US6096068A — Selective organ cooling catheter and method of us…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 65 words

A heat transfer device comprising: first and second elongated segments, each segment having a turbulence-inducing irregular exterior surface; a flexible articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated segments; and a tubular conduit disposed substantially coaxially within the first and second elongated, articulated segments, the conduit having an inner lumen for transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the elongated, articulated segments.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 65 words

A heat transfer device comprising: first and second elongated segments, each segment having a turbulence-inducing irregular exterior surface; a flexible articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated segments; and a tubular conduit disposed substantially coaxially within the first and second elongated, articulated segments, the conduit having an inner lumen for transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the elongated, articulated segments.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated, articulated segments each have an irregular interior surface to induce turbulence within a pressurized working fluid.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 1, wherein irregularities on the turbulence-inducing exterior surface are shaped and sized to induce a turbulence intensity within a free stream blood flow greater than 0.05.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the turbulence-inducing exterior surfaces comprise invaginations configured to have a depth which is greater than a thickness of a boundary layer of blood which develops within an arterial flow.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated, articulated segments comprise alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise invaginations.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated, articulated segments are formed from highly conductive material.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 52 words

The device of claim 1 further comprising: a coaxial supply catheter having an inner catheter lumen coupled to the inner coaxial lumen within the first and second elongated, articulated segments; and a working fluid supply configured to dispense the pressurized working fluid and having an output coupled to the inner catheter lumen.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 31 words

The device of claim 7, wherein the working fluid supply is configured to produce the pressurized working fluid at about 0° C. and at a pressure below 5 atmospheres of pressure.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 44 words

The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one additional elongated segment having a turbulence-inducing irregular exterior surface; and at least one additional flexible articulating joint connecting the at least one additional elongated segment to one of the first and second elongated segments.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 9, wherein the elongated, articulated segments comprise alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise invaginations.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the turbulence-inducing exterior surface is a clot-inhibiting surface.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1, further comprising a stent coupled to a distal end of the elongated, articulated segments.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 15 words

The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible joint comprises an axially compressible bellows section.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 53 words

A method of treating an organ, comprising: inserting a flexible, conductive heat transfer element into a feeder artery from a distal location; and circulating a working fluid through the flexible, conductive heat transfer element to modify the temperature of the blood in the feeder artery, thereby selectively modifying the temperature of the organ.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 53 words

A method of treating an organ, comprising: inserting a flexible, conductive heat transfer element into a feeder artery from a distal location; and circulating a working fluid through the flexible, conductive heat transfer element to modify the temperature of the blood in the feeder artery, thereby selectively modifying the temperature of the organ.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 14, further comprising regulating the temperature and pressure of the working fluid to cause the flexible, conductive heat transfer element to absorb more than about 75 Watts of heat.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 14, further comprising inducing turbulence within the free stream blood flow within the feeder artery.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 16, further comprising inducing blood turbulence with a turbulence intensity greater than 0.05 within the feeder artery.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 15, further comprising inducing blood turbulence throughout the period of the cardiac cycle within the feeder artery.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 16, further comprising inducing blood turbulence throughout greater than 20% of the period of the cardiac cycle within the feeder artery.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 14, further comprising inducing turbulent flow of the working fluid through the flexible, conductive heat transfer element.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 18, wherein pressure of the working fluid is maintained below 5 atmospheres of pressure.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 18, wherein the working fluid is aqueous.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 98 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures are shaped and sized to induce a turbulence intensity of at least about 0.05.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 98 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures are shaped and sized to induce a turbulence intensity of at least about 0.05.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 104 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; and turbulence-inducing structures on the interior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce turbulence within the working fluid.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 104 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; and turbulence-inducing structures on the interior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce turbulence within the working fluid.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 102 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures comprise invaginations which have a depth sufficient to disrupt the free stream blood flow in the blood vessel.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 102 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures comprise invaginations which have a depth sufficient to disrupt the free stream blood flow in the blood vessel.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 104 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures comprise staggered protrusions which have a height sufficient to disrupt the free stream flow of blood in the blood vessel.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 104 words

