US20050143797A1 - Compression sequenced thermal therapy system - Google Patents

Abstract

A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims priority from, and incorporate by reference for any purpose the entire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/488,709 filed Jul. 18, 2003; 60/550,658 filed Mar. 5, 2004; and [Attorney Docket No. 27889-00089USPL] Serial No. Not Yet Assigned, filed Jul. 16, 2004 entitled “CUSTOMIZED THERMAL THERAPY MODALITY IN A COMPRESSION SEQUENCED THERMAL THERAPY SYSTEM.” This application is also related to, and hereby incorporates by reference, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,097,829, 5,989,285, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/328,183 filed Jun. 8, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Technical Field
• The present invention relates to thermal therapy systems in general, including therapeutic cooling, heating, and compression systems used in association therewith, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a programmable, sequential compression system adapted for high thermal contrast modality, and incorporating multiple, independently controllable chambers in a thermal therapy blanket.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Medical care providers have long recognized the need to provide warmth and cooling directly to patients as part of their treatment and therapy. Better recoveries have been reported using cold therapy for orthopedic patients. The benefits of warming patients undergoing surgery has been conclusively proven. It is also desirable to cool portions of a patient's anatomy in certain circumstances. Yet another advantageous therapy is the application of heat then cold to certain areas of injury.
• Several devices have been developed that deliver temperature controlled fluids through pads or convective thermal blankets to achieve the above purpose. Typically these devices have a heating or a cooling element, a source for the fluid, a pump for forcing the fluid through the pad or blanket, and a thermal interface between the patient and the temperature controlled fluid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,304 to Elkins is directed to a mattress cover device which contains liquid flow channels which provide the selective heating or cooling by conduction.
• Devices have also been developed for providing heat to a person in bed. Electric blankets containing electric heating elements have been used for years to warm a person in bed.
• Cooling blankets, such as the blanket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,388 to Greene, have also been proposed. Greene discloses a cooling cover having an inflatable pad with plenum chambers at opposite ends thereof. Cool air is generated in a separate unit and directed to the pad and out a number of apertures on the underside of the pad and against the body of the person using the cover.
• A disposable heating or cooling blanket is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,238 to Ragan, et al which has three layers of flexible sheeting. Two of the layers form an air chamber and the third includes a comfortable layer for contact with the patient. Conditioned air is directed toward the covered person through a multiplicity of orifices in the bottom layers of the blanket.
• A temperature controlled blanket and bedding assembly is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,285 to DeVilbiss et al., the disclosure of which describes a temperature controlled blanket and temperature control bedding system which has the provision of both recirculating temperature controlled fluid and temperature controlled gas to enhance performance for convectively heating or cooling a patient. Counter-flow or co-flow heat exchanging principles between the temperature controlled liquid and the temperature controlled gas achieve temperature uniformity across different sections of the blanket and the bedding system. Drapes and the temperature controlled bedding system provided temperature controlled envelope around a person using the bedding system. In one embodiment of the bedding system, the air portion of the bedding system is provided for use with a patient that supplies the fluid portion of the overall bedding system. In another embodiment of the bedding system, the fluid portion of the bedding system is provided for use with a patient bed which supplies the air portion of the overall bedding system.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,829 to Quisenberry describes an improved temperature controlled fluid circulating system for automatically cooling a temperature controlled fluid in a thermal blanket with a thermoelectric cooling device having a cold side and a hot side when powered by electricity. The temperature controlled fluid is cooled by the cold side of the cooling device and pumped through, to, and from the blanket through first and second conduits.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a sequential compression blanket for use with heating or cooling therapy. In one aspect, an embodiment of the blanket comprises a plurality of air chambers and a valve assembly. The valve assembly controls the flow of air to each air chamber in order to provide sequential, pulsing, or constant compression to the patient.
