystem 210 and a circulation subsystem 230.

[0033] The temperature control subsystem 210 may include a chiller pump 211 for pumping (recirculating) the TTM fluid 112 through a chiller circuit chiller 212 that includes a chiller 213 and a chiller tank 214. A temperature sensor 215 in the chiller tank 214 is configured to measure the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214. The chiller 213 may be controlled by temperature control logic (see FIG. 3 ), as described further below, to establish a desired temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214. In some examples, the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214 may be below a target body temperature for TTM therapy.

[0034] The temperature control subsystem 210 may further include a mixing pump 221 for pumping the TTM fluid 112 through a mixing circuit 222, which includes a chiller tank 214, a circulation tank 224, and a dam 228 disposed between the chiller tank 214 and the circulation tank 224. When the TTM fluid 112 is pumped by the mixing pump 221, it enters the chiller tank 214 and mixes with the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214. The TTM fluid 112 mixed in the chiller tank 214 flows over the dam 228 into the circulation tank 224. In other words, the mixing circuit 222 mixes the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214 with the TTM fluid 112 in the circulation tank 224 to cool the TTM fluid 112 in the circulation tank 224. A temperature sensor 225 in the circulation tank 224 measures the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the circulation tank 224. The temperature control logic may control the mixing pump 221 according to temperature data from a temperature sensor 225 in the circulation tank 224 .

[0035] The circulating tank 224 includes a heater 227 for increasing the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224, which may be controlled by temperature control logic. In summary, the temperature control logic, when executed by a processor (see FIG. 3 ), may receive temperature data from the temperature sensor 215 in the chiller tank and the temperature sensor 225 in the circulating tank 224 and control the operation of the chiller 213, chiller pump 211, heater 227, and mixing pump 222 to establish and maintain the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224 at a target body temperature for TTM therapy.

[0036] The circulation subsystem 230 includes a circulation pump 213 for drawing the TTM fluid 112 from the circulation tank 224 through a circulation circuit 232 that includes the fluid delivery line 120 and the pad 120 located upstream from the circulation pump 213. The circulation circuit 232 also includes a pressure sensor 237 for indicating the pressure of the TTM fluid 112 in the pad 120. The circulation circuit 232 also includes a temperature sensor 235 in the circulation tank 224 for indicating the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 entering the pad 120, and a temperature sensor 236 for indicating the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 exiting the pad 120. A flow meter 238 is located downstream from the circulation pump 213 for measuring the flow rate of the TTM fluid 112 through the circulation circuit 232 before the TTM fluid 112 re-enters the circulation tank 224.

[0037] In use, the circulation tank 224, which may be vented to atmosphere, is positioned below (i.e., at a lower elevation) than the pad 120 so that the pressure within the pad 120 is less than atmospheric pressure (i.e., negative pressure) when fluid flow through the circulation circuit 232 is stopped. The pad 120 is also positioned upstream from the circulation pump 213 to further establish a negative pressure within the pad 120 when the circulation pump 231 is operating. Fluid flow control logic (see FIG. 3) may control the operation of the circulation pump 213 to establish and maintain a desired negative pressure within the pad 120. The supply tank 240 provides the TTM fluid 112 to the circulation tank 224 via port 241 to maintain a prescribed amount of the TTM fluid 112 within the circulation tank 224.

[0038] 3 shows a block diagram illustrating various elements of the TTM module 110 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. The TTM module includes a console 300 including a processor 310 and a memory 340 including a non-transitory computer readable medium. Logic modules stored in the memory 340 include patient treatment logic 341, fluid temperature control logic 342, and fluid flow control logic 343. The logic modules, when executed by the processor 310, define the operation and functionality of the TTM module 110.

[0039] The block diagram of Figure 3 illustrates the fluid sensors 320 described above in relation to Figure 2. Each of the fluid sensors 320 is coupled to the console 300 such that data from the fluid sensors 320 may be utilized in performing the TTM module operations. A fluid control device 330 is also shown in Figure 3 coupled to the console 300. Thus, the logic module may control the operation of the fluid control device 330, as described further below.