A catheter for modifying the temperature of an organ, comprising: a catheter shaft having first and second lumens therein; a heat transfer tip adapted to transfer heat between blood surrounding the heat transfer tip and a working fluid circulated in through the first lumen and out through the second lumen; and turbulence-inducing structures on the exterior of the heat transfer tip, the turbulence-inducing structures being shaped and sized to induce free stream turbulence in blood flowing within a blood vessel; wherein the turbulence-inducing structures comprise staggered protrusions which have a height sufficient to disrupt the free stream flow of blood in the blood vessel.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; and cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; and cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 125 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 125 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 129 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 129 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 145 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 145 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 148 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 148 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 152 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 152 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; and cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; and cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 168 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 168 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery while maintaining the core body temperature at a substantially constant level.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 172 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 172 words

A method of selectively inducing at least partial hypothermia in an organ of a patient, comprising: providing a catheter with a flexible metallic heat transfer element disposed at a distal end thereof, the flexible metallic heat transfer element having at least one external flow-mixing feature disposed thereon; inserting the catheter and heat transfer element into the vascular system of a patient to place at least a portion of the heat transfer element in a feeding artery of an organ; circulating a working fluid through the catheter and through the heat transfer element to lower the temperature of the heat transfer element, the working fluid being a liquid at temperatures in the range of about zero degrees Celsius to thirty-five degrees Celsius; cooling blood in the feeding artery by contact with the cooled heat transfer element, the cooling enhanced by the external flow-mixing feature; and cooling the organ by flow of the cooled blood through the feeding artery such that the organ temperature decreases substantially prior to reduction of the core body temperature.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 170 words

A selective organ heat transfer device, comprising: a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected feeding artery in the vascular system of a patient; a plurality of heat transfer segments attached to a distal end of said catheter, at least one helical ridge and at least one helical groove formed on each of said plurality of heat transfer segments, said helical groove having a depth capable of inducing mixing in blood flow in the feeding artery, adjacent ones of said plurality of heat transfer segments disposed in close enough relation such that mixing arterial blood flow past one of said plurality of heat transfer segments does not relaminarize prior to passing an adjacent one of said plurality of heat transfer segments; a bellows disposed between each of said plurality of heat transfer segments; and an inner tube disposed within each of said plurality of heat transfer segments and within each of said bellows, said inner tube being connected in fluid flow communication with an inner tube within said catheter.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 170 words

A selective organ heat transfer device, comprising: a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected feeding artery in the vascular system of a patient; a plurality of heat transfer segments attached to a distal end of said catheter, at least one helical ridge and at least one helical groove formed on each of said plurality of heat transfer segments, said helical groove having a depth capable of inducing mixing in blood flow in the feeding artery, adjacent ones of said plurality of heat transfer segments disposed in close enough relation such that mixing arterial blood flow past one of said plurality of heat transfer segments does not relaminarize prior to passing an adjacent one of said plurality of heat transfer segments; a bellows disposed between each of said plurality of heat transfer segments; and an inner tube disposed within each of said plurality of heat transfer segments and within each of said bellows, said inner tube being connected in fluid flow communication with an inner tube within said catheter.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 98 words

A selective organ heat transfer device, comprising: a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected vessel in the vascular system of a patient; at least one heat transfer segment attached to a distal end of said catheter, said heat transfer segment having at least one mixing-inducing surface feature disposed thereon; a bellows disposed adjacent and coaxial to said at least one heat transfer segment; and an inner tube disposed within said at least one heat transfer segment and within said bellows, said inner tube being connected in fluid flow communication with an inner tube within said catheter.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 98 words

A selective organ heat transfer device, comprising: a flexible catheter capable of insertion to a selected vessel in the vascular system of a patient; at least one heat transfer segment attached to a distal end of said catheter, said heat transfer segment having at least one mixing-inducing surface feature disposed thereon; a bellows disposed adjacent and coaxial to said at least one heat transfer segment; and an inner tube disposed within said at least one heat transfer segment and within said bellows, said inner tube being connected in fluid flow communication with an inner tube within said catheter.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-08-01	2004-01-31	2004-08-01	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-08-01	2008-01-31	2008-08-01	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-08-01	2012-01-31	2012-08-01	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Selective organ cooling catheter and method of using the same

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