초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for warming biocompatible fluids for use in the treatment of injured patients and a method of heating a biocompatible fluid to treat a patient experiencing hypothermia. The present invention may be used to warm intravenous fluids for trauma resus

The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for warming biocompatible fluids for use in the treatment of injured patients and a method of heating a biocompatible fluid to treat a patient experiencing hypothermia. The present invention may be used to warm intravenous fluids for trauma resuscitation or to warm air from a ventilator circuit. The portable nature of the present invention makes it highly suitable for field applications, such as a forward surgical hospital near a combat zone.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A portable warmer of a biocompatible fluid comprising:(a) an outer housing comprising a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and at least one flow channel located between said first inner diameter and said first outer diameter, said flow channel comprising an inlet se

What is claimed is: 1. A portable warmer of a biocompatible fluid comprising:(a) an outer housing comprising a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and at least one flow channel located between said first inner diameter and said first outer diameter, said flow channel comprising an inlet section and an outlet section;(b) an inner housing having a second outer diameter sized to fit snugly within said outer housing and an inner wall defining a second inner diameter and an internal volume, said inner housing having a specific heat capacity less than or equal to 1000 J/kg ° K and a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 150 W/m ° K;(c) a multiplicity of heat transfer protrusions in contact with said inner wall;(d) a metallic mesh located within said internal cylindrical volume;(e) a gas delivery line comprising a distal end region located within said internal volume and a proximal end region located outside said internal volume;(f) a valve located in the gas delivery line; and(g) an igniter located in said internal volume and situated close enough to said valve such that when said valve is open and gas flows through said gas delivery line and said valve into said internal volume, the igniter can ignite the gas and cause the wire mesh to be heated to a temperature in excess of the ignition temperature of gas selected for use in the gas delivery line.