Esophageal Heat Exchange Catheter for Core Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling patient temperature during medical procedures are inefficient, unsafe, and often result in unintended hypothermia or hyperthermia, limiting access to critical anatomical areas and posing technical and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer device with a fluid path defined by an inflow and outflow lumen is inserted into the esophagus to circulate a cooling medium, allowing for precise control of core body temperature through esophageal cooling or warming, maintaining temperature within a specific range for extended periods while monitoring physiological parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If surface cooling techniques (ice packs, cold-water immersion) are used to induce therapeutic hypothermia, then cooling can be achieved, but the rate of cooling is slow (2-8 hours) and precision is limited resulting in unintentional overcooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluid circulation through an esophageal heat exchange catheter to transfer thermal energy. A cooling or warming fluid is pumped through the catheter lumen, allowing controlled heat transfer to the esophageal tissue and subsequently to the core body via blood circulation. This hydraulic system enables precise temperature modulation compared to passive surface cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The esophageal heat exchange catheter acts as an intermediary device between the external temperature control system and the core body. The catheter transfers thermal energy through the esophageal wall to the underlying tissues and blood vessels, providing a controlled interface for temperature management without direct contact with core organs.
2Speed
If invasive cooling methods (esophageal, rectal, bladder catheters) are used to achieve faster cooling, then cooling rate improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal heat exchange catheter serves multiple functions: it can be used for both cooling and warming, can be inserted via nasal or oral routes, and provides a single access point for temperature management. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall procedure compared to multiple separate invasive interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temperature-sensitive indicia or color-changing materials on the catheter that visually indicate the temperature of the circulating fluid or the tissue temperature. This provides immediate visual feedback to the operator, simplifying temperature monitoring and control without requiring complex electronic sensors.
3Temperature
If external warming devices (forced-air warmers) are used to prevent perioperative hypothermia, then warming can be provided, but the devices are bulky, impact the surgical field, and are inefficient requiring extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat exchange function from bulky external warming devices and concentrates it within a compact catheter that can be inserted into the patient's body. The thermal management capability is internalized through the esophageal catheter, eliminating the need for large external forced-air warmers that occupy surgical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical forced-air warming system with a fluid-based heat exchange system. Instead of using fans and heated air blankets, a circulating fluid through the catheter provides thermal energy, which is more efficient and requires less mechanical infrastructure.
4Temperature
If current temperature control methods are used during cardiac arrest resuscitation, then some temperature management is provided, but access to critical anatomical areas is limited and CPR performance is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed with segmented or modular components that allow for flexible positioning and adaptation during resuscitation. The distal end can be positioned in the esophagus while proximal components remain accessible for connections, and the flexible construction allows movement during chest compressions without compromising either temperature control or CPR access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables rapid, efficient, and safe control of patient temperature, reducing complications associated with hypothermia or hyperthermia, maintaining access to essential anatomical structures, and improving outcomes in conditions like cardiac arrest and surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer device with a fluid path defined by an inflow and outflow lumen is inserted into the esophagus to circulate a cooling medium, allowing for precise control of core body temperature through esophageal cooling or warming
Data Source
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AI summary
Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.