[0040] The patient treatment logic 341 may receive input from a clinician via the GUI 115 to establish operating parameters in accordance with a predetermined TTM therapy. The operating parameters may include a target temperature of the TTM fluid 112, which may include a time-based target temperature profile. In some embodiments, the fluid temperature control logic 342 may define other fluid temperatures of the TTM fluid 112 in the TTM module 110, such as, for example, a target temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214.

[0041] The fluid temperature control logic 342 may perform operations to establish and maintain the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 delivered to the pad 120 according to a predefined target temperature profile. One temperature control operation may include cooling the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214. The fluid temperature control logic 342 may utilize temperature data from the chiller tank temperature sensor 215 to control the operation of the chiller 213 to establish and maintain the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the chiller tank 214.

[0042] Another temperature control operation may include cooling the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224. The fluid temperature control logic 342 may utilize temperature data from the circulating tank temperature sensor 225 to control the operation of the mixing pump 221 to reduce the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224.

[0043] Yet another temperature control operation may include warming the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224. The fluid temperature control logic 342 may utilize temperature data from the circulating tank temperature sensor 225 to control the operation of the heater 227 to increase the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 in the circulating tank 224.

[0044] The fluid flow control logic 343 may control the operation of the circulation pump 231. Because the rate of thermal energy exchange is at least partially determined by the flow rate of the TTM fluid 112 through the pad 120, the fluid flow control logic 343 may, in some embodiments, control the operation of the circulation pump 231 according to a prescribed rate of thermal energy exchange for TTM therapy.

[0045] The console 300 may include wireless communication capabilities 350 to facilitate wireless communication with external devices. A power supply 360 provides power to the console 300. 4A shows a top view of an exemplary pad 120 attached to a patient 50, including an FDL 130 through which TTM fluid 112 flows to and from the pad 120. The pad 120 defines an upper surface 401 facing away from the patient 50, and a lower surface 402 configured for contact, including thermal contact, with the patient 50.

[0046] The pad 120 may define a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the pad 120 may define a shape other than a rectangle, such as a circle, an oval, or a shape that conforms to or aligns with the shape of a particular body part. In the illustrated embodiment, the pad 120 defines a generally flat shape in the free state, i.e., when no external forces are acting on it. In other embodiments, the pad 120 may define a curved shape in the free state to more effectively accommodate non-flat body parts, such as the legs.

[0047] The pad 120 may be configured to accommodate protrusions and / or depressions along the surface of the patient 50. For example, the pad 120 may be structurally flexible in one or more directions to extend to cover protrusions and / or fill depressions in the patient's surface such that the pad 120 may define thermal contact with an uneven skin surface of the patient. FIG. 4A shows an exemplary arrangement of flow channels 425 extending across the pad 120. The TTM fluid 112 flows along the flow channels 425 to define a heat sink or heat source to the patient 50 according to the temperature of the TTM fluid 112.

[0048] The pad 120 includes a number of openings 410 extending between the upper surface 401 and the lower surface 402 of the pad 120. In some embodiments, the openings 410 may be configured to accommodate air flow between the upper surface 401 and the lower surface 402 to define the breathability of the pad 120, although breathability is not required. In some embodiments, the openings 410 may also be configured to accommodate the movement of moisture (i.e., moisture wicking) between the upper surface 401 and the lower surface 402.

[0049] The openings 410 may be formed in a variety of shapes when viewed from the top surface 401. In some embodiments, the openings 410 may include slots extending between opposing side surfaces of the pad 120. The openings 410 may extend partially across the pad 120 or completely across it. In some embodiments, the openings 410 may extend to the periphery of the pad 420. In some embodiments, the openings 410 may include a series of holes (e.g., round holes) arranged randomly or in a prescribed pattern across the pad 120.

[0050] The opening 410 can define a buildup area 411 that comprises a portion of the total area 404 of the pad 120. In some embodiments, the buildup area 411 can include up to 10 percent, 10-20 percent, 20-30 percent, 30-40 percent, 40-50 percent, or more than 50 percent of the total area 404.

[0051] Material 415 may be disposed within the openings 410. Material 415 may be configured for breathability and / or moisture wicking. In some instances of TTM therapy, the patient may sweat over the contact area of ​​the thermal contact pad. Sweating may cause discomfort to the patient, irritation to the patient's skin, and / or denaturation of the hydrogel disposed over the underside of the pad.

