Removable cooling device, related system and method of arrangement

Abstract

The removable cooling device includes a distal running catheter forming a distal lumen that provides the liquid as an input, and a proximal running catheter forming a proximal lumen that receives the liquid as an output, the proximal running catheter connected to the distal running catheter. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system includes a thermal management and flow system (TMFS) operable to change the liquid to a specific temperature and regulate the flow rate, a closed-circuit flow system having the removable cooling device, an array of distal sensors, a pump for moving the liquid through the TMFS, an inflow port that receives the liquid from the proximal running catheter, a plurality of capillary tubes that cool the liquid, and an outflow port that returns the liquid to the distal running catheter.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 938,916, filed November 21, 2019, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present specification relates generally to devices and methods for treating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and more particularly to a removable cooling device and associated system that is deployed during brain surgery to treat associated symptoms of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), surgery requiring craniectomy, or intrasoft tissue surgery. [Background technology]

[0003] Bleeding inside the brain is known as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ICH can occur as a result of traumatic brain injury or it can occur spontaneously. Common etiologies of non-traumatic ICH include hypertensive arteriolopathies, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke, underlying vascular lesions, hemorrhagic tumors, or other rare causes.

[0004] Over 5 million hemorrhagic strokes occur worldwide each year. There are approximately 70,000 ICH cases per year in the United States. ICH is the most lethal form of stroke, with approximately 40% mortality within 30 days of the primary injury. Six months after hemorrhage, only 20% of patients regain functional independence in their daily activities.

[0005] Mechanical stress and destruction of brain tissue resulting from the formation of hematomas occurs rapidly after a hemorrhagic event and is associated with swelling of brain tissue surrounding the injury site. The neurotoxic components of the hematoma induce secondary subacute injury manifested as perihematomal edema (PHE). PHE formation begins within the first 4 hours and rapidly accelerates, reaching 60% of peak absolute volume at 24 hours after hemorrhage. Although the most rapid expansion occurs in the first 48 hours, edema continues to increase, on average, for up to 12 days after hemorrhage. Increasing edema correlates with decreased neurological function. No treatment has yet been discovered that reduces PHE or improves outcomes after ICH. Current medical management focuses on limiting the primary injury by controlling the hemorrhage, decreasing the chance of rebleeding, and providing supportive care to patients. Both the Surgical Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STICH) and Surgical Treatment of Lobar Hemorrhage (STICH II) trials failed to show improvement in the primary outcome of improved neurological function in the surgical group after ICH. Attempts at aggressive blood pressure control with the Intensive Reduction of Blood Pressure in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage (INTERACT II) and Reduction of Blood Pressure in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage (ATACH II) trials also failed to obtain primary assessment of improved functional status. Furthermore, acute administration of FACTOR VII, a recombinant factor VIIa agent in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (FAST), showed no benefit. Platelet transfusions versus standard care after acute stroke due to spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage associated with antiplatelet therapy addressing hemostasis (PATCH) trial showed no functional improvement. The PATCH trial did indeed show that giving platelets to patients on antiplatelet agents was harmful.

[0006] Research has identified the role of hypothermia therapy as a tool to treat ICH. Hypothermia is one of the earliest and most thoroughly studied neuroprotective agents that exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Acutely, hypothermia reduces metabolic rate and release of excitatory neurotransmitters, improving glucose metabolism. Subacutely, it reduces cellular inflammation by decreasing inflammatory markers, downregulating pro-apoptotic BAX gene expression, and upregulating anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene expression.

[0007] Total body hypothermia is the induction of hypothermia by lowering the core body temperature, achieving hypothermia in all organs, including the target organ, the brain. The application of total body hypothermia has been studied in several conditions resulting in neurological damage, most notably after cardiac arrest, neonatal hypoxia, and stroke. However, total body hypothermia holds certain risks for nonselective cooling of organ systems, including bradyarrhythmias, coagulopathy, metabolic disorders, immunosuppression, and shivering, which may cause more damage than ICH itself. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments generally relate to a removable cooling device including a distal running catheter forming a distal lumen providing liquid as an input and a proximal running catheter forming a proximal lumen receiving liquid as an output, the proximal running catheter being connected to the distal running catheter. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further includes a heat exchange area including a highly conductive material for cooling the surrounding tissue with the liquid. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further includes a connector that allows attachment, detachment, and alignment of the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter to align with one or more catheters associated with the fluid pump and the thermal regulation mechanism. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further includes a sensor array operable to determine at least one of a temperature of the internal liquid or surrounding tissue, a pressure of the internal liquid or surrounding tissue, a flow rate of the internal liquid or surrounding tissue, and a biological property of the internal liquid or surrounding tissue, and an external controller operable to modify said at least one of the temperature, the pressure, and the flow rate. In some embodiments, the sensor array is located at the most distal end of the distal running catheter or at any portion of the distal running catheter. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further comprises a heat exchange region including a highly conductive loop that cools the surrounding tissue with a liquid. In some embodiments, the highly conductive loop is at an angle of substantially 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further comprises a heat exchange region including a proximal running catheter having a highly conductive coil wrapped around the distal running catheter, connecting the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and cooling the surrounding tissue with a liquid. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further comprises a heat exchange region including a highly conductive expandable member such as a bag or balloon, the expandable member receiving the liquid from the distal running catheter as an input to a distal-most region of the expandable member, and a proximal lumen connecting the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and receiving the liquid from the expandable member as an output at a proximal-most point of the expandable member for cooling the surrounding tissue with the liquid.In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further comprises a fluidic center section that insulates the liquid input to the distal running catheter until it reaches the heat exchange area. In some embodiments, the fluidic center section comprises a polyurethane or silicone section that insulates the liquid. More specifically, the center section is designed to have the required flexibility while also remaining insulating. For example, it is desirable to allow this flexible center section (also described herein as a flexible intermediate region) to travel through two 90 degree turns without kinking. As described herein, the term "kink" describes a situation in which at least one of the lumens (e.g., the distal running lumen or the proximal running lumen) is substantially occluded (i.e., greater than 40% occlusion of at least one lumen due to bending / collapse of the lumen walls). The silicone-based center section is capable of delivering these properties / characteristics. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further comprises an additional set of lumens and ports that provide at least one of a drug, an irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device further includes a connection for attaching the proximal end region of the removable cooling device to a fluid cooling and pump system, and at least one additional lumen for introducing the drug, irrigation, drain, or sensor through a distal port located anywhere between the connection and the most distal end of the removable cooling device. In some embodiments, the connection is a screw lock. In some embodiments, the connection is a luer lock. As described herein, the connection system associated with the removable cooling device must be tunnelable under the skin, as described herein. The present disclosure describes different embodiments in which a connector is configured to be attached to the catheter structure after the catheter structure (the removable cooling device itself tunnelable under the skin) passes through a surgical instrument and tunnels under the skin, or alternatively, the connector is small enough to tunnel under the skin itself. Furthermore, the catheter structure or connector needs to be attachable to a common metal stylet commonly used in surgery.Typically, this can be accomplished with a silicone fitting over a barbed tube connector on the stylet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes performing a surgical evacuation of the patient's intracranial hematoma, placing a device in the patient's remaining hematoma cavity, using imaging to confirm the placement of the device in the patient's brain, activating the device to induce neuroprotection from within the remaining hematoma cavity, operating the device until after completion of the procedure, and removing the device without additional surgery. Suitable imaging tools include, but are not limited to, MRI, CT, and ultrasound. Alternatively, direct visualization may be used, for example, with an endoscope (which may be related to a SurgiScope, as described herein).

[0010] In some embodiments, the local hypothermia inducing fluid system includes a thermal management and flow system (TMFS) operable to change the liquid to a specific temperature and adjust the flow rate. The TMFS includes a pump for moving the liquid through the TMFS, an inflow port to receive the liquid from the proximal running catheter, a cooling unit to cool the liquid, an outflow port to return the liquid to the distal running catheter, a closed circuit flow system with a removable cooling device, and an array of distal sensors operable to determine at least one of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and biological properties of the liquid and the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the TMFS further includes a cooling unit in physical contact with a plurality of capillary tubes to increase or decrease the temperature of the liquid, the cooling unit operating using at least one of Peltier cooling, liquid cooling, evaporative cooling, and passive cooling. In some embodiments, the pump of the TMFS is at least one of an active positive displacement pump, a rotary pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a rotary vane pump, a centrifugal pump, a pulsating pump, a hydraulic ram pump, a pulser, an airlift pump, a velocity pump, a radial flow pump, and a centrifugal axial pump. In some embodiments, the local hypothermia induction fluid system further comprises a controller operable to regulate the temperature and flow rate of the fluid in communication with the sensor array. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device comprises a heat exchange area, and the local hypothermia induction fluid system further comprises a fluid center that insulates the fluid input to the distal travel catheter until it reaches the heat exchange area. In some embodiments, the fluid center comprises a polyurethane portion that insulates the fluid. In some embodiments, the local hypothermia induction fluid system further comprises a set of lumens and ports that provide at least one of a drug, a irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device comprises a distal running catheter and the array of distal sensors is located at the distal-most end of the distal running catheter or at a central portion of the distal running catheter, hi some embodiments, the local hypothermia inducing fluid system further comprises a drug injection port.In some embodiments, the local hypothermia induction fluid system further includes a user interface operable to provide a user with options for varying the temperature or flow rate of the fluid in the system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method for placing a removable cooling device uses a localized hypothermia-inducing fluid system intracranially after intracranial hemorrhage evacuation. In some embodiments, the method for placing a removable cooling device intracranially uses a localized hypothermia-inducing fluid system by following at least one of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation, craniectomy, and intra-soft tissue surgery. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the removable cooling device remains outside the patient's skull and tunnels beneath the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the method further includes removing the removable cooling device by pulling a proximal end of the removable cooling device outwardly from the patient's skull. In some embodiments, the method for placing a removable cooling device is placed intracranially after intra-soft tissue surgery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary regional hypothermia inducing fluid system for treating intracerebral hemorrhage, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of another exemplary local hypothermia induction fluid system modified to include a drug delivery system.