• In another aspect, one embodiment of the invention includes a compression therapy blanket comprising a plurality of gas, such as air, chambers for receiving a gas to cause compressions, a valve assembly, internal to the compression therapy blanket, for delivering gas to each of the plurality of air chambers in a predetermined pattern, an inlet port for delivering air from a control unit to the valve assemblies, and a plurality of connection for delivering gas from the valve assembly to the plurality of gas/air chambers. The plurality of gas/air chambers may comprise four to seven chambers and an electrical signal connection may be provided for transmitting data related to the predetermined pattern to the valve assembly. One embodiment includes the predetermined pattern comprises sequential inflation of the plurality of chambers to produce series of compression movements peripherally toward the heart of a patient, while another embodiment includes inflating two of the plurality of gas/air chambers simultaneously.
• In yet another aspect, the above described compression therapy blanket further comprises a heat transfer fluid bladder for providing temperature therapy to a portion of a patient. The bladder includes a fluid inlet port for delivering heat transfer fluid from the control unit to the heat transfer fluid bladder and a fluid outlet port for delivering heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid bladder to the control unit. The heat transfer fluid bladder delivers thermal therapy to a patient in the form of heat or cold or alternating heat and cold.
• In yet another aspect, one embodiment of the invention includes a temperature therapy blanket comprising, a fluid bladder for housing heat transfer fluid, the fluid bladder having a top layer and a bottom layer, a plurality of connections for dispersing the heat transfer fluid throughout the blanket, the plurality of connections connecting the top layer to the bottom layer of the fluid bladder, at least one partition for directing the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the bladder; and means for providing sequenced flows of alternating heat and cold in a high thermal contrast modality to a patient.
• In another embodiment of the invention, the above-described temperature therapy blanket further comprises an air bladder disposed outwardly of the fluid bladder in an overlapping relationship therewith for providing select compression therapy, the air bladder having an upper layer and a lower layer and an inlet port for providing air from the control unit to the air bladder.
• Yet a further aspect includes one embodiment of the invention comprising a system for passing heat transfer fluid between a control unit and a blanket. The system comprises a reservoir for housing heat transfer fluid for utilization by the system, a flow network in flow communication with the reservoir and including a junction having at least three branches, wherein a first branch receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir, a second branch receives the heat transfer fluid returning from the blanket, and a third branch for delivering the heat transfer fluid to the blanket, and a pump for creating a low pressure site at the third branch, wherein the low pressure site causes the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to be pulled into the third branch. In one embodiment of the invention, the three-point junction is generally configured as an inverted Y from a fluid flow standpoint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of the patient therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of heat transfer fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams of thermoelectric device assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention;
• FIGS. 5A-5B are illustrations of a cross-sectional view of the blanket portion of the patient therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5C is an illustration of a bottom view of the blanket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5D is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the blanket ofFIG. 5C in an inverted position relative toFIG. 5C;
• FIG. 6A is an illustration of the valve assembly and sequential compression blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6B is an illustration of the valve assembly and sequential compression blanket in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6C is an illustration of the valve assembly ofFIG. 6A according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6D is an illustration of the valve assembly ofFIG. 6B according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 7A-7I are illustrations of several exemplary embodiments of the patient therapy system of the present invention; and
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a method of creating and packaging a heat transfer fluid utilized according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown apatient therapy system2 according to the principles of the present invention. Thepatient therapy system2 comprises acontrol unit4, ablanket8, and aconnector10. Theblanket8 further comprises anemergency relief valve9. In operation, a heat transfer fluid is deposited in thecontrol unit4 via anaperture14. The heat transfer fluid is cooled or heated by thecontrol unit4 and pumped to theblanket8 byconnector tubes6. The heat transfer fluid flows into theblanket8 through an inlet port, and exits through an outlet port to thecontrol unit4 via theconnector10 andconnector tubes6. Similarly, a gas may be pumped by thecontrol unit4 to theblanket8 through theconnector tubes6 and theconnector10 to provide compression therapy. In addition,additional connector tubes6 may be present to allow for both heat transfer fluid and gas to be passed to the blanket for simultaneous temperature therapy and compression therapy.