[0052] In some embodiments, material 415 may provide breathability in the contact area of ​​pad 120 to reduce sweating of patient 50. In some embodiments, material 415 may be configured to wick moisture (e.g., sweat) away from the contact area. In further embodiments, material 415 may be configured for both breathability and moisture wicking.

[0053] The composition of material 415 may include wool, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or any other material with wicking properties. In some embodiments, the material may be constructed to promote moisture wicking by capillary action of the hollow fibers.

[0054] 4B shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of pad 120 taken along cut line 4B-4B. Pad 120 may be formed of one or more layers. Fluid containing layer 420 is fluidly connected to FDL 130 to facilitate circulation of TTM fluid 112 within fluid containing layer 420 along channels 425. Fluid containing layer 420, within which TTM fluid 112 circulates, defines a heat sink / heat source for patient 50 according to the temperature of TTM fluid 112.

[0055] The pad 120 may include a thermally conductive layer 430 disposed between the fluid containing layer 420 and the patient 50. The thermally conductive layer 430 is configured to facilitate thermal energy transfer between the fluid containing layer 420 and the patient 50 via thermal conduction. The thermally conductive layer 430 may be attached to the fluid containing layer 420 along a lower surface of the fluid containing layer 420. The thermally conductive layer 430 may be conformable to provide intimate contact with the patient 50. In other words, the thermally conductive layer 430 may conform to the contours of the patient 50 to prevent spaces or air pockets between the thermally conductive layer 430 and the patient 50. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer 430 may include a hydrogel 431.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4B, the openings 410 extend between the top opening 410A and the bottom opening 410B. In some embodiments, the top opening 410A and the bottom opening 410B may be similar in shape and size (e.g., area). In other embodiments, the top opening 410A and the bottom opening 410B may be different in shape and size to optimize breathability, moisture wicking ability, and / or thermal energy exchange. For example, the bottom opening 410B may be sized to allow ingress 455A of moisture 452 (sweat from the patient 50) into the material 415 while minimizing losses in thermal energy exchange through the thermally conductive layer 430. Similarly, the top opening 410A may be maximized in size to promote evaporation 455B of moisture 452 from the material 415 to the environment 451. Thus, the top opening 410A may be larger in size / area than the bottom opening 410B. In some embodiments, natural convection of air adjacent to the top surface 401 of the pad 120 due to the temperature difference between the fluid containing layer 420 and the environment 451 may be utilized to enhance evaporation 455B of moisture 452 from the material 415 to the environment 451.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pad 120 may be compressible such that the volume of the opening 410 changes in response to movement of the patient 50. The change in volume may define a pumping action to enhance the ingress 455A of moisture 452 from the patient 50 into the material 415 and the egress of moisture 452 from the wicking material 415 to the environment 451 via evaporation 455B.

[0058] 5 illustrates a cover 520 that may be placed over the pad 120 during use of the pad 120. In some embodiments, the pad 120 may include the cover 520, i.e., the cover 520 may be attached to the pad 120. The cover 520 may enhance evaporation of moisture from the pad 120. The cover 520 may define a space 521 between the upper surface 401 of the pad 120 and the cover 520. The cover 520 may be formed of a sheet material, such as, for example, a flexible fabric material.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cover 520 may include a support structure 528 to prevent collapse of the cover 520, i.e., to maintain the space 521. The space 521 may be combined with a number of vents 525 extending through the cover wall 527 to promote airflow along the top surface 401, including airflow defined by natural convection. The cover wall 527 may include a top wall 527A and a peripheral side wall 527B.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cover 520 may extend adjacent the periphery of the pad 120 down to the skin surface of the patient 50 to define a compartment 523 that receives the pad 120. In further embodiments, the cover 520 may include an air pump 530, such as a fan. The air pump 530 may facilitate a forced air flow into or out of the compartment 523 to define a forced air flow adjacent the top surface 401 of the pad 120 to enhance the evaporation rate of moisture 452 (see FIG. 4B). In some embodiments, the air pump 530 may define a negative pressure within the compartment 523, which may further enhance the rate of wicking of moisture from the patient and / or the rate of evaporation of moisture 452.