[0015] [Figure 3A] FIG. 13 is a side view of a distal end region of an embodiment of a loop of a removable cooling device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device of FIG. 3A.

[0017] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3B.

[0018] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3C is another cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device rotated 90 degrees relative to FIG. 3B.

[0019] [Figure 3E] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3D.

[0020] [Figure 3F] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device.

[0021] [Figure 3G] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device of FIG. 3A.

[0022] [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a side view of a distal end region of an embodiment of a loop of a removable cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device of FIG. 4A.

[0024] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4B.

[0025] [Figure 4D] FIG. 4C is another cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device rotated 90 degrees relative to FIG. 4B.

[0026] [Figure 4E] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4D.

[0027] [Figure 4F]FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device.

[0028] [Figure 4G] FIG. 4B is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device of FIG. 4A showing the transparent and opaque portions.

[0029] [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a side view of a distal end region of a spiral embodiment of a removable cooling device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device of FIG. 5A.

[0031] [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5B.

[0032] [Figure 5D] FIG. 5C is another cross-sectional view of the removable cooling device rotated relative to FIG. 5B.

[0033] [Figure 5E] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5D.

[0034] [Figure 5F] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device.

[0035] [Figure 5G] FIG. 5B is a side perspective view of the removable cooling device showing the transparent and opaque portions of FIG. 5A.

[0036] [Figure 6A] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a primary fluid cross-section and an alternative embodiment; [Figure 6B] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a primary fluid cross-section and an alternative embodiment; [Figure 6C] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a primary fluid cross-section and an alternative embodiment; [Figure 6D] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a primary fluid cross-section and an alternative embodiment; [Figure 6E] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a primary fluid cross-section and an alternative embodiment;

[0037] [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary connection between a removable cooling device and a thermal management and flow system.

[0038] [Figure 7B] FIG.

[0039] [Figure 7C] This is a cross-sectional view.

[0040] [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of another removable cooling device.

[0041] [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view.

[0042] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermal management and flow system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary user interface for optionally managing a removable cooling device, according to some embodiments.

[0044] [Figure 11A] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11C] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11D] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11E]1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11F] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11G] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11H] 1 illustrates a brain during placement, operation, and removal of a removable cooling system according to one embodiment.

[0045] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for installing and removing a device according to some embodiments.

[0046] [Figure 13A] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain. [Figure 13B] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain. [Figure 13C] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain. [Figure 13D] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain. [Figure 13E] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain. [Figure 13F] 1 shows a series of steps illustrating the placement of a removable cooling device through a hole in the brain.

[0047] [Figure 14A] 1 shows the attachment of a metal stylet to a removable cooling device. [Figure 14B] 1 shows the attachment of a metal stylet to a removable cooling device.

[0048] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a side view diagrammatically illustrating various regions of one removable cooling device.

[0049] [Figure 16A] 1A-1D show various views of a removable cooling device according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B] 1A-1D show various views of a removable cooling device according to one embodiment. [Figure 16C] 1A-1D show various views of a removable cooling device according to one embodiment. [Figure 16D] 1A-1D show various views of a removable cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0050] [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of a removable cooling device according to one embodiment.

[0051] [Figure 18A] 1 shows a removable cooling device having an expandable member in a contracted (collapsed) state. [Figure 18B] 1 shows a removable cooling device having an expandable member in an expanded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The present disclosure generally discloses a fluid-based closed circuit cooling system for use in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), surgery requiring craniectomy, or intra-soft tissue surgery-related conditions by placing a removable cooling device in the drainage cavity after intracerebral hemorrhage drainage and attaching it to a fluid cooling system to induce targeted temperature management. The removable cooling device is placed during surgery and connected to the fluid cooling system, and can remain operational for several weeks, and can be removed without the need for additional surgery. The removable nature of the cooling device allows for easier placement of the device during surgery and improves the ability to tunnel the device under the skin. The removable cooling device may be removed by pulling the proximal end of the removable cooling device outwardly from the patient's skull. This approach differs from current and conventional therapeutic hypothermia strategies that focus on whole-body cooling by confining the temperature modulation region to and immediately adjacent to the injury area, while still operating within the standard procedures currently employed to surgically treat ICH. The removable cooling device can help maximize the neuroprotective properties of hypothermia through temperature drop in the perivascular area and can help reduce or limit systemic hypothermia-related complications including shivering, coagulopathy, and infection. Definitions of terms are as follows: "Cooling" or any variation thereof is defined as any temperature reduction to the primary area of ​​injury in the patient's brain. "Loop" is defined as any shape with an immediately adjacent beginning and end of a fluid system. "Bag" is defined as any thin-filmed volume that fills a compartment that fits into the periphery. "Highly conductive material" is defined as any material with low heat resistance, specifically plastics with a thermal conductivity of about 0.5 watts per meter Kelvin or greater, as one exemplary property.

[0053] Exemplary System FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary neurohypothermia induction fluid system 100 for treating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), surgery requiring craniectomy, or intrasoft tissue surgery-related conditions by placing a removable cooling device 101 in the drainage cavity after ICH drainage to induce targeted temperature management, as described herein.

[0054] The hypothermia inducing fluid system 100 preferably includes a closed circuit flow system having a removable cooling device 101 and a thermal management and flow system 103 for monitoring and / or controlling the operation of the removable cooling device 101. The removable cooling device 101 is placed in the exhaust cavity of the patient 110. The system 100 is configured to deliver chilled liquid to a target area to induce targeted temperature management, and more specifically, the use of chilled liquid and the design of the system maximizes the neuroprotective properties of hypothermia through temperature drop in the periblood cell area. In one embodiment, the chilled liquid includes saline, although other suitable solutions may be used.

[0055] In some embodiments, the removable cooling device 101 includes a distal running catheter and a proximal running catheter (see, e.g., FIG. 3A-3G), both of which have an insulated central portion designed to insulate the cooled liquid received from an external system until it reaches the heat exchange area 105 of the removable cooling device 101. Both the distal and proximal running catheters define the heat exchange area 105. As is known, a heat exchanger is a system used to transfer heat between two or more fluids (e.g., between a cooled liquid and tissue at a target site). In the present system 100, the heat exchange area 105 is designed to transfer the low temperature of the cooled liquid to the target site (e.g., tissue in the patient's brain). That is, it will be understood that the removable cooling device 101 is defined by a catheter body, which may be composed of a distal running catheter and a proximal running catheter. The distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter may be two separate structures or may be a single integral structure that includes two separate lumens (i.e., distal running and proximal running) that are separated from each other. In general, the removable cooling device 101 may be referred to as being a catheter structure.

[0056] FIG. 1 includes a cross-section 104 of a patient's brain, which shows the removable cooling device 101 as having entered the brain and including a temperature control radius 111 around the heat exchange region 105 of the removable cooling device 101 contained within the brain. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the removable cooling device 101 is securely attached to the skull of the patient 110. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the removable cooling device 101 may remain outside the skull and may be tunneled under the patient's skin. The system 100 may include a closed loop of cooled liquid, as described below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3G, a bag of cooled liquid (expandable member), as described below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4G, or a spiral of cooled liquid, as described below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5G. All of these embodiments are closed circuit systems, where cooled liquid is delivered to a heat transfer location (heat exchange location) where heat transfer occurs, and then warmer liquid is returned for re-cooling, and then the process continues.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows an enlarged portion 106 of the connection between the removable cooling device 101 and the fluid system designed to deliver chilled liquid. In some embodiments, the connection may be a male and female Luer lock. However, any number of other types of connections may be used to provide a tight, fluid-sealed connection between these two parts. Both the removable cooling device 101 and the fluidic center section include two catheters 107, a distal running catheter that provides chilled liquid to the drainage cavity of the patient 110 and a proximal running catheter that returns the liquid to the thermal management and flow system 103. The connection between these two catheters of the removable cooling device 101 and the fluidic center section is sealed and in fluid communication to allow the chilled liquid to flow to the heat exchange area 105 and also to allow the liquid to flow back after undergoing heat transfer in the heat exchange area 105, as described below.