• Thecontrol unit4 receives data and manipulates any one of a plurality of therapeutic characteristics of theblanket8 based on the data. Theblanket8 is adapted for the administration of hot, cold, and/or compression therapies to a body portion of the patient. For example, theblanket8 may extend from the fingertips to the shoulder, the toes to the hip, or various other configurations. Current thermal design requirements for temperature therapy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are as follows: 1) the system must be able to heat the fluid from around 49° F. to around 105° F. with the largest blanket attached to a typical man at an ambient of 77° F. within 10 minutes, 2) the system must be able to cool the fluid from 105° F. to 49° F. with the largest blanket attached to a typical man at an ambient of 77° F. within 20 minutes, and 3) the system must cool the fluid to 37° F. at an ambient of 77° F. within 90 minutes. These requirements should be with a minimum compression of 25 mm Hg. In addition, according to some embodiments, theblanket8 may diffuse oxygen into the portion of the body. Theconnector10 provides a fluid and/or gas connection between thecontrol unit4 and theblanket8 for the transfer of gas and heat transfer fluid. Theconnector10 may also allow for transfer of electrical sensor signals and/or data signals between theblanket8 and thecontrol unit4. Theemergency relief valve9 is utilized to quickly decompress theblanket8 if needed.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, a block diagram of one embodiment of the flow of heat transfer fluid between thecontrol unit4 and theblanket8 is illustrated. Thecontrol unit4 includes a heattransfer fluid reservoir200 and at least one heat transfer assembly (HTA)202 for heating and/or cooling the heat transfer fluid. Before theblanket8 is utilized for temperature therapy, the system is primed with the heat transfer fluid. When the system is primed, substantially no air exists in the tubes204 between thereservoir200,HTA202, andblanket8. The flow tubes in thecontrol unit4 between thereservoir200,HTA202, andblanket8 form a three-point junction204C. In the preferred embodiment, the three-point junction204C is formed as an inverted Y, however, other shapes and orientations are possible. By utilizing a three-point junction204C, the heat transfer fluid returning from theblanket8 is recirculated to theHTA202 without utilizing heat transfer fluid from thereservoir200. The three-point junction204C allows theHTA202 to heat or cool the heat transfer fluid that has already been heated or cooled prior to entering theblanket8. In the preferred embodiment, theHTA202 does not heat or cool the entire contents of thereservoir200, but merely the portion of the heat transfer fluid that is currently circulating through theblanket8 and tubing204. In essence, the reservoir is generally “bypassed” unless more fluid volume is needed. In the three-point junction204C, heat transfer fluid returning from theblanket8 may be pulled, via a pump, to theHTA202. If more heat transfer fluid than that which is already circulating through the system is required, then the heat transfer fluid from the reservoir is introduced into the system.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, and more specifically to thecontrol unit4,control circuitry300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Thecontrol circuitry300 is coupled to pre-cooling andpre-heating circuitry302,thermal profile circuitry304,patient profile circuitry306,time duration circuitry308, hot andcold indicator circuitry310, and compression profile circuitry312. Thecontrol circuitry300 is further coupled to amemory314,detection circuitry316, warningcircuitry318, and abackup battery320. Adisplay322 is provided for displaying the output of thecontrol circuitry300 and for the input of data to control various therapeutic values of theblanket8. A dual water andgas reservoir324 having water andgas reservoir circuitry326 is further coupled to thecontrol circuitry300.Reservoir circuitry326 is coupled both to thecontrol circuitry300 and to a plurality of thermalelectric coolers328. The thermalelectric coolers328 heat and/or cool the heat transfer fluid contained within the fluid/gas reservoir324. Coupled to the thermalelectric coolers328, there is shown a phase planeheat removal system330.
• Coupled to thecontrol circuitry300 is the pre-cooling andpre-heating circuitry302 which heats and/or cools the temperature of the heat transfer fluid prior to the application of theblanket8 to the patient.Thermal profile circuitry304,patient profile circuitry306, and compression profile circuitry312 allow the user of thepatient therapy system2 to apply compression and/or thermal therapy to a patient according to preset values which depend on the type of injury and physical attributes of the patient. Exemplary attributes of the patient, thermal, and/or compression profiles are illustrated in Table 1 below.

