CATHETER WITH MULTIPLE HEATING/COOLING FIBERS EMPLOYING FIBER SPREADING FEATURES

摘要

This invention is a catheter (110) using multiple hollow fibers to carry a heating/cooling fluid employs fiber (108) spreading features to improve heat transfer, and prevent clotting of body fluids within which the catheter is immersed. The catheter includes an outer tube (102) surrounding an inner tube (104). The inner tube conveys fluids in one direction, a passageway between inner, and outer tubes conveying fluids in the opposite direction. The catheter's distal end is closed, but the proximal end is open to permit introduction of a heating or cooling fluid into the inner tube, and withdrawal of the fluid from the passageway between the inner, and outer tubes. At the tubes' distal end resides a proximal fluid transfer housing (106) coupled to multiple hollow heat exchange fibers. The distal ends of these fibers may be commonly connected to a distal fluid transfer housing (110), and optional reservoir (112). Actuating structure(s) may be included to spread the fibers.