[0058] The temperature of the chilled liquid is changed to a precise (input) value (within allowed tolerances) in the thermal management and flow system 103 and pumped down the distal running catheter (distal running lumen) through a removable connection 107 to the removable cooling device 101. The distal running catheter of the removable cooling device 101 provides the chilled liquid to the heat exchange area 105. The chilled liquid absorbs heat from the surrounding tissue through the heat exchange area 105. The liquid is then pumped to the proximal running catheter and flows through the proximal running catheter (proximal running lumen) of the removable cooling device 101 back to the system 103.

[0059] The proximal running catheter (proximal running lumen) thus returns the liquid to the thermal management and flow system 103. In some embodiments, the thermal management and flow system 103 includes a pump to move the liquid through the thermal management and flow system 103 or liquid reservoir to facilitate degassing or rapid re-cooling of the cooling liquid. In some embodiments, the thermal management and flow system 103 includes an inflow port that receives heated liquid from the proximal running catheter as it returns from the heat exchange area 105, a number of capillary tubes that cool the liquid, and an outflow port that returns the cooled liquid at a particular temperature to the distal running catheter in the fluid center. In some embodiments, the thermal management and flow system 103 includes an attachment, in this case a loop made of a sturdy material such as metal or plastic, for hanging the thermal management and flow system 103 on an IV rack 108 or similar upright structure. Alternatively, the thermal management and flow system 103 may be part of a stand-alone unit (console), which may include wheels that allow the unit to move from one location to another.

[0060] In some embodiments, the thermal management and flow system 103 includes a cooling unit in physical contact with a plurality of capillary tubes to increase or decrease the temperature of the liquid, and the cooling unit may operate using at least one of Peltier cooling, liquid cooling, evaporative cooling, and passive cooling.

[0061] In some embodiments, the thermal management and flow system includes a pump that induces fluid flow. The pump may operate as an active positive displacement pump (including rotary type, gear, screw, peristaltic, and rotary vane), centrifugal pump, pulsating pump (including hydraulic ram, pulser, and air lift), or velocity pump (including radial flow / centrifugal and axial flow). That is, the pump action causes the liquid to flow in a closed circuit flow path.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of another exemplary closed circuit flow system with a removable cooling system 150 including various additional embodiments. In this embodiment, the removable cooling device 101 includes an additional port 151 for drug infusion or other injection-based therapy 152, and an external ventricular drain 153 for reducing intracranial pressure. It will be appreciated that the port 151 may include a luer connector or the like for engaging a syringe or other delivery device for delivering agents such as medicines. In another embodiment, a drug introduction system and an external ventricular drain 153 may be added to the thermal management and flow system 103 to allow for controlled continuous introduction of agents into the cavity, or an automatic safety adjustment process in response to changes in intracranial pressure. The external ventricular drain 153 may include a valve or other mechanism for controlling it. Additionally, the introduction of an external ventricular drain may be used to analyze a number of clinical factors, such as inflammatory cytokines after surgery. It will be appreciated that the port 151 and drain 153 may have dedicated lumens in the catheter structure and may open, for example, at the distal end (distal tip) of the removable cooling device 101 or at another distal location along the removable cooling device 101. The system of the present disclosure is thus configured to incorporate multiple different instruments and functionality into a single system, thus eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments to be delivered through thin openings and tunnels under the skin to the brain cavity.

[0063] 3A-3G show an embodiment of the loop of the detachable cooling device 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A shows the distal end 201 of the distal running catheter 202 and the proximal running catheter 204, which connect to form a loop (continuous fluid loop) that allows cooling liquid to flow seamlessly from the distal running catheter 202 to the proximal running catheter 204. The insulating region 208 of the detachable cooling catheter is insulated by a specific material selection (e.g., a suitable insulating material), and the heat exchange region 206 is designed to facilitate cooling by a highly conductive material. That is, the heat exchange region 206 includes a non-insulated region. Other qualities of material are possible. In some embodiments, the loop is bent at a substantially 180 degree angle, although other angles are possible. Additionally, the loop includes a gentle curve that forms a channel of liquid from one catheter to the other. The loop may be formed by joining the distal running catheter 202 to the proximal running catheter 204 together, which is shown in FIG. 3A as a joining point 205. In other embodiments, a single catheter forms a loop without kinking.The distal running catheter 202 and the proximal catheter 204 may be formed from a semi-rigid material with high thermal conductivity.

[0064] The distal running catheter 202 contains cooled liquid received from a thermal management and flow system (not shown, see item 103 in FIG. 1). The proximal running catheter 204 contains liquid that heats up when the cooled liquid is exposed to the surrounding tissue in the heat exchange area 206. In other words, the heat exchange action occurs in the heat exchange area 206, where the cold temperature of the cooled liquid is transferred to the tissue, resulting in cooling of the tissue and warming of the cooled liquid. In one embodiment, the heat exchange area (distal end) is cooled (by the cooled liquid) to a temperature of about 0° C. to cool the target area (target brain tissue) to a temperature between 30° C. and 36° C. The distal running catheter 202 and the proximal running catheter 204 are covered by a portion 208 of the removable cooling device 101 that insulates the distal running catheter 202 to prevent premature temperature changes. In other words, portion 208 includes an insulating region defined by an outer insulating material, such as a jacket, that covers at least the distal traveling catheter 202 and ensures that the temperature of the cooled liquid is maintained as it is delivered to the heat exchange region 206. Any number of different insulating materials can be utilized so long as this insulating region (portion 208) is flexible enough to bend.

[0065] The heat exchange region 206 may include a highly conductive material such as a thin-walled highly conductive polyether loop that acts as a heat exchange region that allows the cold temperature from the cooled liquid to cool the surrounding tissue. In this example, the heat exchange region exposes the cooled liquid from the distal running catheter 202 and absorbs heat from the surrounding tissue. As a result, the cooled liquid becomes a heated liquid, and the heated liquid is pumped outside the patient via the proximal running catheter 204. It will be appreciated that other highly conductive materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), conductive polyamide (PA), low friction polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), or conductive polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) can be used. Many of these materials may be embedded or reinforced with other conductive materials such as carbon fiber or glass fiber to further improve conductivity without adversely affecting imaging performance or device function.

[0066] Figure 3B is a top cross-sectional view and Figure 3C shows a second side view of portion 201 of the removable cooling device 101 with additional solid lines showing how insulating region 208 covers distal running catheter 202 and proximal running catheter 204. Figure 3D is a top cross-sectional view and Figure 3E shows a third side view of portion 201 of the removable cooling device 101 rotated so that only the proximal running catheter 204 is visible.

[0067] FIG. 3B shows possible embodiments such as a sensor 222 and an additional lumen port 224. Connectors (not shown) are used to attach and detach the removable cooling device from the fluid system and thermal management and flow system, and align the distal and proximal running catheters of the fluid system with the distal running catheter 202 and the proximal running catheter 204 of the removable cooling device. In some embodiments, the connectors may allow for further connections including additional lumens, guidewires and leads. The connectors may be clips (e.g., made of metal or plastic) or multiple luer lock mechanisms. The additional lumens may be used as drug injection ports. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device 101 may include light emitters for brain photobiomodulation (PBM) delivery.

[0068] The sensor 222 may be a sensor array or a single sensor. The sensor 222 may be positioned anywhere along the removable cooling device 101 to record data. In some embodiments, the sensor 222 may be used to determine the temperature of the liquid as it travels from the distal traveling catheter 202 to the proximal traveling catheter 204. The sensor 222 may determine a variety of data including the temperature of the liquid, the pressure of the liquid, the intracranial pressure, the flow rate of the liquid, or other biological properties of the liquid or surrounding tissue. In some embodiments, the sensor 222 is coupled to an external controller disposed in a thermal management and flow system (not shown) operable to modify at least one of the temperature, pressure, flow rate, and other biological properties. The sensor 222 and external controller may include a mechanism to detect a tear in the catheter and initiate action to immediately inhibit further flow.

[0069] The sensor 222 may be in the form of an external intracranial pressure sensor or probe designed to monitor and detect intracranial pressure. Monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) employs a device (sensor or probe) placed inside the head. The monitor senses the pressure inside the skull and transmits the measurements to a recording device, which in this case may be part of an external controller. The sensor 222 can be placed in any number of different locations, such as at the interface between the insulating region 208 and the heat exchange region 206 (FIG. 3B) or at the most distal end of the cooling device or other location near the target site. It will be appreciated that electronics such as wiring associated with the sensor 222 travel through one lumen formed as part of the multi-lumen catheter body, such as the one shown in FIGS. 6C-6E. An additional lumen port 224 may be used to administer medication to the patient while the removable cooling device 101 is in place. Although this example shows the additional lumen port 224 between the insulating region 208 and the heat exchange region 206, other locations are possible, for example, the opening of the lumen port 224 at the distal-most end of the removable cooling device 101. In one embodiment, the drug includes an anti-inflammatory or thrombolytic agent.

