The heat exchange pad is a flexible, 3D-printed device designed to control skin temperature by circulating fluid through microchannels that mimic the vascular network of glabrous skin, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and conforming to patient anatomy.
Managing body temperature effectively is crucial in various medical scenarios, such as during surgeries or in treating conditions like hypothermia or hyperthermia. Traditional methods often involve the use of water perfusion pads that are applied to the skin to regulate temperature. These pads typically consist of flexible polymeric materials with embedded channels through which temperature-controlled water is circulated.
However, existing designs face significant challenges, primarily due to their inability to provide uniform temperature distribution across the skin’s surface. This inconsistency arises because the water flow channels are often discrete and leave untreated gaps, causing temperature heterogeneity. Additionally, the rigidity of conventional pads can cause poor conformity to the body’s complex contours, resulting in air gaps that further impede effective heat transfer. Moreover, the design limitations of these pads, such as fixed channel configurations and susceptibility to flow resistance variations, hinder their ability to adapt to different anatomical needs and pressure conditions.
These issues collectively compromise the efficacy of temperature management, necessitating advancements in heat exchange technology to better mimic the body’s natural thermoregulatory mechanisms.
The heat exchange pad is a sophisticated device designed for patient use, featuring a flexible surface that defines an internal volume. It incorporates an inlet and outlet for fluid delivery and removal, with an internal structure that disrupts laminar fluid flow to enhance heat transfer. This structure mimics the vascular network of glabrous skin tissue, using coiled microchannels that branch outward from a central region. These microchannels have shape irregularities, such as sharp turns and varying diameters, to improve heat transfer efficiency.
The pad can be manufactured as a unitary structure, potentially through 3-D printing, to withstand pressures over 2.0 atmospheres. It is designed to conform elastically to the patient's anatomy and may include features like pulsating flow sources or nanoparticles to further enhance heat transfer. The modular design allows multiple pads to be connected for larger coverage.
This technology stands out due to its biologically inspired design that mimics the heat exchange efficiency of glabrous skin tissue. Unlike conventional pads, which often have discrete flow channels, this pad's microchannel network enhances convective heat transfer by disrupting laminar flow. The use of coiled fluid microchannels with shape irregularities allows for improved heat transfer efficiency, while the unitary structure ensures durability and flexibility.
The pad’s ability to withstand high internal pressures without compromising its structural integrity or heat transfer capabilities differentiates it from traditional designs. Its modularity and adaptability to complex anatomical shapes provide a significant advantage in medical applications, offering a more uniform temperature distribution and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11813194B2/en?oq=+11%2c813%2c194