  	TABLE 1
  	Patient Record	Bytes	Type
  	RTC Year	1	character
  	RTC Month	1	character
  	RTC Day	1	character
  	RTC Hour	1	character
  	RTC Minute	1	character
  	Coolant Set Temp	2	signedinteger
  	Coolant Temp
  	2	signed integer
  	Compression Set	1	unsignedcharacter
  	Compression Reading
  	2	unsigned integer
  	Therapy Mode	1	bit
  	Compression Switch Status	2	bits
  	Control Mode	3	bits
  	Alarms	1	bit

• As illustrated in Table 1, a record of the actual use of the temperature therapy blanket may be recorded by the Year, Month, Day, Hour, and Minute attributes. The temperature therapy settings and compression settings may also be stored via the Coolant Set Temp and Compression Set attributes. The actual temperature and compression may be stored via the Coolant Temp and Compression Reading attributes. The particular therapy mode chosen is assigned to the Therapy Mode attribute. For example, the patient may wish to apply cooling therapy without compression, heat therapy without compression, contrast therapy without compression, cooling therapy with compression, heat therapy with compression, contrast therapy with compression, or compression without temperature therapy. The profiles and usage data may also be sent to a computer or printed for medical records, etc.
• Thedetection circuitry316 is coupled to thecontrol circuitry300 and to theconnector10 ofFIG. 1 to alert the user of whether theconnector10 is properly or improperly connected to theblanket8. A disconnect signal may be sent to thecontrol circuitry300 to warn the user of a problem with theconnector10. Thebattery backup320 supplies power to thecontrol unit4 during periods when an AC current is not available. Thecontrol circuitry300 may also forward data related to specifics of the temperature and compression therapy to thedisplay322. Thedisplay322 may display indicators related to the data from thecontrol circuitry300 and/or other portions of thesystem2.
• Thecontrol circuitry300, in conjunction with thememory314,thermal profile circuitry304,patient profile circuitry306,time duration circuitry308, and compression profile circuitry312 provides cooling and heating therapy with a programmable set point between 37 and 66° F. and 90 and 105° F. Thecontrol circuitry300 allows for contrast therapy programmable for alternating between cooling for a predetermined time interval and heating for a predetermined time interval, or constant therapy for only heating or only cooling for a predetermined time interval. Thecontrol circuitry300 also allows for compression therapy separate from, or in conjunction with, the contrast or constant thermal therapy. Compression therapy enhances thermal contact for more efficient thermal transfer with the tissue under therapy. The compression therapy may also provide pulse compression by alternating between a plurality of chosen pressure levels to gently, but firmly pulse massage the tissue. Compression therapy that sequentially compresses a portion of the patient under therapy may also be initiated from thecontrol circuitry300. Further, thecontrol circuitry300, in conjunction with thememory314, may provide optional electronic recording of therapy patient identification and chosen thermal, contrast, constant, compression, and/or oxygen treatment levels applied with time indicators and duration indicators of each treatment mode as noted above with respect to Table 1. The patient may optionally readout, print, and/or electronically retain the therapy patient record within the memory50. Moreover, thecontrol circuitry300 may provide a bio-impedance measurement to estimate the total body water content to assess hydration conditions. Also, an exemplary embodiment of thepatient therapy system2 ofFIG. 1 may provide electronic muscle stimulation to accelerate return of muscle condition to normal.
• Referring now toFIG. 4A, there is shown a diagrammatic schematic of one embodiment of an improved thermoelectric device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the principles of the present invention. The TEC of this particular embodiment incorporates a layer of gold that interfaces with the ceramic. This particular interface affords the necessary strength to connect the ceramic directly to the billets for a high thermal contrast modality in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. With such a design, a much higher thermal contrast modality and thermal cycle capability is achieved. Moreover, it has been suggested by Applicants herein that with such an assembly, approximately 100,000 heating and cooling cycles may be possible in the high thermal contrast modality. The present embodiment affords an arrangement of the appropriate TEC interface materials with the heat exchanger to optimize the ability to accept high thermal contrast through thousands of cycles manifesting extreme expansion and contraction as is inherent in high contrast thermal systems. The utilization of thermal grease between the TEC and the heat sink and manifold is currently contemplated. It has further been recognized that the layer of gold appears to reduce the stress on the solder joints within the TEC. A more robust connection is thus afforded between the ceramic and the other elements inside the TEC. It has further been recognized that the use of thermal grease instead of plastics and the like is preferable in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
