Intravenous fluid heat exchanger

摘要

An intravenous (IV) fluid heat exchanger which transfers heat from a heating medium to an intravenous fluid being delivered to a patient. The IV fluid heat exchanger includes an input manifold for receiving the IV fluid and distributing the IV fluid through a plurality of passageways extending from the input manifold. An output manifold is also provided for receiving the IV fluid flowing through the passageways and directing the IV fluid through an exit path out of the IV fluid heat exchanger. The passageways are positioned in the proximity of the heating medium, wherein the passageways facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating medium to the IV fluid passing through the passageways. By providing a plurality of passageways for the IV fluid, the surface area of the IV fluid exposed to the inner surfaces of the heated passageways is optimized to improve the heating efficiency of the IV fluid heat exchanger. A flow control unit may also be positioned within the input manifold for variably controlling the number of passageways which are opened to allow the flow of IV fluid there through in order to regulate the surface area of the IV fluid exposed to the inner surfaces of the passageways. In this manner, the amount of heat transferred to the IV fluid from the heating medium can be variably controlled.