KR19990022649A - Fluid heating system that heats the fluid before delivering it to the patient - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for heating a fluid to normal temperature prior to delivering the fluid to a patient. In one embodiment, the fluid to be heated prior to delivery to the patient may be moved through a polymerization co-current disposed in the fluid delivery line. An electrically resistive heating element for heating a fluid may be molded in a cocurrent structure to heat the fluid at room or atmospheric storage temperature to the patient's normal or body temperature. The probe of the temperature monitoring means can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid exiting the cocurrent structure. In another embodiment, this information may be relayed to a controller that controls the temperature of the fluid by controlling the power supplied to the heating element. In another embodiment, an infrared temperature sensor can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid exiting the cocurrent structure by scanning through a window disposed in the outlet of the cocurrent structure or a fluid line.

Description

Fluid heating system to heat the fluid before delivering it to the patient

One typical problem encountered when heating a transfusion, infusion or irrigation fluid for delivery to a patient is that the fluid is typically stored at room temperature much lower than the Chinese character's body temperature. Injecting cold fluid into a patient may result in a shock or other form of trauma. However, the storage of large amounts of heated fluid is unnecessarily expensive in terms of energy costs. Moreover, temperature control related to the storage of heated fluid is an important issue because the temperature of the fluid must be kept constant while the fluid is transferred from the reservoir to the patient.

See various techniques for heating the fluid before delivery to the patient (see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,906,816 to Van Leerdam, US Pat. No. 4,847,470 to Bakke and US Pat. No. 4,532,414 to Shah et al.). ) Was used. Typically, a bag or conduit containing the fluid to be heated may be disposed inside the seal. The heating plate included inside the seal may be compressed with the fluid container. Current is supplied to the heating plate such that the heating plate heats the fluid container. The fluid container may be taken out of the seal when proper heating is achieved, and the heated fluid may be delivered to the body.

However, such a device is complicated and inconvenient because it requires the operator to insert the fluid container into the seal, then press the fluid container onto the heating plate, and remove the fluid container from the seal before the fluid is delivered to the body. Can be. Moreover, temperature monitoring of such devices can be limited. This is because the device typically only measures the temperature of the fluid container and / or heating element.

Several other techniques for heating the fluid before delivery to the patient (US Pat. No. 5,362,310 by Semm, US Pat. No. 4,038,519 by Foucras and US Pat. No. 1,995,302 by Goldstein, 1935). Is used). Typically, the heating wire may be wound around or inside the wall of the tube or hose. However, this technique requires a long heating time and / or a long heating tube to achieve a proper change in fluid temperature. This is because the wound heating wire does not provide efficient heat transfer. Moreover, temperature monitoring of such devices is limited because the device typically measures the temperature of the heating hose.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method of heating a fluid, particularly for transfusion and / or irrigation purposes.

The present invention relates to the field of fluid heating, especially for heating fluids for delivery to a patient.

1A is a schematic diagram of a co-current arrangement of the present invention including a chamber disposed in a gravity feed fluid delivery line.

1B is a schematic representation of the chamber co-current arrangement of the present invention disposed in a mechanically supplied fluid delivery line.

2A is a plan view of a disk-shaped chamber cocurrent structure.

2B is a side cross-sectional view of a chamber cocurrent structure with heating elements disposed on one sidewall of the cocurrent structure.

3 is a cross-sectional side view of a chamber cocurrent structure with heating elements disposed on the central wall of the cocurrent structure;

4 is a plan view of a disk-like cocurrent structure with a horizontal baffle for unrestricted labyrinth;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a rectangular cocurrent structure with warp baffles for a restricted labyrinth flow path. FIG.

6 shows an etched metal foil resistor for use as a heating element in accordance with the present invention.

7 is a view showing a carbon dispersion resistor used as a heating element according to the present invention.

8 shows a die-cut resistor for use as a heating element in accordance with the present invention.

9A is a perspective view of a system of the present invention that includes a chamber cocurrent structure mounted on a vertical support pole.

9B is a front view of a controller attachable to a chamber cocurrent structure of a system according to the present invention.

9C is a back view of the controller of FIG. 9B.

10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal circuit loop for a system of the present invention that includes a chamber co-current structure for monitoring and controlling temperature and power using an infrared temperature sensor.

11 is a schematic representation of another cocurrent structure of the present invention including a gravity feed fluid delivery line.

12A is a detail of the tubular cocurrent structure of FIG. 11.

13 is a cross-sectional view of another tubular cocurrent structure of the present invention with a heating element disposed in the center of the tubular cocurrent structure.