[0070] In one embodiment, there may be one or more internal temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the cooling liquid in the heat exchange area, and at least one external temperature sensor (e.g., sensor 222) for measuring the temperature of the brain tissue at a location spaced apart from the location of the at least one internal temperature sensor. For example, as described herein, the external temperature sensor may be located along a flexible central portion of the device. The internal and external sensors communicate with a controller, allowing for recording and display of temperature measurements. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to operate in response to the temperature measurements. For example, the external temperature sensor is intended to measure the radial cooling effect of the device, and thus, if the temperature of the brain tissue detected by the external temperature sensor is less than the desired temperature, the temperature of the cooling liquid may be adjusted (e.g., reduced).

[0071] FIG. 3G shows, in at least one embodiment, heat exchange area 206 as semi-transparent and insulation area 208 as opaque (shown in gray shading) for purposes of illustrating the insulation location, although other material versions are possible.

[0072] 4A-4G show a bag embodiment of the removable cooling device 101 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments, where the heat exchange area 305 may consist primarily of a thin, highly conductive bag 306. FIG. 4A shows the distal end 301 of the removable cooling device 101, showing an exemplary arrangement of the distal running catheter 304, heat exchange area 305, bag 306, and drug injection port 307.

[0073] 4B-4C are top and cross-sectional views of the removable cooling device 101 including a proximal traveling catheter 302, a distal traveling catheter 304, and a bag 306. The distal traveling catheter 304 forms a distal opening (lumen) 311 that provides liquid as an input to the bag 306. Alternatively, the distal traveling catheter 304 may include one or more distal openings formed herein that are in fluid communication within the interior of the bag 306 to deliver cooled liquid to the interior of the bag 306. The distal traveling catheter 304 receives cooled liquid from a thermal management and flow system (not shown). A portion of the distal traveling catheter 304 is covered by an insulating region 308 that insulates the distal traveling catheter 304 and inhibits thermal changes in the fluid until it reaches the heat exchange region 305. The bag 306 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity that allows the cooled liquid to rapidly absorb heat from the patient's surrounding tissue. The bag 306 thus constitutes the non-insulated distal region. In the embodiment shown, the bag 306 surrounds both the distal running catheter 304 and the proximal running catheter 302, however, it will be understood that the bag 306 may be configured to surround only the distal running catheter 304 which holds the cooled liquid to enable the bag 306 to be positioned against the tissue to be cooled.

[0074] The proximal running catheter 302 defines a proximal lumen 312 that receives liquid as an output from the proximal-most point 312 of the bag 306. Alternatively, the proximal running catheter 302 may include one or more openings that provide fluid communication between the inside of the bag 306 and the internal lumen of the proximal running catheter 302. In this embodiment, the sensor 309 may be integral with the bag 306. The sensor 309 may include an array of sensors or a single sensor. The sensor 309 may be located anywhere along the removable cooling device 101 to detect a wide variety of data points, as described in detail above.

[0075] Figures 4D-4E show different orientations of distal portion 301 showing distal running catheter 304, distal running catheter 304, and bag 306. Figures 4D-4E show distal portion 301 rotated 90 degrees compared to Figures 4B-4C. Figure 4G is a side perspective view of distal portion 301.

[0076] FIG. 4G shows an embodiment in which the insulating areas are opaque (shown in grey shading) for purposes of showing the insulation location, and the heat transfer areas are translucent, although other versions of the material are possible.

[0077] 5A-5G show a spiral embodiment of the removable cooling device 101 of FIG 1 according to some embodiments. FIG 5A shows the distal end 401 of the removable cooling device 101 showing the distal running catheter 402, the proximal running catheter 404, and the heat exchange region 408.

[0078] 5B-5C are top and cross-sectional views of the distal portion 401 of the removable cooling device 101, including the distal running catheter 402, the proximal running catheter 404, the distal lumen 406, the proximal lumen 407, and the heat exchange area 408. The distal running catheter 402 may be made of polyurethane. The distal running catheter 402 delivers chilled liquid to the terminal (distal) end of the removable cooling device 101, where the chilled liquid is released through the distal lumen (opening) 406 to the heat transfer section 408 of the proximal running catheter 404. The heat transfer section 408 flows through the proximal lumen (opening) 407 to the proximal running catheter 404. The helical shaped proximal running catheter 404, which forms the heat exchange area 408, may be made of a very low durometer, highly thermally conductive material. This heat exchange area 408 is wrapped around the distal traveling catheter 402 and cools the surrounding tissue. In other words, cooled liquid is delivered into the inner lumen of the distal traveling catheter 402 and then flows as its distal end through the distal lumen 406 to the heat exchange area 408 having a helical structure wrapped around the distal traveling catheter 402. The wrapped helical form of the heat exchange area 408 provides an increased surface area for conducting heat transfer. Similar to a radiator, as cooled liquid flows through the helical shaped heat exchange area 408, the now warmed liquid flows into the proximal traveling catheter 404 by flowing through the proximal lumen 407.

[0079] In some embodiments, the removable cooling device 101 includes an insulating region 416 that insulates the chilled liquid until it reaches the heat exchange region 408. As described above, after the chilled liquid travels through the coiled portion of the proximal traveling catheter 404 and absorbs heat from the surrounding tissue, the proximal traveling catheter 404 flows into the proximal lumen 407, which transmits the liquid back to the thermal management and flow system (not shown).

[0080] 5D-5E show the distal portion 401 of the removable cooling device 101 rotated 90 degrees compared to FIGS. 5B-5C. In this embodiment, the removable cooling device 101 may include a sensor 427 and an additional lumen port 429. The sensor 427 may be an array of sensors or a single sensor.

[0081] Figure 5G shows one embodiment of the distal portion 401 of the removable cooling device 101 of Figure 5A. In this example, the insulating areas are opaque (shown in grey shading) and the heat transfer areas are translucent for purposes of showing the insulating locations, although other versions of the material are possible.

[0082] 6A-6E show cross-sections of fluidic centers and alternative embodiments of the removable cooling device 101. FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of a first fluidic center 501 including a distal running lumen 502, a proximal running lumen 503, and an insulating section 504 for insulating the two lumens 502, 504. The space 506 shown between the lumens 502, 503 may include additional insulating section 504. The insulating section 504 may insulate the catheter using high hardness, very low thermal conductivity polyurethane to reduce line loss. A second group of fluidic centers, shown at 505 in FIG. 6B-6E, shows different lumens for alternative embodiments including drug infusion, irrigation, or sensor wires. These figures show different sized lumens and different lumen locations for performing different functions. Generally, the largest sized lumens relate to the distal running lumen 502 and the proximal running lumen 503. Other lumens may be associated with drug delivery ports, suction devices for delivering drugs to a target site, and may hold electronics such as wiring associated with the sensor 222 .

[0083] 7A-7C show one exemplary connection 600 for attaching the removable cooling device 101 to the thermal management and flow system 103 according to some embodiments. In this example, the female end 601 is connected to the male end 602, the distal running catheter of the removable cooling device 605 is aligned with the distal running catheter of the thermal management and flow system 603, and the proximal running catheter of the removable cooling device 606 is aligned with the proximal running catheter of the thermal management and flow system 604. In other words, when the connection 600 is made, a sealed fluid communication is obtained between the catheters associated with the removable cooling device 101 and those catheters associated with the thermal management and flow system 604. Other locks are possible, such as screw locks. The connection 600 should be of a type that is easy to implement and easy to reverse.

[0084] 8A and 8B show another embodiment of a removable cooling device 160 having an elongated body 162 terminating in a proximal end 163 and an opposing distal end 164. As shown, the distal end 164 may be a closed end and the proximal end 163 may be an open end. In this embodiment, the distal end of the removable cooling device 160 includes a heat transfer balloon 170 that operates as a heat exchange area in the manner previously described herein. The heat transfer balloon 170 may be expanded or closed toward the distal end 164. As in the previous embodiment, the removable cooling device 160 includes a distal running catheter and a proximal running catheter. The distal running catheter may have a distal opening or may define a distal lumen that provides and allows for the flow of cooled liquid directly from the distal running catheter to the inside of the heat transfer balloon 170. This distal opening or lumen is preferably located at or near the distal end of the heat transfer balloon 170. The proximal running catheter may have a proximal opening or may define a proximal lumen that provides fluid and allows it to flow directly from within the heat transfer balloon 170 to the proximal running catheter and back to the thermal management and flow system. The distal opening is located downstream of the proximal opening (i.e., closer to the distal end).

[0085] The distal end of the removable cooling device 160 is preferably formed of a non-rigid material to minimize potential damage from the removable cooling device 160 while being moved into position (at the target site).

[0086] The removable cooling device 160 includes an intermediate insulating region 165 as shown, where an insulating material covers at least the distal running catheter. This intermediate insulating region 165 is preferably flexible and formed to allow the heat exchange region (e.g., balloon 170) and intermediate insulating region 165 to undergo two separate 90 degree turns as described herein. There is no insulating material in the proximal end region 167, which functions as a rigid connection region to allow for receiving cooled liquid from the thermal management and flow system and returning warmed liquid to the thermal management and flow system. The proximal end region 167 may be in the form of a suitable rigid plastic material that is not flexible and will not collapse when a connector is firmly coupled to it. The proximal end region 167 may thus include an outlet port and an inlet port. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the proximal running catheter to drain the warmed liquid, and the inlet port is in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the distal running catheter to receive the cooled liquid. As shown, the outflow port may be located along the side of the proximal end region 167, and the inflow port may be located at the proximal end of the proximal end region 167. The configuration of the catheters and their respective ports and corresponding flow paths are similar to those shown and described with respect to the bag embodiment of Figures 4A-4G, although other locations are equally possible. The inflow and outflow ports may be in the form of holes or openings in the respective catheters.