[0061] FIG. 6A illustrates a second embodiment that is a TTM system 600. System 600 may be similar to TTM system 100 of FIGS. 1-3 in several respects, including functionality, fluid components, and console components. System 600 includes a system module 110 that further includes an airflow circuit 670 and air control logic 643. System 600 also includes a thermal contact pad 620. In some embodiments, system 600 may include multiple pads 620. System 600 includes a fluid delivery line 130 coupled to system module 110 through which TTM fluid 112 flows. System 600 further includes an air delivery line 630 through which air 612 flows between an airflow circuit 670 and pads 620 housed within system module 110. Airflow control logic 643 is included in system module 110 as a component of console 300 (FIG. 3).

[0062] FIG. 6B illustrates a portion of the hydraulic schematic of FIG. 2 further including an airflow circuit 670 incorporated into the system module 110 and housed within the module housing 111. The airflow circuit 670 generally includes an air pump 675, a heat exchanger 673, and a pressure regulator 676. The air pump 675 is configured to pump air 612 through the airflow circuit 670, including to and from the pad 620 via the air delivery line 630. The pressure regulator 676 may be located anywhere along the airflow circuit 670, and in some embodiments, the pressure regulator 676 is configured to make the air pressure in the pad 620 negative (i.e., a vacuum). In some embodiments, the pressure regulator 676 may provide air to flow in and / or out of the airflow circuit 670. More specifically, the pressure regulator 676 may include an air pump to move air 612 in and out of the airflow circuit 670. In some embodiments, air flow circuit 670 may include a pressure sensor 677. In some embodiments, one or more of air pump 675, pressure regulator 676, or pressure sensor 677 may be communicatively coupled to console 300 such that air control logic 643 may provide active control of air flow rate and / or air pressure.

[0063] The heat exchanger 673 is coupled to the circulation circuit 232 (see FIG. 2) of the TTM module 110. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 673 may be a liquid-to-air heat exchanger coupled between the TTM fluid 112 and the air 612 such that the temperature of the air 612 exiting the heat exchanger 673 is the same as or close to the temperature of the TTM fluid 112. Although not required, the heat exchanger 673 may be located within the circulation tank 224 of the TTM module 110.

[0064] FIG. 6C is a top view of the pad 620 showing an example flow schematic of the TTM fluid 112 and air 612. FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pad 620 taken along section line 6D-6D. The pad 620 exchanges the TTM fluid 112 with the TTM module 110 via the FDL 130, and the pad 620 exchanges the air 612 with the TTM module 110 via an air delivery line 630. The TTM fluid 112 circulates within the pad 620 via a series of flow channels 625. Similarly, the air 612 flows through the pad 620 via a series of flow channels 635. The flow channels 625 and 635 may define any suitable configuration extending across the pad 620. The structure of the pad 620, or more specifically the structure of the channels 625, 635, may be configured to accommodate the negative pressure of the TTM fluid 112 and air 612 without collapsing. Because the air 612 and the TTM fluid have similar temperatures, the heat exchange with the patient 50 may be determined by both the temperature of the air 612 and the temperature of the TTM fluid 112 .

[0065] 6D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of pad 620 taken along cut line 6D-6D with pad 620 attached to patient 50. As discussed above, in some instances of TTM therapy, the patient may sweat over the contact area of ​​the thermal contact pad. Sweating may cause discomfort to the patient, irritation to the patient's skin, and / or denaturation of the hydrogel disposed over the underside of the pad. The flow of air 612 through channels 635 facilitates a reduction in sweating in patient 50. The flow of air 612 through channels 635 facilitates a reduction in sweat moisture 652 accumulated between pad 620 and the patient's skin.