14A is a perspective view of a system of the present invention that includes a tubular cocurrent structure mounted on a vertical support pole.

FIG. 14B is a front view of the controller of the system with the tubular cocurrent structure shown in FIG. 14A.

14C is a rear view of the controller of FIG. 14A.

15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal circuit loop for a system of the present invention that includes a tubular cocurrent structure that monitors and controls temperature and power using an infrared temperature sensor.

An apparatus and method are described for heating a fluid to normal temperature prior to delivering the fluid to a patient. The present invention is based on the recognition that an electrically resistive heating element can be molded in a flow-through structure, which is inserted into a flow-line that heats the fluid to normal temperature before delivering the fluid to the body. Can be. As used herein, the term “normal temperature” includes a stable body temperature of about 34 ° C. to 45 ° C.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid to be heated prior to delivery to the patient may be moved through a polymerization co-current arrangement disposed in the delivery fluid flow line. An electrically resistive heating element for heating the fluid is molded in a cocurrent structure. In another embodiment, a temperature monitoring element, such as a thermistor, can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid. In another embodiment, the thermistor probe may be inserted directly into the fluid stream exiting the cocurrent structure to measure the outlet fluid temperature.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cocurrent structure may consist of a chamber. The chamber may be further composed of a disposable cell. The heating element can be inserted into the center wall in the chamber so that fluid can flow on both sides of the heating element for maximum heating efficiency. Optionally, the heating element can be inserted in one or both sides of the chamber side wall. The chamber may include a baffle that provides a restricted labyrinth flow path to optimize the uniformity of heating (by generating a turbulent flow flow). Optionally, the chamber may provide a flow path that is not fully constrained, or may include a baffle that provides an unrestricted labyrinth flow path.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cocurrent structure may be comprised of cocurrent piping. Tubing may be disposable. The heating element can be arranged along the outside of the tube wall, at the center of the tubular wall, or along the inner fluid side of the tube wall.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cocurrent structure may have a fluid flow rate of about 10 ml / min to about 1000 ml / min. The fluid can flow into the cocurrent structure by gravity and mechanical means. A protective layer in combination with the living organs can be disposed between the heating element and the fluid. The flexible insulating material may be arranged to surround a part or parallel structure of the heating element in order to reduce heating loss. Flexible tubing can be used to transfer fluid from and into a compatible cocurrent structure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrically resistive heating element may include, but is not limited to, an etched metal foil, a carbon dissipation resistor, or a die-cut resistor. The heating element may have a capacity of at least about 50 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the heating element may heat the fluid to a maximum of about 50 ° C. above the fluid storage temperature.

In another aspect of the invention, a system comprising a polymerization cocurrent structure, an electrically resistive heating element, an external controller can be used to heat the fluid prior to delivery to the patient. The controller can control the power supplied to the heating element through the electrical contact element with the pad and the other electrical contact element disposed on the parallel structure. The system may include an attachment mechanism that attaches the controller to the cocurrent structure to receive the electrical contact elements. Moreover, the system can include a mounting mechanism for mounting the controller to the support pawl. The cocurrent structure may consist of a chamber or a tube.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the fluid can be monitored during operation of the system. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed within the fluid flow path. Optionally, the temperature of the heating element can be monitored. For example, the electrical resistance of the heating circuit can be monitored and used to indirectly calculate the temperature of the heating element and then to calculate the temperature of the fluid.

The temperature monitoring element and / or the resistance sensor may be integrated in the cocurrent structure, but may be physically separated from the heating element. Optionally, temperature monitoring elements and / or resistance sensors can be integrated on the controller.

The system has a number of operational safety and control features to facilitate and safe the operation of the present invention. The system may have a power interrupter loop that automatically shuts off power and / or an alarm to indicate the occurrence of a fault. Errors can include discharge temperature of the fluid, resistance of the heating element and / or fluid resistance above a predetermined value. Moreover, the temperature is further monitored and controlled by an infrared temperature sensor disposed on a controller that senses the discharge fluid temperature through a window disposed in the outlet or co-flow line of the cocurrent structure. The system may be equipped with an LED two-digit display of discharge fluid temperature to facilitate visual monitoring of the temperature. Moreover, the system may have one or more lights indicating whether a given proper discharge fluid temperature has been achieved.

Because of the simplicity and stability of the operation of the present invention and the precise measurement of fluid temperature, the present invention has a significant effect over conventional biological fluid heating systems, in particular conventional irrigation fluid heating systems.

