Invention:
This technology is a therapeutic device that provides targeted hypothermia via a paddle to injured spinal cord patients. The system is designed to provide and maintain subfreezing temperatures for 4-5 hours, followed by controlled rewarming over a 20-hour period. The device is manually adjusted to maintain the target cooling profile, and real-time temperature data is displayed on an interface via paddle-integrated thermistors for monitoring purposes. The device offers a localized alternative to systemic hypothermia, reducing risks such as cardiac arrhythmias and coagulation issues.
Background:
Spinal cord injuries cause permanent damage, impacting mobility and quality of life. The main causes include traumas (accidents, falls), diseases, and degeneration. The effects that patients experience are loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic functions. The use of local hypothermia can reduce cell death, inflammation, and secondary damage of the targeted localized area.
Applications:
- Spinal cord therapeutics
- Targeted hypothermia
- Therapeutic cooling treatment
- Post-laminectomy care
Advantages:
- Targeted treatment to a localized area
- Reduced risk for systemic complications
- Faster induction
