초록 ▼

The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest (24) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest (24). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane (28). A spaci

The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest (24) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest (24). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane (28). A spacing structure maintains a spaced relation between an interior side (30) of the flexible membrane (28) and the tissue region of interest (24) to define a fluid circulation space (34) for fluid flow therebetween. Thermal exchange fluid is drawn into the fluid circulation space (34) though an inlet (60) in the flexible membrane and out of the fluid circulation space (34) through an outlet (64) in the flexible membrane (28) under negative or nearly negative gauge pressure. The fluid directly contacts the tissue region of interest (24), resulting in cooling/heating of the tissue region of interest (24).

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for local exchange of thermal energy with a tissue region of interest, said apparatus comprising:a flexible membrane configured for covering said tissue region of interest, said flexible membrane having an exterior side and an interior side; a spacing structure for maintaining said i

1. An apparatus for local exchange of thermal energy with a tissue region of interest, said apparatus comprising:a flexible membrane configured for covering said tissue region of interest, said flexible membrane having an exterior side and an interior side; a spacing structure for maintaining said interior side in a spaced relation with said tissue region of interest, wherein a fluid circulation space is defined between said interior side and said tissue region of interest; at least one fluid inlet communicating with said fluid circulation space; and at least one fluid outlet communicating with said fluid circulation space, wherein a thermal exchange fluid is circulatable through said fluid circulation space from said at least one fluid inlet to said at least one fluid outlet at a gauge pressure no greater than 0.1 psi.