The present invention provides an electrically resistive heating element molded into a polymerized cocurrent structure that heats the fluid to normal temperature each time before delivery to the patient. 1A shows a co-current structure 6 consisting of a chamber 12 disposed in relation to a fluid source 8; Two IV bag spikes 14, a Y connector 6, a gravity supply fluid line 18 connected to the input of the chamber 12, a fluid line 20 connected to the output of the chamber and the fluid 8 A perspective view of a device of the present invention is shown that includes a fluid delivery line consisting of a late blight connector 22 that connects the fluid line 20 to a device such as a tubular or IV line for delivery to a blood vessel. Alternatively, fluid entering the device of the present invention may be delivered by mechanical means 24 as shown in FIG. 1B.

2A shows an internal front view of the chamber cocurrent structure 12 having an electrically resistive heating element 26, an inlet 28, and an outlet 30. The fluid inlet 28 delivers fluid to the bottom of the chamber co-flow structure 12, and the fluid outlet 30 allows fluid to exit from the top of the co-flow structure to facilitate leakage of air during injection of the chamber. 2B, an interior side view of the chamber cocurrent structure 12, shows an electrically resistive heating element 26 disposed on the sidewall 32 of the chamber cocurrent structure 12 such that fluid flows along one side of the electrical resistive heating element 26. ). Temperature monitoring elements 34, such as thermistors or thermal couplers, can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid 20 exiting the outlet 30. The probe 36 of the temperature monitoring element 34 may be inserted directly into the fluid line 20, which is the discharge line of the chamber co-current structure 12 to measure the discharge fluid temperature. The resistance sensor 38 may be integrated into the chamber co-current structure 12 but may be physically separated from the heating element to measure the fluid temperature. The liquid detection sensor 11 can be used to measure the resistance of the chamber cocurrent structure.

The chamber co-current structure 12 may be comprised of a disposable cell having a fluid flow rate of about 10 ml / min to about 1000 ml / min. The chamber co-current structure 12 can be manufactured by a number of known methods, such as injection molding using FDA-approved medical thermoplastics (eg, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or PVC). The chamber co-current structure can be made in various shapes, and the rectangular and disc-like co-current structures shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A are described only as examples, respectively.

Although FIG. 2A shows the heating element 26 inserted into the chamber sidewall 32, the heating element 26 may be inserted into either (or both) of the chamber sidewalls 32, 40. Optionally, FIG. 3 shows that a heating element 26 is inserted into the center wall 42 of the chamber co-current structure 12 such that fluid flows on both sides of the heating element 26 for maximum heating efficiency. The heating element 26 may be included between two layers 48 made of a laminate material such as polyimide or polyester having thermal properties that dissolve or degenerate at the operating temperature of the heater. Moreover, FIG. 3 shows that a biologically compatible protective layer 44 that does not prevent heat transfer to the fluid may be disposed between at least one portion of the heating element and the fluid. Again, this layer 44 can be made of any biologically compatible material (eg, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or PVC) with high thermal conductivity. This layer can be provided to the heating element by a plasma coating process. 3 shows that the insulating material 46 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating element 26 or the chamber co-current structure to reduce heat loss.

4 shows that a horizontal baffle 50 can be inserted into the chamber co-current structure 12 to form an unrestricted labyrinth flowpath 52. Unrestricted labyrinth flowpath 52 does not allow fluid to flow through chamber co-current 12, but at the same time does not restrict flow in a single confined flowpath. The gap 54 between the baffle and the chamber wall eliminates fluid dead spots or eddies that typically occur when the flowing fluid impinges around the corners. 5 shows a chamber co-flow structure 12 with an inclined baffle 56 forming a restricted labyrinth flow path 58. In the restricted labyrinth flowpath 58, the warp baffle 56 allows the fluid to flow in a constrained labyrinth path. As in the non-limiting labyrinth flowpath, the gap 60 between the warp baffle 56 and the chamber co-current structure eliminates fluid dead spots or days that typically occur when the flowing fluid impinges on the corners. Moreover, the warp baffle 56 facilitates the release of air during the framing process.

The electrically resistive heating element 26 is made of a conductor which is heated in response to the supplied current. This heating element 26 may comprise an etched metal foil 62 shown in FIG. 6, a carbon dissipation resistor 64 shown in FIG. 7, or a die-cut resistor 66 shown in FIG. 8. This is not restrictive. The shape of other heating elements can be used depending on the shape of the cocurrent structure. This heating element may have a capacity of at least about 50 watts. This power requirement can be achieved with various resistance / voltage / current structures. The area of the heating elements may be from about 15cm ² to about 600cm ^2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating element may heat the fluid up to about 50 ° C. above the storage temperature of the fluid.

