摘要 |
A carotid cooler medical device with a cooling element configured to remove heat largely from an area substantially proximate the patient's carotid arteries to rapid cool the brain to decrease brain injury is disclosed. The carotid cooler can be configured as a topical carotid cooler and an endotracheal carotid cooler that can be used independently or together. The topical carotid cooler is configured for placement on a patient's neck proximate the patient's carotid arteries and coupling to a cooling source. The topical carotid cooler has a patient's side that carries at least one cooling element that is coupled to the cooling source. The endotracheal cooler is configured for placement in a patient's trachea with the cooling element near the distal end. The cooling element is positionable distal to a patient's oral cavity to cool blood flowing through the patient's carotid arteries. Methods for creating brain hypothermia using the carotid cooler are also disclosed. |