Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal

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 cold temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to remove thermal energy from the thoracic/abdominal core body of said mammal, and
• introducing thermal energy into the head of said mammal;
• wherein the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of said mammal is decreased.

A method for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal, said method comprising:

• causing a transfer of thermal energy with the head of said mammal under negative pressure conditions, and
• causing a transfer of thermal energy with the thoracic/abdominal core body of said mammal,
• wherein said thermoregulatory status of said mammal is manipulated.

A method for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal, said method comprising:

• causing a transfer of thermal energy with the thoracic/abdominal core body of said mammal under negative pressure conditions, and
• causing a transfer of thermal energy with the head of said mammal, opposite said transfer with said thoracic/abdominal core,
• wherein said thermoregulatory status of said mammal is manipulated.

A method for increasing 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, and
• applying a cold temperature medium to the head of said mammal, wherein at least the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of said mammal is increased.

A method for increasing core body temperature of a mammal, said method comprising:

• contacting a surface of a portion of said mammal with a cold 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, and
• applying a warm temperature medium to the head of said mammal, wherein at least the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of said mammal is decreased.

A system for manipulating the thermal regulatory status of a mammal, said system comprising:

• an enclosure for producing a negative pressure condition when enclosing a portion of a mammal,
• an energy application medium adapted for transferring energy with said portion, and
• an energy application medium adapted for applying energy to the head of a mammal.

The system of 25, further comprising an negative pressure generator, wherein said generator is capable of producing a negative pressure ranging from about −20 to −80 mm Hg.