The present invention provides a system comprising a polymerized cocurrent structure, an electrically resistive heating element, and an external controller to heat the fluid prior to delivery of the fluid to the patient. 9A shows the exterior of the system 70, which includes a chamber co-current structure 12 attached to a controller 72 that is mounted to a vertical support pawl using a mounting mechanism 74. The controller 72 can monitor the temperature of the external fluid and includes pads 78A, 78B, 78C disposed in front of the controller shown in FIG. 9B and pads disposed at the rear of the chamber co-current structure shown in FIG. 9C. The power supply to the heating element is controlled via an electrical connection element 76 having 80A, 80B, 80C. Optionally, other electrical connections may be used, such as forks, jacks or plugs. All electrical connections can be safely interlocked with a suitable disposable device. An attachment mechanism 82 for attaching the front of the controller 72 to the back of the chamber co-current structure 12 to accommodate this electrical connection element is shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C.

9B shows an LED two-digit display 84 displaying the outlet fluid temperature for easy visual monitoring of the temperature is installed in front of the controller 72. Furthermore, at the front of the controller 72, one or more optical elements 86 indicating an error condition and / or indicating whether a predetermined proper outlet temperature has been reached, a power on / off which is easily accessible by the operator. The switch 88 and the RESET switch 89 are provided. Controller 72 may be a switchable AC line operating at either 110 Vac or 220 Vac line voltage. AC input power can be an overload protected by a double (two line) fuse.

An internal circuit loop 90 that controls the temperature of the chamber cocurrent structure and the power supplied to the cocurrent structure is shown in FIG. The controller 72 supplies power from the power module 92 to the heating element 26 through the electrical line 94 and electrical connection pads 80B and 78B. The resistance of the heating element 26 can be monitored by the resistance sensor 38 via the electrical connection pads 80A, 78A and line in 96, which are arranged on the controller 72. Can be Optionally, resistance sensor 38A (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 10) may be disposed on chamber co-current structure 12. Furthermore, if the alloy capable of forming the conductor of the heating element 26 has a large resistance temperature coefficient, the electrical resistance of the heating element 26 itself can be used to measure the temperature of the heating element and the fluid temperature. Can be correlated. Using this method, the upper limit of the resistance of the heating element 26 can be used as an upper temperature sensor for the fluid.

Probe 36 of temperature monitoring element 34 may be disposed at outlet 30 to monitor the temperature of fluid 20 exiting chamber co-current 12. This information is transmitted to power module 92 via line 98 and electrical contact pads 80C and 78C. Optionally, the temperature monitoring element 34A (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 10) may be disposed on the controller, and the probe 34 of the temperature monitoring element may have an outlet () of the sleeve 37 or the chamber co-current structure 12. 30) can be inserted into other parts. This information may be transmitted to power module 92 via line 98A. The actual temperature of the fluid may be relayed to the temperature display panel 102 via line 100 and / or to optical element 86A indicating that the temperature has reached an appropriate level via line 104. Can be. Further temperature monitoring and control is achieved by an infrared temperature sensor 108 disposed on the controller 72 which senses the discharge fluid temperature through the outlet 30 of the chamber co-current structure or the window 110 disposed in the fluid line. Can be This information can be relayed to power module 92 via line 112 and used for temperature monitoring. The liquid detection sensor 11 can be used to measure the resistance of the fluid in the tube. If the sensor 11 detects a lack of fluid (eg, high resistance), a shutoff signal may be relayed to the power module 92 via line 136 and electrical connection pads 132D and 134D. Power ON / OFF switch 88 may be relayed to power module 92 via line 114. The RESET switch 89 may be relayed to the power module 92 via line 116.

If the resistance of the temperature exceeds a predetermined level, the power module 92 can automatically cut off the power applied to the heating element 26. Moreover, the power module may sound by alarm 118 via line 120 and / or illuminate warning light 86B through line 122 to inform the user of an error condition.

