Two-Stage Thermal Exchange Catheter for Precise Body Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling body temperature, particularly in cases of hypothermia and hyperthermia, are either invasive, inefficient, or lack precise control, making them unsuitable for rapid temperature regulation and long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A programmable microprocessor-based system that controls the temperature and flow of a thermal exchange fluid through a heat exchange catheter, using a two-stage heater/cooler device to rapidly adjust body temperature and maintain it at a target level, with sensors for feedback and a controller to manage heating or cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage heater/cooler is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision and response speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heater/cooler device is divided into two independent stages: a first stage for rapid temperature adjustment and a second stage for precise temperature maintenance. Each stage has its own heating and cooling capabilities, allowing the system to achieve both fast response and high precision control without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a single-stage heater/cooler operates continuously, then the temperature control precision is maintained, but the response speed and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on real-time temperature feedback: the first stage operates when rapid temperature change is needed, and the second stage operates when precise temperature maintenance is required. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both response speed and precision while improving energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If invasive methods like cardiopulmonary by-pass are used, then the temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the patient harm and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a heat exchange catheter as an intermediary device that transfers thermal energy directly to the bloodstream without requiring external blood circulation or invasive surgical procedures. This intermediary approach achieves effective temperature control while avoiding the severe harms associated with cardiopulmonary by-pass machines.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive methods like warming blankets are used, then the patient harm is reduced, but the temperature control effectiveness and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a fluid-based heat exchange mechanism where a heat exchange catheter circulates thermal fluid directly through the bloodstream. This hydraulic approach transfers heat much more efficiently than air-based convection from warming blankets, achieving both high effectiveness and minimal patient harm through controlled fluid circulation.
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
This system provides rapid and precise control of body temperature, avoiding the limitations of existing methods by efficiently adding or removing heat, ensuring accurate temperature maintenance without overshooting, and allowing for both cooling and warming functions.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the temperature and flow of a thermal exchange fluid that is circulated through a heat exchange catheter inserted into a patient's body for the purpose of cooling or warming at least a portion of the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
a two-stage heater/cooler device to rapidly adjust body temperature
Implementation Method 3
a two-stage heater/cooler device to rapidly adjust body temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system and method for adding or removing heat from a heat exchange fluid circulating between an external heat exchanger and an intravascular heat exchange catheter is described. The system includes a two stage cooling system providing for a high rate of cooling in one stage and a lower rate of cooling in a second stage. Both stages may be used to provide maximal cooling while the second stage is used to provide improved control of the cooling rate as a target temperature is approached. The second stage may also be used to provide heat to the heat exchange fluid.