초록 ▼

A medical tubing is used for heating an intravenous fluid immediately prior to the fluid's introduction into a patient. The medical tubing comprises an internal web with a heating element along a length of the web, which heats fluid passing through the tubing. Temperature sensors at an entrance and

A medical tubing is used for heating an intravenous fluid immediately prior to the fluid's introduction into a patient. The medical tubing comprises an internal web with a heating element along a length of the web, which heats fluid passing through the tubing. Temperature sensors at an entrance and exit of the tubing communicate the temperatures of the unheated and heated fluid, which provides a feedback control circuit for regulating the amount of heat delivered to the fluid. Current carrying wires in the web dissipate heat and thereby heat the web, which in turn heats the fluid in the tubing. A heat controlling unit adjusts an electrical current transmitted to the current carrying wires in the web. The web may be formed separately from the tubing and subsequently inserted therein, or formed integrally with the tubing by, for example, an extruding process. The web is of sufficient thickness to carry the heating element and additionally carry a separate line for the temperature signals, yet remain flexible so that the tubing can be used in the traditional manner.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for delivering an intravenous liquid to a patient at a controlled temperature to address hypothermia comprising: a flexible container for storing liquid where the liquid can be below a predetermined optimum delivery temperature: a conduct tube connecting the flexible container for di

1. A system for delivering an intravenous liquid to a patient at a controlled temperature to address hypothermia comprising: a flexible container for storing liquid where the liquid can be below a predetermined optimum delivery temperature: a conduct tube connecting the flexible container for discharging the liquid from the flexible container; a flow controller for controlling the flow of liquid from the flexible container through the conduit tube; a first tubing connected to the flow controller; a heat controlling unit; a junction unit connected to the first tubing, the junction unit including an electrical connection member connecting said junction unit to the heat controlling unit; a second tubing including a flexible web internally disposed inside the second tubing to extend substantially along the second tubing between the junction unit and the patient, the flexible web includes a heater member embedded within the flexible web to heat the flexible web as it extends along the second tubing which in turn heats the liquid flowing across the flexible web in the second tubing, the second tubing is connected to the junction unit to receive the liquid; and a heat sensor unit disposed inside the second tubing to measure the temperature of the liquid flowing through the second tubing, the heat controlling unit receives temperature signals from the heat sensor unit and adjusts a power current to the junction unit in response to the temperature signals, wherein the flexible web is in electrical communication with the junction unit to enable the heater member to convert the power current to heat which is transferred through the flexible web member to the liquid in the second tubing, the flexible web is an elongated flat solid insulating plastic member with embedded wires connecting the heat sensor unit with the junction unit. 2. The system of claim 1 where the heat sensor unit further includes a first temperature sensor disposed at a proximal location to the end of the second tubing where the intravenous fluid is to be delivered. 3. The system of claim 2 where the heat sensor unit further includes a redundant second temperature sensor disposed at the proximal location. 4. The system of claim 3 where the heat sensor unit further includes a distal temperature sensor disposed at a distal location to the end of the second tubing where the intravenous fluid is to be delivered. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the flexible web includes a first heating conducting wire disposed along a first edge, and a second heat conducting wire disposed along a second edge, and a third wire communicating a temperature signal.