Autonomous temperature control of heating devices for medical treatment
AssigneesCalifornia Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California
InventorsCHOON WOO LEE, ROBERT H. GRUBBS, DANIEL M. SCHWARTZ
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to heating devices, and methods of treatment using the same, wherein the heating devices comprise (a) a polymer matrix comprising a matrix of: (i) at least one polymer; and (ii) a plurality of electrically conductive particles distributed within the polymer; and (b) two electrodes in electrical communication with the polymer matrix. The heating devices are highly portable and able to control the heating temperatures within precise limits for prolonged times without the use of any external thermostatic control device, using only low voltage batteries.
Claims32
A heating device comprising:
- (a) a polymer matrix comprising:
- (i) at least one polymer;
- and
- (ii) a plurality of electrically conductive particles distributed within the polymer;
- and
- (b) two electrodes in electrical communication with the polymer matrix;
- wherein:
- (i) the electrically conductive particles are distributed within the polymer matrix in an amount sufficient to conduct an electric current through the polymer matrix, with a predetermined associated electric resistance, when the polymer matrix is connected to a portable power source through the electrodes at an ambient temperature and the heating device is energized;
- wherein further
- (ii) the passage of current raises the temperature of the polymer matrix to a physiologically acceptable temperature, this temperature being sufficient to provide a therapeutic level of heat to a targeted mammalian tissue at a substantially constant level and for an extended period of time when the heating device is positioned adjacent to the targeted mammalian tissue and the heating device is energized;
- and wherein
- (iii) the heating device is delivers the therapeutic level of heat at the substantially constant level and for the extended period of time without an external thermostatic control device, when the heating device is positioned adjacent to the targeted mammalian tissue and the heating device is energized.
The heating device of Embodiment 14 or 15, further comprising a holder for the portable source of power, the portable power source or battery being detachably affixed to a holder.
The heating device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the physiologically acceptable temperature is in a range of from about 35° C. to about 65° C.
The method of claim 31, wherein the heat is applied to increase the extensibility of collagen tissues, decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain, relieve muscle spasms, reduce inflammation or edema, aid in wound healing, increase blood flow, treat Meibomian or lacrimal gland blockages or infections, or a combination thereof.
The method of claim 31, wherein the localized area in need of heat therapy is an orbital or periorbital region of a mammal.
The method of claim 31, wherein the disease or condition is meibomitis, blepharitis, anterior blepharitis, posterior blepharitis, ocular rosacea, Sjögren's syndrome, dacryoadenitis, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, keratitis, dacryocystitis, iritis, keratitis, retinitis, sclerokeratitis, uveitis, contact lens related eye problems, post blepharoplasty or eyelid or eye surgical procedures (e.g., cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, etc.), absent or dysfunctional blinks disorders, conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, exposure keratopathy, lagophthalmos, lid myokymia, infections, chalazion, hordeolum, or eyelid edema.
The method of claim 31, wherein the disease or condition is a headache, migraine, sinusitis, muscle stiffness, back pain, arthritis, or menstrual pain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.