Flexible heat exchange system for maintaining patient core body temperature during medical procedures

A flexible, self-regulating heat exchange pad maintains patients’ body temper­ature during medical procedures. Adhesive, conforming pads with built-in heaters ensure even heat distribution, prevent overheating, and avoid pressure sores without mechanical restraints.

Background

Maintaining patients’ core body temperature during medical procedures is a critical aspect of patient care, particularly during surgeries and under general anesthesia. Proper temperature management is essential to prevent hypo­thermia, which can lead to numerous complications such as cardiac events, impaired drug metabolism, increased blood loss, and prolonged recovery times. Effective thermal regulation not only enhances patient safety but also contributes to better overall surgical outcomes. As medical pro­cedures become more advanced and minimally invasive, the need for reliable and efficient temperature control systems that can adapt to various clinical settings continues to grow.

Current approaches to patient temperature management often rely on rigid, mechanically restraining devices that can cause discomfort and restrict patient movement. These methods frequently suffer from uneven heat dis­tribution, increasing the risk of hotspots that may lead to burns or pressure ulcers, especially in areas with sensitive skin or complex contours like the palms and soles. Additionally, traditional systems may lack responsive temperature regulation, making it difficult to maintain consistent thermal conditions and preventing timely adjustments in response to a patient’s fluctuating needs. The reliance on bulky equipment also limits flexibility in diverse medical environments, underscoring the need for more adaptable and safer temperature management solutions.

Technology description

The system is a flexible heat exchange solution designed to maintain or elevate patients’ core body temperature during medical procedures without mechanical restraints. It features a pad equipped with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater that uses a dense array of heating elements and a peripheral bus bar to ensure uniform heat distribution. The pad self-regulates to prevent temperatures from exceeding 43°C and includes a thermally insulative layer that directs heat toward the skin while protecting healthcare workers.

A feedback control system with two resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) monitors temperature, adjusting based on the higher reading and shutting down if sensor differences exceed a threshold. Additionally, a flexible adhesive composite laminate ensures secure attachment and conformal contact on complex skin areas like palms and soles.

This technology is differentiated by its advanced temperature regulation and flexible design, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical restraints while enhancing patient safety and comfort. The self-regulating PTC heater com­bined with dual RTD monitoring provides precise temperature control, minimizing burn risks and ensuring consistent heat transfer. Its ability to operate with both AC and DC power sources adds versatility in various clinical settings. The flexible adhesive laminate ensures secure attachment without creating pressure points, reducing the likelihood of ischemia and pressure ulcers.

Compared to conventional heating methods, this system offers superior performance in maintaining uniform temperature distribution across different skin contours, making it particularly valuable during surgical and medical procedures where precise temperature management is essential.

Benefits

• Maintains or raises patients’ core body temperature without mechanical restraints
• Ensures uniform heat distribution with self-regulating temperature control
• Protects healthcare workers through a thermally insulative layer
• Flexible adhesive allows conformal contact on complex skin contours
• Maximizes heat transfer efficiency while minimizing burn risks
• Reduces the likelihood of ischemia and pressure ulcers by eliminating pressure points
• Compatible with both AC and DC power sources for versatile clinical use
• Automatic shutdown enhances patient safety by preventing temperature discrepancies

Commercial applications

• Surgical patient warming
• Anesthesia temperature control
• Neonatal incubators
• Operating room temperature management
• Postoperative care heating

Opportunity

This patented prototype technology is available for licensing by the University of Texas at Austin.