• Referring now toFIG. 4B, a diagrammatic schematic illustrates thermal cycling with the TEC capable of withstanding the stresses of thermal cycling. The TEC is capable of withstanding the stresses of thermal cycling during normal operation at the following conditions: 150 PSI loading, ΔT in the cooling mode, cool side=15° C.; hot side=60° C. With such an embodiment, the following performance matrix may be realized: Thermal characteristics: Q_max≧52 Watts at 25° C.
• Referring now toFIG. 4C, physical characteristics of one embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The leads and perimeter of the TEC must be sealed with a sealant that will meet the following: AC Hipot of 1700 VAC for 1 minute with the TEC's sandwiched between two ground planes and a leakage requirement of ≦10 mA at 1700 VAC. It is preferable for the sealants used for the leads and the perimeter to be of similar materials.
• Referring now toFIG. 5A, there is shown theconnector10 ofFIG. 1 connected to thetherapy blanket8. A plurality ofconnections15 extend throughout the interior of the fluid bladder ofblanket8 so as to avoid all concentration of fluid in one portion of thetherapy blanket8.Layer18 is a layer of a gas/fluid impermeable material andlayer20 is a second layer of gas/fluid impermeable material. A first bladder, defined bylayers18 and20, contains heat transfer fluid from the water/gas reservoir324 (viatubes500 and502) while the second bladder, which is defined bylayers20 and16, receives gas (via tube504). Asingle connection15 is formed by sealinglayers18 and20 one to another.Layers16,18, and20 are sealed one to another along their periphery.
• In an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5B, gaspermeable layer28 is coupled beneath the gas bladder and fluid bladder ofFIG. 5A.Layer28 may be sealed contiguous with the periphery of the gas bladder and fluid bladder ofFIG. 5A. Atube26 injects oxygen into the gaspermeable layer28 for diffusion along a surface of the patient via a series of diffusion holes30 formed inlayer28. One method of providing oxygen to an injured portion of a patient is described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,285 to DeVilbiss et al.
• Referring now toFIG. 5C, atemperature therapy blanket8 having a pre-selected shape and compression capabilities is illustrated. The underside of the blanket8 (shown) is placed directly against a portion of the patient. The fluid bladder is thus adjacent the patient. Heat transfer fluid flows into theblanket8 frominlet hose500 and heat transfer fluid flows out of the blanket viaoutlet hose502. A gas, for compression, flows into theblanket8 fromair inlet hose504. Theair inlet hose504 may also be utilized to provide oxygen for oxygenation purposes. Alternatively, oxygenation gas may be provided by a separate hose. Heat transfer fluid travels through theinlet hose500, throughfluid inlet port506, and into theblanket8. Theconnections15 allow the heat transfer fluid to evenly disperse throughout the fluid bladder.Partitions508a,508bcontrol the flow of heat transfer fluid throughout the fluid bladder. Partition508aprevents heat transfer fluid from entering theblanket8 at theinlet port506 and immediately exiting the blanket viaoutlet port510. Partition508aforces the heat transfer fluid to travel towards the end of theblanket8 remote from theinlet port506. Partition508b, in conjunction withconnections15, causes the heat transfer fluid to travel across the width of theblanket8. The edges of the fluid bladder are joined to the edges of the air bladder atseal512. The heat transfer fluid may then exit theblanket8 at theoutlet port510. The travel of the heat transfer fluid is indicated by arrows inFIGS. 5C and 5D.
• Referring now toFIG. 5D, theblanket8 is turned over relative toFIG. 5C and a cross-sectional view along line A-A ofFIG. 5C is illustrated. As described above, the fluid bladder514 (disposed against the patient) and air bladder516 are joined together atseal512.Connections15 join the upper layer and lower layer of the fluid bladder514 together. Thepartition508asegregates the heat transfer fluid from theinlet port506, illustrated by the downward arrows, from the heat transfer fluid flowing to the outlet port, illustrated by the upward arrows. The air bladder516 is oriented over the fluid bladder514 to press the fluid bladder514 against a portion of the patient (not shown in this view).
