Methods and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature
A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.
1. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:
a collapsible appendage chamber comprising an appendage seal attached to the collapsible appendage chamber, wherein the appendage chamber comprises a top portion and a rigid bottom portion; and
a heat exchange element that protrudes through an opening in the appendage chamber.
2. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:
a collapsible appendage chamber having an appendage seal; and
a heat exchange element disposed at least partially through an opening in the appendage chamber, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a heat exchange surface that is molded into the shape of a hand.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a heat source that is configured to deliver heat to the heat exchanging surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the heat exchange element is configured to heat or cool the heat exchanging surface.
5. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:
an appendage chamber having an opening that has an appendage seal attached thereon;
a heat exchange element comprising a heat exchange surface that is shaped to receive at least a portion of a palm of a hand, wherein the heat exchange surface is disposed in an internal region of the appendage chamber, and is configured to heat or cool the heat exchanging surface; and
a vacuum source coupled to the internal region of the appendage chamber.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the heat exchange surface is molded into the shape of a hand.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the heat exchange surface has a dome shape.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the appendage chamber comprises poly(vinyl chloride) and the appendage seal comprises a polyester.
9. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:
an appendage chamber having an opening that has an appendage seal attached thereon;
a vacuum source coupled to the internal region of the appendage chamber; and
a heat exchange element comprising a heat exchange surface that is shaped to receive at least a portion of a palm of a hand which is disposed in the internal region of the appendage chamber when regulating the body core temperature.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the heat exchange surface is molded into the shape of a hand.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the heat exchange element is configured to heat or cool the heat exchanging surface.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the appendage chamber comprises a poly(vinyl chloride) or polyesters.
13. An apparatus for regulating a body core temperature, comprising:
an appendage chamber having an internal region and an opening that has an appendage seal attached thereon;
a vacuum source coupled to the internal region of the appendage chamber; and
a heat exchange element comprising a heat exchange surface that is shaped to receive at least a portion of a foot, wherein the heat exchange surface is disposed in the internal region of the appendage chamber, and is configured to heat or cool the heat exchanging surface.