[0087] The removable cooling device 160 may include a first seal 180 and a second seal 190. The first seal 180 may be in the form of a first rotary seal member, and the second seal 190 may be in the form of a second rotary seal member. The first rotary seal member includes a first rotatable knob (fastening element) 181 or the like that can be screwed down to effectively couple (attach) the first rotary seal member to the removable cooling device 160. The main body of the first rotary seal member is flexible in nature (e.g., a silicone tubular structure) and is sized to be placed around and form a seal with a rigid (reinforced) proximal end region of the removable cooling device 160. Tightening of the first rotatable knob 181 causes tightening against the flexible main body of the first rotary seal member, compressing and sealing it against the rigid proximal end region. The first seal 180 is attached to this stiff (reinforced) proximal end region so that the internal lumens maintain their shape and do not compress. Conversely, when the first rotatable knob 18 (the clamping element) is unscrewed, the first rotary seal member is removable from the removable cooling device 160. The first rotary seal member provides an inflow port 185 at one end thereof, which is placed in fluid communication with the inflow port of the removable cooling device 160, allowing the cooled liquid to flow through these two ports to the internal lumen of the distal running catheter. As described herein, the ability to quickly and easily remove the first seal 180 provides a number of advantages that allow the removable cooling device 160 to be used intracranially as described herein. That is, the first seal 180 may be attached to a luer, i.e., both are placed at the location where the inflow lumen is located.

[0088] The second rotary seal member (second seal 190) is an elongated structure having a second rotatable knob 191 or the like at one end and a third rotatable knob 192 or the like at the other end. Similar to the first rotatable knob 181, the second and third rotatable knobs 191, 192 are designed to be tightened around the body of the removable cooling device 160 to securely couple (attach) the second rotary seal member thereto. Unscrewing the second and third rotatable knobs 191, 192 allows the second rotary seal member to be easily disconnected (removed). The second rotary seal member also has a side outlet port 194 disposed along a side of the second rotary seal member. The side outlet port 194 may be in the form of a leg extending radially outward from a side of the second rotary seal member. The second rotary seal member is disposed around and sealingly coupled to the proximal end region 167 and / or the intermediate insulating region 165. The second rotary seal member also covers the outflow port associated with the proximal running catheter and is designed such that warm fluid flowing through the outflow port flows inside the second rotary seal member and exits through the side outflow port 194. That is, the rotatable knobs 191, 192 separate the side outflow port 194. As shown, the second rotary seal member is thus located between the first rotary seal member and the distal end 164. It will be appreciated that in this configuration an outflow luer may be connected to the outflow port and connected to the proximal seal (180).

[0089] The second seal 190 may be attached to the midpoint of the removable cooling device, i.e., distal to the outflow port. The two seals 180, 190 separate the outflow port at the midpoint from the inflow port at the proximal side, i.e., by using three seals (two separating the outflow ports and one separating the inflow port).

[0090] It will also be appreciated that the heat transfer balloon may be of a type that is inflatable / deflated using conventional techniques such as fluid delivery, In the disclosed embodiment, the inflation medium of the heat transfer balloon is a chilled liquid that flows through the distal running catheter to the heat transfer balloon.

[0091] The first seal 180 and second seal 190 provide rotary motion to the device, allowing differential movement of the device, thereby allowing steering of the device to properly position it at a target location.

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the thermal management and flow system 103 according to some embodiments. The thermal management and flow system 103 induces a continuous flow of liquid coolant by pressure induced by a pump 704. The liquid enters the thermal management and flow system 103 through an inlet port 706 and is pumped up through a cooling flow-through system 702, which may include high thermal conductivity capillary tubes, to a thermally controlled reservoir 710. The liquid then travels through a pump 704 (e.g., one or more pumps), through another cooling flow-through system 705, which may include a series of cooling capillary tubes 705, and out through an outlet port 708 to an insulating center. A Peltier type thermoelectric stainless steel liquid cooler or a cold plate cooler with a stainless steel liquid block attached may be used to induce cooling 711. A sensor 707 attached from the inlet port 706 or outlet port 708 may report to the controller 703 to change temperature, flow, drug delivery, and other rates (e.g., flow rate) accordingly. The controller 703 may utilize data collected from other sensors in the removable cooling device 101 or other areas of the system. The power supply 701 is integrated into the thermal management and flow system, allowing the thermal management and flow system 103 to be completely mobile. The thermal management and flow system 103 may be enclosed within a housing 709 that integrates each component. The thermal management and flow system 103 thus incorporates a control feedback loop, where a user can input a desired cooling temperature of the chilled liquid, and parameters such as the flow rate of the chilled liquid are monitored and controlled to achieve the desired level of cooling of the target site.

[0093] FIG. 10 illustrates one exemplary user interface 800 for managing a removable cooling device according to some embodiments. In this example, the user interface includes 35.0° F. as the current temperature of the liquid in the removable cooling device 101 and 33.5° F. as the desired temperature. As previously mentioned, there are two temperatures of interest, one is the actual temperature of the cooled liquid and the other is the temperature of the target site (i.e., surrounding tissue). The user interface 800 may display the measured current temperature of the cooled liquid and the input temperature of the cooled liquid. The user interface 800 also includes buttons (inputs) to change the desired temperature of the liquid, a button to cause the thermal management and flow system 103 to stop cooling the liquid, and buttons to change settings that monitor the operation of the removable cooling device 101, for example, to enable manual or automatic rewarming, and to power off the thermal management and flow system 103. It will be appreciated that the user interface 800 may be part of a computing device, e.g., laptop, desktop, etc., or may be an application that is part of a mobile device, e.g., cell phone, tablet, etc. Both visual and audible alerts may be built into the software being executed to alert the user to events that require attention (e.g., a measured temperature is out of acceptable range).

[0094] As shown and described herein, the removable cooling device disclosed herein includes three main regions: a distal end region that functions as a heat exchange region, an intermediate flexible region that is an insulating region, and a rigid proximal end region that is a stiffer reinforced region that defines a portion to which one or more connectors are attached. The different regions, which may be made of different materials, may be bonded together using conventional techniques such as the use of adhesives, welding, and the like.

[0095] 11A-11H show the brain (i.e., the target area) during placement, operation, and removal of the removable cooling device 101 according to some embodiments. FIG. 11A-11H thus show the successive steps that are performed. It is well understood that during brain surgery, the required instruments and tools are delivered to the target site using a delivery device such as the SurgiScope. The SurgiScope is a microscope and robot designed to hold tools and assist in the placement of these tools during brain surgery. The unit may be mounted on the ceiling and may hold instruments such as endoscopic tools, biopsy needles, and electrodes. The associated software allows for the determination of targets and trajectories. In a first step, drainage of bleeding is performed as shown in FIG. 11A, where bleeding is removed from the brain 10 using a conventional tool such as the suction device 20. In a second step, a cavity is seen as shown in FIG. 11B, where the suction device 20 has been removed but the approach (i.e., the opening through the skull) is still accessible by future devices. In the third phase, as shown in FIG. 11C, a removable cooling device 101 is placed into the cavity through the same ventilation hole utilized for evacuation (phase 1). The removable cooling device 101 is tunneled away from the ventilation hole, allowing for closure of the primary entry point in the patient's brain 10. It will be appreciated that the removable cooling device 101 is delivered through a device such as a SurgiScope to reach the target location in the brain. In the fourth phase, as shown in FIG. 11D, cooling is initiated with the removable cooling device 101 while the patient is still in the operating room under the surgeon's guidance. In the fifth phase, as shown in FIG. 11E, cooling is maintained for anywhere from a few hours to the entire duration of the hospital stay. It will be appreciated that over this time, cooling liquid flows continuously through the system, re-cooling, etc., continuously cooling the target tissue. In the sixth phase, as shown in FIG. 11F, controlled re-warming is initiated prior to removal of the removable cooling device 101. In a seventh step, as shown in FIG. 11G, once rewarming is complete, the flow is stopped and the detachable cooling device 101 is removed at the bedside using a gentle pulling force (without the need for additional equipment).As described herein, in some embodiments, the proximal end connector is removed prior to removal. Controlled rewarming may be achieved by heating the liquid flowing through the removable cooling device 101. In an eighth step, the tunneled exit point is closed, as shown in FIG. 11H.

[0096] The releasability of the cooling device described herein is important because the connector tools associated with the removable cooling device are too large to pass through the lumen of the SurgiScope, and similarly, if one wishes to remove the SurgiScope from the removable cooling device during the process described above, the SurgiScope cannot pass over the connector tools. That is, when using seals 180, 190 (FIGS. 8A and 8B), these seals 180, 190 are removable from the removable cooling device, allowing removal of the SurgiScope over the removable cooling device. That is, the modularity and releasability (quick connect / quick disconnect) of the system allows it to be used in an intracranial setting (brain surgery). It will be appreciated that other types of connectors, such as the luer connectors described herein, also allow for quick attachment / detachment.

