Apparatus and method for manipulating core body temperature

摘要

The present invention provides a system for manipulating a core body temperature of a mammal. The system of the invention includes a chamber for enclosing a body portion of a mammal and a seal in operative association with the chamber for sealing the chamber around the body portion and for inhibiting movement of the body portion relative to the chamber when the system is in operation. A thermal energy exchange system in operative association with the chamber includes an energy element assembly coupled to a flexible membrane assembly. The flexible membrane assembly facilitates an exchange of energy between the energy element assembly and the body portion. A vacuum system is operatively associated with the chamber while the thermal energy exchange system is in operation. The vacuum system generates a sub-atmospheric pressure within the chamber.