• Referring now toFIG. 6A, asequential compression blanket8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Thesequential compression blanket8 may also include temperature therapy as illustrated above, or thesequential compression blanket8 may be a stand alone blanket that may be applied directly to a surface of a patient or over a temperature therapy blanket. Thesequential compression blanket8 includes a plurality ofair chambers602 with inlet lines604 for eachair chamber602. In the preferred embodiment, theblanket8 includes four to sevenair chambers602, although more orfewer air chambers602 may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Tubing606 connects the inlet lines604 to avalve assembly608 that is separate from both theblanket8 and thecontrol unit4.Additional tubing610 connects thevalve assembly608 to thecontrol unit4. Thevalve assembly608 operates to control the flow of air to eachchamber602 via valves (not shown) that allow air flow to the tubing606 for eachair chamber602. Thevalve assembly608 may operate to provide sequential compression in a first direction by first filling and releasingair chamber602a, next filling and releasing air chamber602b, and lastly filling and releasingair chamber602c. Thevalve assembly608 may operate to provide sequential compression in the opposite direction by first filling and releasingair chamber604c, next filling and releasing air chamber604b, and lastly filling and releasingair chamber604a. Alternatively, thevalve assembly608 may provide pulsing compression by substantially simultaneously filling theair chambers602 and, a predetermined time interval later, releasing theair chambers602. Although the above embodiment illustrates specific sequential and pulsing compression techniques, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that numerous compression techniques may be utilized without departing from aspects of the present invention. For example,multiple air chambers602 may be filled simultaneously or compression could be applied by first fillingair chamber602a, next filling air chamber602b, lastly fillingair chamber602c, and releasing theair chambers602 substantially simultaneously. In various embodiments, theair chambers602 are sequenced to provide movement peripherally toward the heart.
• Thevalve assembly608 receives sequencing instructions from anelectrical line612 that connects to thecontrol unit4. Theelectrical line612 may also provide for communication of other data, such as sensor data or oxygenation data, between theblanket8 and thecontrol unit4. For example, theblanket8 may include temperature sensors to determine the temperature of the heat transfer fluid within theblanket8. The sensor data is then transmitted to thecontrol unit4, via theelectrical line612, so that thecontrol unit4 may adjust the cooling or heating of the heat transfer fluid as necessary.
• Referring now toFIG. 6B, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment includes avalve assembly608 that is internal to thesequential compression blanket8 and fourair chambers602 within thesequential compression blanket8, although the amount of air chambers may vary from blanket to blanket. Thevalve assembly608 functions in a manner similar to thevalve assembly608 ofFIG. 6A except that an additional valve is provided for thefourth air chamber602dandtubing606d. Thevalve assembly608 and tubing606 are internal to thesequential compression blanket8. Therefore, the only item visible to a patient is thetubing610 that exits thesequential compression blanket8 and connects to thecontrol unit4. Although thesequential compression blanket8 has been illustrated as a substantially rectangular blanket, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that theblanket8 may be formed in any shape to conform to any portion of a patient's body, such as a shoulder, wrist, foot, neck, back, etc.
• Referring now toFIGS. 6C-6D, alternate embodiments of thesequential compression blanket8 is illustrated. The blanket as shown also includes a fluid bladder with aninlet fluid tube614 and outlet fluid tube616. The compression functions similarly to that described inFIGS. 6A and 6B except that the compression bladder presses the fluid bladder onto a portion of the patient. The fluid bladder may be similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5D, although other configurations of fluid bladders may be utilized in conjunction with the compression blanket of embodiments of the present invention.
• Referring now toFIGS. 7A-7I, various configurations of theblanket8 adaptable to various portions of a patient body are illustrated. Although theblankets8 are illustrated with a specific configuration of tubing, connectors, fasteners, etc., it will be understood by one skilled in the art that other configurations may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, a method of creating and packaging a heat transfer fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Although the heat transfer fluid described below may be utilized with the present invention, other heat transfer fluids may also be utilized in conjunction with the system of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the heat transfer fluid incorporates water with propylene glycol. A 15% solution of propylene glycol with distilled water is suggested to reduce the freezing set point within the heat transfer fluid and to eliminate the accumulation of bacteria. At step800, distilled water is provided. Atstep802, monopropylene glycol is provided and is mixed with the water at step804. The distilled water and monopropylene glycol may be mixed in a ratio of about 15% monopropylene glycol and 85% distilled water. The mixture is packaged atstep806 and installed at step808.
• The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.

