Leak-Proof Gel Pads for Patient Temperature Management

This patent describes a system using special gel pads and one-way valves to precisely control a patient's body temperature without leaking fluid.

What it covers

This system provides targeted temperature management (TTM) for a patient using a special pad and fluid. A TTM module supplies a fluid, which travels through a fluid delivery line to a pad placed on the patient. The pad includes a fluid delivery conduit with a first leak prevention valve. This valve is designed to allow fluid to flow only towards the patient (distal direction) and stops it from flowing back. The pad also has a fluid return conduit with a second leak prevention valve, which only allows fluid to flow away from the patient (proximal direction). This dual valve setup ensures that if a connection breaks, the temperature control fluid stays contained within the system, preventing spills. For instance, if the delivery line disconnects, the first valve prevents fluid from gushing out of the pad.

What it doesn't cover

• —Temperature management systems that do not use a fluid-filled pad for thermal energy transfer.
• —Leak prevention methods that do not rely on specific one-way valves in both the fluid delivery and fluid return conduits of the pad.
• —Medical pads designed for purposes other than targeted temperature management, such as wound dressings or pressure relief.
• —Systems where the leak prevention valves are located solely in the main fluid delivery line and not within the pad's conduits themselves.
• —Temperature management techniques that do not involve circulating a fluid, such as air-based warming blankets.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in integrating specific one-way leak prevention valves directly into both the fluid delivery and fluid return conduits of the temperature management pad itself. This ensures fluid containment at the point of patient contact, even if a main line disconnects, providing a robust safety mechanism.

Why it matters

Maintaining a patient's body temperature is critical in many medical scenarios, like during surgery, after cardiac arrest, or for fever reduction. Uncontrolled fluid leaks from temperature management systems can create unsanitary conditions, pose infection risks, and disrupt patient care. This patent addresses a practical challenge in clinical settings by making these essential medical procedures safer and more efficient by preventing fluid spills.

Real-world examples

• 1.Hospital operating rooms for maintaining patient body temperature during surgery
• 2.Intensive care units (ICUs) for therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest
• 3.Emergency departments for rapid cooling or warming of patients
• 4.Patient recovery rooms where temperature stability is crucial