Intrarectal heat exchange catheter
View Patent ↗A closed loop heat exchange catheter can be placed in the rectum of a patient to cool or warm the patient.
1. A system for treating a patient, comprising:
a heat exchange catheter configured for placement in the rectum of the patient to induce hypothermia in the patient when heat exchange fluid is circulated through the catheter, wherein a distal portion of the catheter includes:
at least first and second elongated segments, each segment having an irregular exterior surface; and
a flexible articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated segments; and
a heat exchanger supplying heat exchange fluid to the catheter and receiving heat exchange fluid from the catheter in a closed circuit.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange fluid is a compressed gas.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein a distal portion of the catheter includes at least one balloon.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein a distal portion of the catheter includes plural heat exchange fluid return tubes communicating with a supply lumen at a distal end of the catheter for carrying heat exchange fluid, each return tube being formed spirally.
5. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
inducing hypothermia in the patient using a closed loop heat exchange catheter placed in the rectum of the patient, wherein the catheter includes plural heat exchange fluid return tubes communicating with a supply lumen at a distal end of the catheter for carrying heat exchange fluid, each return tube being formed spirally.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the catheter includes at least one balloon.