Method for a central venous line catheter having a temperature control system

摘要

A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

主权项

1. An apparatus for delivery of thermal treatment to a selected area in the vascular system of a patient, comprising:
a catheter assembly; at least two heat transfer elements on a distal portion of the catheter assembly and configured to be inserted to the selected area in the vascular system; a supply lumen communicating with the heat transfer elements to supply a heat exchange fluid to the heat transfer elements; a return lumen in the catheter assembly and communicating with the heat transfer elements to receive the heat exchange fluid from the heat transfer elements; at least one exit port in the distal portion of the catheter assembly; and a through lumen within the catheter assembly extending to the distal portion of the catheter assembly to establish communication through the assembly from the distal portion of said catheter assembly, the exit port being in communication with the through lumen to establish a path for communication from outside the assembly, through the exit port, and into the through lumen.