[0097] FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram 1000 of a method for placing a device in an ICH drainage cavity. In some embodiments, the removable cooling device 101 of FIG. 1 is used, although other devices that induce neuroprotection from within the cavity may be used. In block 1002 (first step), surgical evacuation of the patient's intracranial hematoma is performed. For example, surgical evacuation may be a minimally invasive process that removes the IHC from the patient through a cranial drill hole. In block 1004 (second step), a device is placed in the patient's remaining hematoma cavity. The device may be the removable cooling device 101 of FIG. 1 or another device. In block 1006 (third step), imaging is used to confirm placement of the device in the patient's brain. In block 1008 (fourth step), the device is activated to induce neuroprotection from within the remaining hematoma cavity. For example, the device may be attached to a thermal management and flow system 103 as shown in FIG. 1, including a pump for providing chilled liquid through the device to cool the brain tissue. As previously described, the pump is part of a flow management control system configured to maintain the temperature of the chilled liquid within a target range. As a result, the flow rate of the chilled liquid is controlled such that the residence time of the chilled liquid in the heat exchange area results in the temperature of the chilled liquid in the heat exchange area being maintained in this desired temperature range (e.g., freezing point (32°F)). In block 1009 (fifth step), the device operates until after the end of the surgery. In block 1010 (sixth step), the device is removed without additional surgery. The device may be removed after neuroprotective therapy. For example, the device may be removed after the temperature of the remaining hematoma cavity becomes substantially similar to the temperature of other tissues in the patient's brain. 13A-13F show a system for tunneling of catheters in an ICH procedure. A removable cooling device 1303 is introduced into the brain through a SurgiScope or similar device 1301 and through a punch hole 1302 (a small hole formed in the skull). The SurgiScope 1301 is then removed around the catheter (device 1303) (FIG. 13B, 13C). The catheter (device 1303) is then tunneled through a hole 1304 cut with a metal stylet and through the skin 1305 (FIG. 13D, 13E). After tunneling, connectors 1306-1309 are attached to the catheter, allowing multiple luer connections (FIG. 13F). As described herein, the connectors are attachable to various external devices such as the system 103, drug sources, suction devices, etc. 14A shows a side view showing the proximal-most portion of a detachable cooling device 1401 according to an additional embodiment that allows for easy attachment of a standard metallic stylet 1403 used for tunneling in brain surgical procedures. The stylet connector 1402 may be a permanent or removable catheter section and comprises an expandable material such as silicone. FIG 14B shows the slide-over mechanism of the attachment that connects these two parts together. FIG. 15 shows various portions of one exemplary removable cooling device. The distal end includes a heat exchange region 1501 constructed of a highly conductive plastic. The middle section 1502 is a flexible insulating region that traverses the brain, skull, and skin. The proximal portion of the catheter is reinforced to allow for the use of a rotator seal or other mechanism to attach a Luer connector 1503. Also shown is an additional embodiment designed to attach the removable cooling device to a standard metal stylet (see FIG. 14A) for tunneling, generally shown at 1504. 16A-16D show possible catheter embodiments. FIG. 16B shows a cross section of a catheter having an inflow lumen 1606 running inside an outflow lumen 1605 housed in an insulating central section 1604. The structure defining the inflow lumen 1606 may be considered to be a distally extending catheter, and the structure defining the outflow lumen 1606 may be considered to be a proximally extending catheter. The inflow lumen extends through the heat exchange region 1601, but terminates proximal to the end of the heat exchange region 1601. That is, cooled liquid exits the open distal end of the outflow lumen 1605 and flows into the heat exchange region 1601 before flowing in the opposite direction in the inflow lumen 1606. As described herein, the heat exchange region 1601 is formed of a different material than the flexible central (middle) section 1604. Additionally, the relative sizes of the inflow and outflow lumens may vary, although typically the inflow lumen has a smaller diameter than the outflow lumen. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a removable cooling device 1700 with added pressure (e.g., intracranial pressure sensor) or temperature sensor 1701 located very proximal to the heat exchange area 1702, shown as an expandable member such as a bag or balloon. These sensors 1701 may be located anywhere along the flexible central portion 1703 (flexible middle area). As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16D, the device 1700 includes an inflow lumen 1706 (distal running catheter) for delivering cooled liquid to the heat exchange area 1702. FIGS. 18A and 18B show the same / similar catheter design as FIG. 17 with a possible embodiment of a distal heat exchange expandable member 1805 (e.g., bag or balloon). The deflated bag (FIG. 18A) is flush with the inflow port 1801. When flow begins, the bag 1805 expands (FIG. 18B) and fills the cavity space within the brain. The inflow port 1801 does not extend the entire length of the bag 1805, ensuring that the semi-rigid inflow port does not directly contact the brain when inflated. That is, the distal end of the inflow port 1801 is spaced away from the distal end of the bag 1805 so that the distal end of the bag is unsupported. This allows the distal end to compress somewhat due to any brain tissue movement. The inflow port 1801 and outflow 1802 are sized to allow for a certain internal pressure within the bag. A flexible center section is shown at 1808.

[0098] The system described herein is thus configured to provide localized cooling of a target area, and unlike conventional intravascular cooling systems, the system has the characteristic of being extravascular. As described herein, the cooling device described herein is designed to fit through current instrument delivery systems such as the SurgiScope device, and therefore, according to at least one embodiment, the diameter of the removable cooling device (catheter structure) may be less than 4.7 mm, less than 4.0 mm, and in one exemplary embodiment, between 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm to allow tunneling under the skin. In one embodiment, the axial length of the heat exchange area may be between 1 cm and 3 cm. When using an external and internal temperature sensor, as described herein, the distance between the internal and external temperature sensors may be up to 3 cm (e.g., between 1-3 cm). Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the outflow (proximal running) lumen may be slightly smaller than the inflow (distal running) lumen to ensure expansion of the expandable member. As a result, the outflow lumen becomes the rate-limiting step for the flow rate. In one embodiment, the outer diameter (OD) is 4 mm, meaning that the inner diameter (ID) of the outflow lumen is substantially smaller (<1 mm). In one embodiment, it is desirable to achieve an outflow ID of ∼1 mm (5F). In one embodiment, the catheter length (i.e., the length of the removable cooling device) may be between 5 and 20 cm, e.g., ∼15 cm. As also described herein, the removable cooling device (catheter) is configured to be flexible enough to undergo two separate 90° turns due to the construction of the flexible central section. This is similar to a typical EVD catheter, which is generally made of silicone tubing. (For example, the insulated outer catheter of the removable cooling device may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone.)