[0066] In some embodiments, material 615 may be disposed within channel 635. Material 615 may be configured for breathability and / or wicking of moisture 652. As shown, in some embodiments, material 615 may extend across only a portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​channel 635 such that air 612 may flow freely through the portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​channel 635 not occupied by material 615. In other embodiments, material 615 may extend across the entire cross-section of channel 635 and air 612 may flow through material 615. In some embodiments, material 615 may provide breathability in the contact area of ​​pad 120 to reduce sweating of patient 50. In some embodiments, material 615 may be configured to wick moisture 652 (e.g., sweat) away from the contact area. In further embodiments, material 615 may be configured for both breathability and wicking of moisture.

[0067] The composition of material 615 may include wool, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or any other material with wicking properties. In some embodiments, the material may be constructed to promote moisture wicking through capillary action of the hollow fibers.

[0068] In some embodiments, the pad may include a semi-permeable membrane 616 in addition to or instead of material 615. Membrane 616 may be disposed along the lower surface of channel 635 such that it is disposed between air 615 and the patient's skin. Membrane 616 may allow for the movement of moisture 652 across membrane 616. In some embodiments, membrane 616 may be omitted such that material 615 may directly contact the skin.

[0069] In use, the flow of air 612 may draw moisture 652 away from the patient's skin. More specifically, sweat from the patient 50 may pass through the membrane 616 and material 615 to reach the air 612. The air 612 may increase the evaporation rate of moisture 652 from the membrane 616 and / or material 615 to the air 612. In some embodiments, both material 615 and membrane 616 may be omitted such that the air 616 flows in direct contact with the patient's skin.

[0070] In some embodiments, the pad 620 may be compressible such that the flow area of ​​the channel 635 decreases and increases in response to movement of the patient 50. The decrease and increase in the flow area of ​​the channel 635 may define a pumping action to enhance the ingress of moisture 652 through the membrane 616 and into the wicking material 615, and the egress of moisture 652 from the wicking material 615 via the air 612.

[0071] FIG. 7A illustrates a medical system 700. System 700 generally includes the TTM system 100 of FIGS. 1-3 coupled to a ventilator system 705, including a ventilator module 710, ventilator tubing 730, and a ventilator mask 711. System 700 is configured to enhance TTM therapy by prescribing the temperature of ventilation air 712 to the temperature of the TTM fluid 112. An airflow circuit 770 is incorporated into the TTM module 110 and connected to the ventilator tubing 730 such that air 712 from the ventilator module 710 flows through the airflow circuit 770 before flowing to the patient 50.

[0072] 7B illustrates a portion of the hydraulic schematic of FIG. 2 further including an air flow circuit 770 incorporated into the system module 110 and housed within the module housing 111. The air flow circuit 770 generally includes a heat exchanger 773 coupled to the circulation circuit 232 (see FIG. 2) of the TTM module 110. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 773 may be a liquid-to-air heat exchanger coupled between the TTM fluid 112 and the air 712 such that the temperature of the air 712 exiting the heat exchanger 773 is the same as or close to the temperature of the TTM fluid 112. Although not required, the heat exchanger 773 may be located within the circulation tank 224 of the TTM module 110 as shown.

[0073] In use, the ventilator module 110 prepares the air 712 in accordance with a ventilation therapy for the patient 50. The TTM module 110 further prepares the air 712 (i.e., prescribes the temperature of the air 712) to support the TTM therapy, i.e., to enhance thermal energy exchange. More specifically, the air 712 from the ventilator module 710 flows through the TTM module 110 (i.e., heat exchanger 773) and then to the patient 50. The air 712 then flows from the patient 50 back to the ventilator module 710 to complete the ventilation circuit.

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a TTM system 800 including the TTM system 100 and a mattress ventilation system 805. In some embodiments, the mattress ventilation system 805 may be a stand-alone system separate from the TTM system 100. The mattress ventilation system 805 is generally configured to facilitate thermal energy exchange between the mattress 820 and the patient 50 according to the temperature of air flowing through the mattress 820. The system 805 generally includes a ventilation module 810 coupled to the mattress 820 via an air delivery line 830. The ventilation module 810 generally includes an air pump 831, a heater 827, and a chiller 813 such that the ventilation module 810 can provide warm or cool air to the mattress 820. The air pump 831 flows the air 812 through the heater 827 and / or the chiller 813, respectively, to increase or decrease the temperature of the air 812. The air pump 831 further flows the air 812 into and out of the mattress 820 via the air delivery line 830. The ventilation module 810 may further include components (not shown) for controlling the temperature of the air 812, such as a temperature sensor, a microprocessor, logic, and a power converter.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mattress ventilation system 805 may be coupled to the TTM system 100. More specifically, the air delivery line 830 may be connected to an airflow circuit 870 integrated into the TTM module 110. The airflow circuit 870 may be similar in some respects to the airflow circuit 770 of FIG. 7B. Thus, the airflow circuit 870 may dictate, in whole or in part, the temperature of the air 812. In such embodiments, the heater 827 and / or chiller 813 may be omitted from the ventilation module 810, i.e., the mattress ventilation system 805 may rely solely on the TTM module 110 to dictate the temperature of the air 812.