Claims (45)

1. A compression therapy blanket comprising:

a plurality of air chambers for receiving a gas to cause compression;

a valve assembly, internal to the compression therapy blanket, for delivering gas to each of the plurality of air chambers in a predetermined pattern;

an inlet port for delivering air from a control unit to the valve assembly; and

a plurality of connection for delivering air from the valve assembly to the plurality of air chambers.

2. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of air chambers comprises four to seven air chambers.

3. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 1, further comprising an electrical signal connection for transmitting data related to the predetermined pattern to the valve assembly.

4. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern comprises sequential inflation of the plurality of air chambers to produce movement peripherally toward a heart of a patient.

5. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern comprises inflating two of the plurality of air chambers simultaneously.

6. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a heat transfer fluid bladder for providing temperature therapy to a portion of a patient;

a fluid inlet port for delivering heat transfer fluid from the control unit to the heat transfer fluid bladder; and

a fluid outlet port for delivering heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid bladder to the control unit.

7. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 6, wherein the heat transfer fluid bladder delivers heat therapy to a patient.

8. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 6, wherein the heat transfer fluid bladder delivers cold therapy to a patient.

9. The compression therapy blanket ofclaim 6, wherein the heat transfer fluid bladder delivers contrast therapy to a patient.

10. A temperature therapy blanket comprising:

a fluid bladder for housing heat transfer fluid, the fluid bladder having a top layer and a bottom layer;

a plurality of connections for dispersing the heat transfer fluid throughout the blanket, the plurality of connections connecting the top layer to the bottom layer;

at least one partition for directing the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the blanket; and

means for providing sequenced flows of alternating heat and cold in a high thermal contrast modality to a patient.

11. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 10, wherein the blanket provides heating therapy to a patient.

12. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 10, wherein the blanket provides cooling therapy to a patient.

13. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 10, wherein the blanket provides contrast therapy to a patient.

14. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 10, further comprising:

an inlet port for receiving the heat transfer fluid from a control unit; and

an outlet port for returning the heat transfer fluid to the control unit.

15. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 10, further comprising:

an air bladder for providing compression therapy, the air bladder having an upper layer and a lower layer; and

an air inlet for providing air from the control unit to the air bladder.

16. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 15, wherein the air bladder substantially overlaps the fluid bladder.

17. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 15, wherein the lower layer of the air bladder is the upper layer of the fluid bladder.

18. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 15, wherein edges of the air bladder are sealed to edges of the fluid bladder.

19. The temperature therapy blanket ofclaim 15, wherein the air bladder presses the fluid bladder against a portion of a patient.

20. A system for passing heat transfer fluid between a control unit and a blanket, the system comprising:

a reservoir for housing heat transfer fluid for utilization by the system;

a three-point junction having three branches, wherein a first branch receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir, a second branch receives the heat transfer fluid returning from the blanket, and a third branch for delivering the heat transfer fluid to the blanket; and

a pump for creating a low pressure site at the third branch, wherein the low pressure site causes the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to be pulled into the third branch.

21. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising a heat transfer assembly for heating the heat transfer fluid of the third branch.

22. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising a heat transfer assembly for cooling the heat transfer fluid of the third branch.

23. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising a heat transfer assembly for heating and cooling the heat transfer fluid of the third branch.

24. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the three-point junction is configured as an inverted Y.

25. The system ofclaim 20, wherein, if additional heat transfer fluid is required by the system, the heat transfer fluid is pulled from the reservoir.

26. The system ofclaim 20, wherein, if less heat transfer fluid is required by the system, the heat transfer fluid from the second branch is delivered to the reservoir.

27. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises distilled water and monopropylene glycol.

28. The system ofclaim 27, wherein the heat transfer fluid has a ratio of 15% monopropylene glycol to 85% distilled water.

29. The system ofclaim 27, wherein the distilled water is mixed with propylene glycol to reduce bacteria build-up.

30. A method for passing heat transfer fluid between a control unit and a blanket adapted for patient therapy, the method comprising the steps of:

housing, at a reservoir, heat transfer fluid for utilization by the system;

providing a fluid flow junction having at least three flow branches, wherein a first branch receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir, a second branch receives the heat transfer fluid returning from the blanket, and a third branch for delivering the heat transfer fluid to the blanket;

creating a low pressure site at the third branch, wherein the low pressure site causes the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to be pulled into the third branch; and

cycling between heating and cooling the heat transfer fluid to provide contrast thermal therapy to a patient.

31. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of providing a heat transfer assembly for heating and cooling the heat transfer fluid of the third branch.

32. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the step of providing a heat transfer assembly comprises the step of providing thermoelectric coolers.

33. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the thermoelectric coolers include a layer of gold between billets and ceramic of the thermoelectric coolers.

34. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the fluid flow junction is configured as an inverted Y.

35. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of pulling the heat transfer fluid from the reservoir if additional heat transfer fluid is required by the system.

36. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising delivering the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to the reservoir if less heat transfer fluid is required by the system.

37. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of forming the heat transfer fluid from distilled water and monopropylene glycol.

38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the step of forming comprises the step of forming the heat transfer fluid in a ratio of 15% monopropylene glycol to 85% distilled water.

39. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising providing compression capabilities to the blanket.

40. The method ofclaim 39, wherein the step of providing compression capabilities comprises the steps of:

providing air from the control unit to the blanket; and

providing a plurality of air chambers within the blanket for receiving the air from the control unit.

41. The method ofclaim 40, further comprising the steps of:

providing a valve assembly for controlling sequencing of the plurality of air chambers; and

providing air from the control unit to the blanket via a single inlet hose.

42. The method ofclaim 41, further comprising the step of delivering sequencing instructions from the control unit to the valve assembly.

43. The method ofclaim 41, wherein the step of delivering sequencing instructions comprises the step of analyzing a patient profile to determine appropriate sequencing instructions.

44. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the step of cycling between heating and cooling comprises the step of analyzing a patient profile to determine appropriate heating and cooling instructions.

45. The method ofclaim 44, further comprising the step of delivering the heating and cooling instructions to a heat transfer assembly.

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