[0099] In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the specification. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0100] The reference in the specification to "some embodiments" or "some examples" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments or examples may be included in at least one implementation of the description. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. (Item 1) 1. A removable cooling device for use in a regional hypothermia induction fluid system for use in the brain of a patient, comprising: a distal running catheter defining a distal lumen for providing a fluid input; a proximal running catheter defining a proximal lumen receiving the fluid as an output, the proximal running catheter being fluidly coupled to the distal running catheter along a closed circuit flow path; Equipped with The distal traveling catheter and the proximal traveling catheter define a catheter body having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a flexible intermediate region between the proximal end region and the distal end region, the flexible intermediate region configured to travel through two 90 degree turns without kinking. Removable cooling device. (Item 2) a heat exchange area in the distal end region; 2. The removable cooling device of item 1, wherein the heat exchange area includes a highly conductive material for cooling surrounding tissue with the liquid received from the distal running catheter. (Item 3) a connector at the proximal end region; The connector is configured to attach, detach, and align the distal and proximal running catheters to align with one or more catheters associated with a fluid pump and a thermal regulation mechanism configured to deliver liquid to the removable cooling device, and the proximal end region is formed of a stiffer material as compared to both the flexible intermediate region and the distal end region. 3. The removable cooling device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) a sensor array operable to determine at least one of a temperature of the fluid or surrounding tissue, a pressure of the fluid or surrounding tissue, a flow rate of the fluid or surrounding tissue, and a biological property of the fluid or surrounding tissue; an external controller operable to vary said at least one of said temperature, said pressure, and said flow rate; The removable cooling device according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising: (Item 5) 5. The removable cooling device of claim 4, wherein the sensor array is disposed at a distal end of the distal traveling catheter. (Item 6) 6. The removable cooling device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heat exchange region including a highly conductive loop disposed in the distal end region for cooling the surrounding tissue with the liquid, the loop flowing directly from the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter. (Item 7) 7. The removable cooling device of claim 6, wherein the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter are parallel to one another and the highly conductive loop is configured to change the flow direction of the liquid by an angle of 180 degrees. (Item 8) 6. The removable cooling device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heat exchange area disposed in the distal end region and defined by the proximal running catheter, the heat exchange area having a highly conductive coil form wrapped around the distal running catheter, and cooling the surrounding tissue with the liquid. (Item 9) a heat exchange area disposed in the distal end region and including a highly conductive bag, the bag receiving the liquid from the distal running catheter as the input to the distal region of the bag; The proximal lumen receives the fluid from the bag as the output at the proximal region of the bag, the bag connects the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter, and cools the surrounding tissue with the fluid. 6. The removable cooling device according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 10) 10. The removable cooling device of claim 9, wherein the flexible intermediate region includes a fluid center that insulates the liquid input to the distal running catheter until it reaches the heat exchange region. (Item 11) Item 11. The removable cooling device of item 10, wherein the fluid center portion includes a polyurethane portion that insulates the liquid. (Item 12) 12. The removable cooling device of any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising an additional set of lumens and ports for receiving at least one of a medication, an irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire. (Item 13) a connection for attaching the proximal end region of the removable cooling device to a fluid cooling and pumping system; Item 13. The removable cooling device of item 12, wherein the additional set of lumens and ports includes at least one lumen for introducing the medication, irrigation agent, drain or sensor through a distal port located anywhere between the connection and the distal-most end of the removable cooling device. (Item 14) Item 14. The removable cooling device according to item 13, wherein the connection is one of a screw lock and a luer lock. (Item 15) Item 15. The removable cooling device according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the diameter of the removable cooling device is smaller than 4.7 mm. (Item 16) 3. The removable cooling device of claim 2, further comprising an internal temperature sensor within the heat exchange area for measuring the temperature of the liquid, and an external temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surrounding tissue. (Item 17) Item 17. The removable cooling device of item 16, wherein the external temperature sensor is positioned along the flexible intermediate region and is positioned up to 3 cm away from the internal temperature sensor. (Item 18) 1. A localized hypothermia induction fluid system for cooling a target location in a patient's brain, comprising: a thermal management and flow system (TMFS) operable to change a liquid to a particular temperature and to regulate a flow rate of said liquid, said TMFS including a pump for moving said liquid through said TMFS, an inlet port for receiving said liquid, a cooling unit for cooling said liquid, and an outlet port for draining said liquid; a closed circuit flow system having a removable cooling device including a distal running catheter removably coupled to the inlet and outlet ports of the TMFS for receiving cooled liquid from the TMFS and a proximal running catheter for returning the liquid to the TMFS; at least one distal sensor operable to determine at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a flow rate, and a biological property of the fluid and surrounding area at a target location within the brain; 1. A local hypothermia induction fluid system comprising: (Item 19) 20. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 18, wherein the TMFS further comprises a cooling unit in physical contact with a plurality of capillary tubes to increase or decrease the temperature of the liquid, the cooling unit operating using at least one of Peltier cooling, liquid cooling, evaporative cooling, and passive cooling. (Item 20) 20. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of item 18 or 19, wherein the pump of the TMFS is at least one of an active positive displacement pump, a rotary pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a rotary vane pump, a centrifugal pump, a pulsating pump, a hydraulic ram pump, a pulser, an air lift pump, a velocity pump, a radial flow pump, and a centrifugal axial flow pump. (Item 21) 21. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of items 18 to 20, further comprising a controller operable in communication with the sensor array to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the liquid. (Item 22) The local hypothermia induction fluid system of item 21, wherein the controller performs at least one of automatic detection of a tear in the line and includes an automatic kill switch that stops power supply to the thermal management and flow system in response to detection of a tear in the line. (Item 23) The removable cooling device includes a heat exchange area; 23. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of any one of items 18 to 22, further comprising a fluid center that insulates the liquid entering the distal running catheter from the TMFS until it reaches the heat exchange area. (Item 24) 24. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 23, wherein the fluid center portion includes a polyurethane portion that insulates the liquid. (Item 25) 23. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the removable cooling device includes an elongated body having an exposed distal tip region that acts as a heat exchange region. (Item 26) 26. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of item 25, wherein the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter are parallel to one another and fluidly connected at their distal ends to transmit the fluid flowing within the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and back to the TMFS. (Item 27) 27. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the proximal running catheter has a coil portion that forms a coil around the distal running catheter, the proximal running catheter defining the heat exchange area. (Item 28) 28. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of item 27, wherein the distal end of the distal running catheter includes a distal opening that opens into the proximal running catheter to deliver the fluid to the coil section, and the proximal running catheter includes a proximal opening to receive the fluid from the coil section and deliver the fluid back to the TMFS. (Item 29) a heat exchange region including a highly conductive bag that receives the liquid from the distal running catheter as an input to a distal region of the bag; The proximal running catheter receives the fluid from the bag as an output at a proximal region of the bag, the bag connecting the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and defining a flow path for cooling the surrounding tissue with the fluid. 23. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system according to any one of items 18 to 22. (Item 30) 30. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of items 18 to 29, further comprising a set of lumens and ports for providing at least one of a drug, an irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire. (Item 31) 31. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of items 18 to 30, further comprising a drug injection port and a drug injection lumen opening along the removable cooling device for cooling the target location of the brain. (Item 32) 32. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of any one of items 18 to 31, further comprising a user interface operable to provide a user with options for changing the temperature or flow rate of the liquid in the local hypothermia induction fluid system. (Item 33) 33. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the array of distal sensors includes an intracranial pressure sensor operable to determine intracranial pressure within the brain. (Item 34) 34. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of claim 33, wherein the intracranial pressure sensor is located within or adjacent to a heat exchange area located at a distal end of the removable cooling device. (Item 35) The removable cooling device includes a rigid proximal end portion including an inlet port and an outlet port, a first seal is sealingly coupled to the rigid proximal end portion at a proximal end thereof, and a second seal is sealingly coupled to the rigid proximal end portion at a location between the first seal and a flexible central portion of the removable cooling device, the second seal including a side port in fluid communication with the outlet port that is part of the removable cooling device. 35. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of items 18 to 34. (Item 36) Item 36. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of item 35, wherein the first seal includes a first rotary seal, the second seal includes second and third rotary seals, and the outlet port and side port are disposed between the second rotary seal and the third rotary seal. (Item 37) 19. A method of placement of a removable cooling device using the local hypothermia inducing fluid system described in item 18 intracranially after drainage of intracranial bleeding. (Item 38) 20. A method of placing a removable cooling device intracranially using the local hypothermia inducing fluid system described in item 18 following at least one of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation, craniectomy, and intraparenchymal surgery. (Item 39) 40. The method of claim 38, wherein a proximal portion of the removable cooling device remains external to the patient's skull and tunnels beneath the patient's skin. (Item 40) 1. A method for treating symptoms associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), surgery requiring craniectomy, or intrasoft tissue surgery, comprising: performing surgical evacuation of an intracranial hematoma in the patient's brain; placing a device within a remaining hematoma cavity of the patient; confirming placement of the device in the remaining hematoma cavity in the patient's brain; enabling the device to induce neuroprotection from within the remaining hematoma cavity; operating the device until after completion of the surgery; removing said device without additional surgery; A method for providing the above. (Item 41) Item 41. The method of item 40, wherein the step of placing the device includes tunneling the device under the skin and running the device through two 90 degree turns without kinking. (Item 42) 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the step of verifying comprises using imaging or direct visualization of the device using an endoscope. (Item 43) 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the step of inducing neuroprotection comprises inducing local hypothermia. (Item 44) Item 41. The method of item 40, further comprising coupling a connector to a proximal end of the device prior to the step of enabling the device. (Item 45) 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of delivering a neuroprotective agent to the remaining hematoma cavity with the device. (Item 46) measuring the temperature of a chilled liquid circulating in a heat exchange area of ​​the device using an internal temperature sensor; measuring the temperature of said brain tissue using an external temperature sensor; Item 44. The method of item 43, further comprising: (Item 47) 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the apparatus includes a closed circuit flow system having a removable cooling device including a distal running catheter for receiving chilled liquid, a proximal running catheter, and a heat exchange area at a distal end of the removable cooling device, the heat exchange area including a highly conductive material for cooling surrounding tissue with the liquid received from the distal running catheter. (Item 48) Item 48. The method of item 47, further comprising a thermal management and flow system (TMFS) operable to change the liquid to a particular temperature and to regulate a flow rate of the liquid, the TMFS including a pump for moving the liquid through the TMFS, an inflow port for receiving the liquid, a cooling unit for cooling the liquid, and an outflow port for draining the liquid, the outflow port being fluidly coupled to the distal running catheter and the inflow port being fluidly coupled to the proximal running catheter. (Item 49) Item 49. The method of item 48, wherein the TMFS further comprises an array of distal sensors operable to determine at least one of temperature, pressure, the flow rate, and biological properties of the liquid and surrounding area at the target location. (Item 50) Item 48. The method of item 47, wherein the step of removing the device comprises removing the removable cooling device by pulling a proximal end of the removable cooling device outwardly from the patient's skull. (Item 51) Item 49. The method of item 48, wherein the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter are parallel to one another and fluidly connected at their distal ends to transmit the liquid flowing in the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and back to the TMFS. (Item 52) 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the proximal running catheter has a coil portion that forms a coil around the distal running catheter, the proximal running catheter defining the heat exchange area. (Item 53) 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the distal end of the distal running catheter includes a distal opening that opens into the proximal running catheter to deliver the fluid to the coil section, and the proximal running catheter includes a proximal opening to receive the fluid from the coil section and deliver the fluid back to the TMFS. (Item 54) the heat exchange region includes a highly conductive bag that receives the fluid from the distal running catheter as an input to a distal region of the bag; The proximal running catheter receives the fluid from the bag as an output at a proximal region of the bag, the bag connecting the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and defining a flow path for the fluid to cool the surrounding tissue. Item 49. The method according to item 48.