[0076] In further embodiments, airflow circuit 770 may be similar to airflow circuit 670 of FIG. 6B. In such embodiments, ventilation module 810 may be omitted entirely. More specifically, TTM module 110 may regulate the flow of air 812 into and out of mattress 820 in combination with regulating the temperature of air 812.

[0077] 8 shows a cut-away portion of mattress 820 illustrating a number of channels 835 disposed within mattress 820 through which air 812 may flow. Channels 835 may define any suitable arrangement across mattress 820 to establish a temperature of mattress 820 along an upper surface 821 of mattress 820 such that mattress 820 may facilitate heat exchange between patient 50 and air 812.

[0078] In some embodiments, the mattress 820 may include an air circulation layer 836 that includes the channels 835 therein and a cushioning layer 837 disposed along an underside of the circulation layer 836. The circulation layer 837 may be configured to prevent the channels 835 from collapsing when the patient 50 is placed on the mattress 820. The circulation layer 837 may be flexible enough to conform to the shape of the patient 50, such as wrapping partially around the legs or torso of the patient 50. In some embodiments, the pressure of the air 812 in the channels 835 may contribute to the conformability of the mattress 820, similar to, for example, an air mattress.

[0079] The cushioning layer 837 may be configured to define a support for the circulation layer 836. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 837 may be constructed from a compressible foam material such that the weight of the patient 50 may define a depression in the cushioning layer 837 to enhance conformance of the mattress 820 to the patient 50. In some embodiments, the mattress 820 may define a flat upper surface 821 in a free state, i.e., without the patient 50 present. In other embodiments, the mattress 820 may define a preformed shape (e.g., a depression) to enhance conformance of the mattress 820 to the patient 50.

[0080] In some embodiments, the mattress 820 may include one or more fastening devices 823 (e.g., straps) for securing the mattress 820, or portions thereof, to the patient 50. The fastening devices 823 may be configured to modify the shape of the upper surface 821 such that a portion of the mattress partially wraps around the patient 50 (e.g., extends upward along the side of the patient 50). For example, a portion of the mattress may be partially wrapped around the patient's legs or torso by straps to enhance heat exchange by increasing the contact area between the mattress 820 and the patient 50.

[0081] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent using the preceding description. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that, with the aid of this disclosure, changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the above description are within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the order of steps or operations of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or operations is necessary for the proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or operations may be changed. The scope of the present invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A medical pad, comprising: a fluid-containing layer configured to circulate a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid therein to define a thermal energy exchange between the TTM fluid and a patient; a plurality of openings extending through the fluid containing layer from a top surface to a bottom surface of the fluid containing layer; a wicking material disposed within the opening, the wicking material configured to wick moisture away from the patient pad contact area; A medical pad comprising:

2. The pad of claim 1 , wherein the wicking material extends between the upper and lower surfaces.

3. 3. The pad according to claim 1 or 2, The opening defines a top opening area and a bottom opening area; The top surface open area of ​​the pad is greater than the bottom surface open area.

4. The pad of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a hydrogel disposed along the lower surface of the fluid containing layer.

5. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprises a cover, The cover is a top wall extending over the top surface of the fluid containing layer; a peripheral wall coupled to the top wall to define a compartment for the fluid containing layer when the pad is attached to the patient; Including the pad.

