Methods and devices for manipulating thermoregulatory status of a mammal

摘要

Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both of the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, thermal energy transfer between thoracic/abdominal core body and the environment occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices can be used to increase the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is introduced into the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and removed from the head of the mammal. The subject methods and devices can also be used to reduce the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is removed from the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and introduced into the head of the mammal. The subject devices include at least the following components: (a) a means for causing a transfer of thermal energy with the thoracic/abdominal core body of a mammal under negative pressure conditions; and (b) a means for causing a transfer of thermal energy with the head of the mammal. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in causing the temperature of one or more regions of the core body of the mammal and/or temperature gradients present in the mammal to deviate from normal.