METHODS AND DEVICES FOR BRAIN COOLING FOR TREATMENT AND/OR PREVENTION OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

摘要

Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures.

主权项

1. A brain cooling system, comprising:
a passive thermal-transfer prosthesis sized and configured to replace a bone section in a skull, the prosthesis having an inner surface configured to contact a portion of a meninges or brain disposed in the skull, and an outer surface configured to contact a corresponding portion of a scalp covering the skull; and a thermally-conductive external component configured to overlay the corresponding portion of the scalp.