Methods and devices for manipulating the themoregulatory status of a mammal
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
InventorsDennis A. Grahn, H. Craig Heller
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Abstract
Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, such thermal energy transfer occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications.
Claims39
A method for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal, said comprising:
- causing a transfer of thermal energy with the head of said mammal;
- and causing a transfer of thermal energy with the thoracic/abdominal cavity of said mammal,
- wherein the energy transfer with the thoracic/abdominal core body is at a rate of at least about 0.5 Kcal/min;
- whereby said thermoregulatory status of said mammal is manipulated.
A method for increasing the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, said method comprising:
- contacting a surface of a portion of said mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the thoracic/abdominal core body of said mammal, wherein energy introduction into the thoracic/abdominal core body is at a rate of at least about 0.5 Kcal/min;
- and
- removing thermal energy from the head of said mammal;
- whereby the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of said mammal is decreased.
A method for decreasing the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, said method comprising:
- contacting a surface of a portion of said mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the thoracic/abdominal core body of said mammal, wherein energy introduction into the thoracic/abdominal core body is at a rate of at least about 0.5 Kcal/min;
- and
- introducing thermal energy from the head of said mammal;
- whereby the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of said mammal is decreased.
A device for manipulating the thermal regulatory status of a mammal, said device comprising:
- (a) a sealable enclosure for enclosing a portion of said mammal;
- (b) a means for producing negative pressure conditions in said sealable enclosure;
- (c) a means for transferring energy at a rate of at least about 0.5 Kcal/min with said portion of said mammal when present in said sealable enclosure;
- and
- (d) a means for transferring energy with the head of a mammal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.