6. The pad of claim 5 , wherein the top wall includes a plurality of vent holes extending therethrough.

7. 7. The pad of claim 5 or 6, wherein the cover further comprises a support structure disposed between the top wall and the upper surface to define a space between the top wall and the upper surface.

8. 8. The pad of claim 5, further comprising an air pump coupled to the cover, the air pump configured to draw air from the compartment to define a vacuum within the compartment.

9. The pad of claim 8 , wherein the vacuum increases the rate of wicking of moisture from the contact area.

10. 10. A pad according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the vacuum increases the rate of evaporation of moisture away from the wicking material.

11. A pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the pad is compressible such that a volume of the opening changes in response to movement of the patient; The change in volume increases the rate of wicking of moisture from the contact area and increases the rate of evaporation of moisture away from the wicking material.

12. 1. A health care system comprising:

1. A targeted thermal management (TTM) system, comprising: a TTM module configured to provide a TTM fluid at a prescribed fluid temperature in accordance with a TTM therapy; a thermal contact pad fluidly connected to the TTM module, configured to receive the TTM liquid from the TTM module; a thermal contact pad configured to circulate the TTM liquid within a liquid-containing layer of the pad to define a thermal energy exchange between the TTM liquid and a patient; With targeted temperature management including The medical system, wherein the TTM module is further configured to provide a TTM airflow at a prescribed air temperature to the patient in accordance with the TTM therapy.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the temperature of the TTM air stream and the temperature of the TTM liquid are approximately the same.

14. 14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein, in use, the TTM airflow defines a thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient.

15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the TTM airflow passes through a heat exchanger in the TTM module, the heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the TTM liquid and the TTM airflow.

16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the TTM module comprises: A system comprising an air pump configured to pump the TTM air flow through the heat exchanger.

17. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the pad is configured to receive the TTM airflow.

18. 18. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, comprising: The pad is a plurality of liquid flow channels through which the TTM liquid circulates; a plurality of airflow channels through which the TTM airflow circulates; Including, the system.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the airflow channels are configured to wick moisture away from the patient pad contact area.

20. 20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the airflow channel includes a moisture permeable wall segment extending along an underside of the pad adjacent the patient's skin.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the moisture permeable wall segment comprises one or more of a moisture wicking material or a moisture permeable membrane.

22. 22. The system of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein, in use, the TTM airflow moves sweat moisture away from the patient.

23. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15 further comprises: a ventilator system fluidly connected to the TTM system; A system, wherein a ventilation airflow delivered to a patient in accordance with a ventilation therapy includes the TTM airflow such that the ventilation airflow defines the thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient.

24. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15 further comprises: a ventilated mattress configured for positioning the patient on the ventilated mattress; the mattress includes a plurality of mattress airflow channels disposed within the mattress; the mattress is fluidly connected to the TTM module such that the TTM airflow passes through the mattress airflow channel; The system, wherein the mattress airflow channel is configured within the mattress such that the TTM airflow through the mattress airflow channel defines a thermal energy exchange between the TTM airflow and the patient.

25. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the mattress is configured to conform to a shape of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient.

26. 26. The system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the mattress includes one or more fastening devices configured to extend a portion of the mattress upwardly adjacent one or more sides of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient.

27. 27. The system of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the mattress includes a preformed depression configured to receive the patient.

28. 1. A mattress ventilation system comprising: a ventilation control module configured to provide ventilation air at a specified temperature, an air pump configured to generate a flow of ventilation air; a chiller configured to cool the ventilation air; a heater for warming the ventilation air; a ventilation control module including: a mattress fluidly connected to the module; the mattress is configured to receive the ventilation air from the module; the mattress includes a plurality of air flow channels disposed within the mattress; A mattress ventilation system, wherein the air flow channels are configured within the mattress such that, in use, a flow of ventilation air defines thermal energy exchange between the ventilation air and a patient positioned on the mattress.

29. 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the mattress is configured to conform to a shape of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient.

30. 30. The system of claim 28 or 29, wherein the mattress includes one or more fastening devices configured to extend a portion of the mattress upwardly adjacent one or more sides of the patient to define a thermal interface between the mattress and the patient.

31. 31. The system of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the mattress includes a pre-formed depression configured to receive the patient.

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