The present invention involves a selective organ heat transfer device having a flexible coaxial catheter capable of insertion into a selected feeding artery in the vascular system of a patient. A heat transfer element (14) is attached to a distal portion of the catheter as well as a turbulence-enhancing element (20-24) which is adapted to enhance turbulent blood flow along the heat transfer element (14). The heat transfer element (14) may include the turbulence-enhancing element and/or a turbulence-enhancing element (20-24) may be located proximal of the heat transfer element.