Claims

1. 1. A removable cooling device for use in a regional hypothermia induction fluid system for use in the brain of a patient, comprising: a distal running catheter defining a distal lumen for providing a fluid input; a proximal running catheter defining a proximal lumen receiving the fluid as an output, the proximal running catheter being fluidly coupled to the distal running catheter along a closed circuit flow path; Equipped with the distal traveling catheter and the proximal traveling catheter define a catheter body having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a flexible intermediate region between the proximal end region and the distal end region, the flexible intermediate region configured to travel through two 90 degree turns without kinking; a connector at the proximal end region; the connector is configured to effect attachment, detachment, and alignment of the distal and proximal running catheters to align with one or more catheters associated with a fluid pump and a thermal regulation mechanism configured to deliver the liquid to the removable cooling device, the proximal end region being formed of a stiffer material as compared to both the flexible intermediate region and the distal end region; configured to sealingly engage one or more of the catheters associated with the fluid pump and the thermal regulating mechanism; Removable cooling device.

2. a heat exchange area in the distal end region; The removable cooling device of claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange area comprises a highly conductive material for cooling surrounding tissue with the liquid received from the distal traveling catheter.

3. a sensor array operable to determine at least one of a temperature of the fluid or surrounding tissue, a pressure of the fluid or surrounding tissue, a flow rate of the fluid or surrounding tissue, and a biological property of the fluid or surrounding tissue; an external controller operable to vary said at least one of said temperature, said pressure, and said flow rate; The removable cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The removable cooling device of claim 3 , wherein the sensor array is disposed at a distal end of the distal traveling catheter.

5. 5. The removable cooling device of claim 1, further comprising a heat exchange region including a highly conductive loop disposed in the distal end region for cooling surrounding tissue with the liquid, the loop flowing directly from the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter.

6. 6. The removable cooling device of claim 5, wherein the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter are parallel to one another and the highly conductive loop is configured to change the liquid flow direction by an angle of 180 degrees.

7. 5. A removable cooling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a heat exchange area located in the distal end region and defined by the proximal running catheter, the heat exchange area having a highly conductive coil form wrapped around the distal running catheter, and cooling surrounding tissue with the liquid.

8. a heat exchange area disposed in the distal end region and including a highly conductive inflatable bag, the inflatable bag receiving the liquid from the distal running catheter as the input to the distal region of the inflatable bag; The proximal lumen receives the fluid from the inflatable bag as the output at a proximal region of the inflatable bag, the inflatable bag connects the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter, and cools the surrounding tissue with the fluid. The removable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. 9. The removable cooling device of claim 8, wherein the flexible intermediate region includes a fluid center that insulates the liquid input to the distal running catheter until it reaches the heat exchange region, and each of the proximal and distal running catheters extends beyond the distal end of the inflatable bag.

10. The removable cooling device of claim 9 , wherein the fluid center portion includes a polyurethane portion that insulates the liquid.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing an additional set of lumens and ports for receiving at least one of a drug, an irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire; 10. The removable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the additional set of lumens and ports includes at least one lumen for introducing the medication, irrigation agent, drain or sensor through a distal port located anywhere between the connector and the distal-most end of the removable cooling device.

12. The removable cooling device of claim 11 , wherein the connector is one of a screw lock and a luer lock.

13. The removable cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the removable cooling device is less than 4.7 mm.

14. The removable cooling device of claim 2 , further comprising an internal temperature sensor within the heat exchange area for measuring a temperature of the liquid, and an external temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the surrounding tissue.

15. 15. The removable cooling device of claim 14, wherein the exterior temperature sensor is positioned along the flexible intermediate region and is positioned up to 3 cm from the interior temperature sensor.

16. A removable cooling device as described in claim 1, further comprising a removable first seal removably coupled to the proximal end region and a second seal coupled to the proximal end region, the first seal including an inlet port fluidly connected to the distal lumen of the distal traveling catheter, and the second seal including a side outlet port fluidly connected to an outlet port of the proximal traveling catheter for directing fluid from the proximal traveling catheter to a side outlet port.

17. A removable cooling device as described in claim 16, wherein the first seal includes a first rotatable knob, the second seal includes a second rotatable knob and a third rotatable knob spaced from the second rotatable knob, the side outlet port is located between the second rotatable knob and the third rotatable knob, and the side outlet port can be isolated by the second rotatable knob and the third rotatable knob.

18. 1. A localized hypothermia induction fluid system for cooling a target location in a patient's brain, comprising: a thermal management and flow system (TMFS) operable to change a liquid to a particular temperature and to regulate a flow rate of said liquid, said TMFS including a pump for moving said liquid through said TMFS, an inlet port for receiving said liquid, a cooling unit for cooling said liquid, and an outlet port for discharging said liquid; a closed circuit flow system having a removable cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a distal running catheter removably coupled to an inflow port and an outflow port of the TMFS for receiving cooled liquid from the TMFS and a proximal running catheter for returning the liquid to the TMFS; at least one distal sensor operable to determine at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a flow rate, and a biological property of the fluid and surrounding area at a target location within the brain; 1. A local hypothermia induction fluid system comprising:

19. 20. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 18, wherein the TMFS further comprises a cooling unit in physical contact with a plurality of capillary tubes to increase or decrease the temperature of the liquid, the cooling unit operating using at least one of Peltier cooling, liquid cooling, evaporative cooling, and passive cooling.

20. 20. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the pump of the TMFS is at least one of an active positive displacement pump, a rotary pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a rotary vane pump, a centrifugal pump, a pulsating pump, a hydraulic ram pump, a pulser, an air lift pump, a velocity pump, a radial flow pump, and a centrifugal axial pump.

21. 21. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a controller in communication with the sensor array and operable to regulate the temperature and flow rate of the liquid.

22. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of claim 21, wherein the controller performs at least one of automatic detection of a tear in the line and includes an automatic kill switch that stops power supply to the thermal management and flow system in response to detection of a tear in the line.

23. The removable cooling device includes a heat exchange area; 23. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising a fluid center that insulates the liquid input from the TMFS to the distal running catheter until it reaches the heat exchange area.

24. 24. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 23, wherein the fluid center section includes a polyurethane section that insulates the liquid.

25. 23. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the removable cooling device includes an elongated body having an exposed distal tip region that acts as a heat exchange region.

26. 26. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of claim 25, wherein the distal running catheter and the proximal running catheter are parallel to one another and fluidly connected at their distal ends to transmit the fluid flowing within the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and back to the TMFS.

27. 27. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the proximal running catheter has a coil portion that forms a coil around the distal running catheter, the proximal running catheter defining the heat exchange region.

28. 28. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 27, wherein a distal end of the distal running catheter includes a distal opening that opens into the proximal running catheter for delivering the fluid to the coil section, and the proximal running catheter includes a proximal opening for receiving the fluid from the coil section and delivering the fluid back to the TMFS.

29. a heat exchange region including a highly conductive bag that receives the liquid from the distal running catheter as an input to a distal region of the bag; The proximal running catheter receives the fluid from the bag as an output at a proximal region of the bag, the bag connecting the distal running catheter to the proximal running catheter and defining a flow path for cooling the surrounding tissue with the fluid.

23. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 22.

30. 30. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 29, further comprising a set of lumens and ports for providing at least one of a drug, an irrigant, a ventricular drain, or a sensor wire.

31. 31. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising a drug injection port and a drug injection lumen opening along the removable cooling device for cooling the target location of the brain.

32. 32. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 31, further comprising a user interface operable to provide a user with options for varying the temperature or flow rate of the liquid in the local hypothermia induction fluid system.

33. 33. The local hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the array of distal sensors includes an intracranial pressure sensor operable to determine intracranial pressure within the brain.

34. 34. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of claim 33, wherein the intracranial pressure sensor is located within or adjacent to a heat exchange area located at a distal end of the removable cooling device.

35. The removable cooling device includes a rigid proximal end portion including an inlet port and an outlet port, a first seal is sealingly coupled to the rigid proximal end portion at a proximal end thereof, and a second seal is sealingly coupled to the rigid proximal end portion at a location between the first seal and a flexible central portion of the removable cooling device, the second seal including a side port in fluid communication with the outlet port that is part of the removable cooling device.

35. The localized hypothermia inducing fluid system of any one of claims 18 to 34.

36. 36. The local hypothermia induction fluid system of claim 35, wherein the first seal comprises a first rotary seal, the second seal comprises second and third rotary seals, and the outlet port and side port are disposed between the second rotary seal and the third rotary seal.

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