11 shows a co-current structure 138 consisting of tubes 142 disposed in relation to the fluid source 8; Two IV bag spikes 14, a Y connector 16, a gravity supply fluid line 18 connected to the input end of the tube 142, a fluid line 20 connected to the output end of the tube and a fluid to the patient Is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention that describes a device 140 of the present invention that includes a fluid delivery line consisting of a late blight connector 22 that connects the fluid line 20 to a device such as a tubular or IV line. . Optionally, fluid entering the device 140 may be delivered by mechanical means. Tube 142 may consist of disposable tubing having a fluid flow rate of about 10 ml / min to about 1000 ml / min. The tube 142 can be manufactured by several known methods, such as extrusion using medical thermoplastics (eg, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or PVC) accepted by the FDA. The tube 142 may have several lengths (eg, from about 6 inches to several feet in length).

12A shows the interior of a tubular cocurrent structure 142 having an electrical resistive heating element 144, an inlet 146 and an outlet 148. Temperature monitor 150, such as a thermistor or thermal coupler, can be used to monitor the temperature of fluid 20 exiting outlet 148. The probe 152 of the temperature monitoring element 150 may be inserted directly into the fluid line 20 located in the outlet 148 to measure the temperature of the discharge fluid. The sensor 158 may be integrated in the tubular cocurrent structure 142 but may be physically separated from the heating element to measure the resistance of the heating element, which may be correlated with the fluid temperature. The liquid detection sensor 160 may be used to measure the resistance of the fluid in the tube.

12B, an interior side view of the tubular cocurrent structure 142, illustrates an electrically resistive heating element 144 disposed on the inner side 162 of the wall of the tubular cocurrent structure 142. Optionally, the heating element 144 may be inserted into the outer side 164 of the wall of the tubular cocurrent structure 142. Moreover, FIG. 13 shows that a heating element 144 can be inserted into the center 166 of the wall of the tubular cocurrent structure 142. The heating element 144 may be included between two layers 168 made of a laminate material such as polyimide or polyester having thermal properties that do not dissolve or change at the temperature of the heating operation. Moreover, FIG. 13 shows that a biologically compatible protective layer 170 that does not prevent heat transfer to a fluid may be disposed between at least one portion of the heating element and the fluid. Again, this layer 170 can be made of any known biologically compatible material (eg, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or PVC). This layer can be provided to the heating element by a plasma coating process. FIG. 13 shows that insulating material 172 may be disposed to surround at least one portion of the outer surface of heating element 144 or chamber co-current structure 142 to reduce heat loss.

The present invention provides a system comprising a polymerized cocurrent structure consisting of a tube, an electrically resistive heating element connected to the tube and an external controller to heat the fluid prior to delivering the fluid to the patient. 14A shows an exterior side of system 180 with tubular cocurrent structure 142 attached to controller 182 mounted to a vertical support pawl by mounting mechanism 184. The controller 182 can monitor the temperature of the discharge fluid and includes pads 188A, 188B, 188C disposed in front of the controller shown in FIG. 14B and pads disposed at the rear of the tubular cocurrent structure shown in FIG. 14C. The power supplied to the heating element can be controlled via the electrical connection element 186 having 190A, 190B, 190C. Alternatively, other electrical connection elements such as forks, jacks or plugs may be used. All electrical connections can be securely interlocked to the appropriate device of the disposable tubular cocurrent structure 142. An attachment mechanism 912 is shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C that attaches the front of the controller 182 to the back of the tubular cocurrent structure 142 to receive electrical connectors.

14B illustrates the installation of an LED two-digit display 191 on the front of the controller 182 that displays the discharge fluid temperature for easy visual monitoring of the temperature. Furthermore, the front of the controller 182 has at least one optical element 194 indicating an error condition and / or indicating whether or not a predetermined suitable discharge fluid temperature has been achieved, and a power ON which is easily accessible by the operator. The / OFF switch 196 and the RESET switch 199 are provided. Controller 182 may be a switchable AC line operating at either 110 Vac or 220 Vac line voltage. AC input power can be an overload protected by a double (two line) fuse.

An inner circuit loop 200 for controlling the temperature of the tubular cocurrent structure 142 and the power supplied to the cocurrent structure is shown in FIG. 15. Controller 182 supplies power to heating element 144 from power module 202 via electrical line 204 and electrical connection pads 188B, 190B. The resistance of the heating element 144 can be monitored by a resistance sensor 158 that can be placed in the controller 182 via the line 206 and the electrical contact pads 190A, 188A. Optionally, resistance sensor 158A (shown in dashed lines in Figure 16) may be disposed in tube 1420. Moreover, if the alloy capable of forming the connector of heating element 144 has a large resistance temperature coefficient If so, the electrical resistance of the heating element 144 can be used to measure the temperature of the fluid by measuring the temperature of the heating element 144. Using this method, the upper limit for the resistance of the heating element 144 is higher. Can be used as a temperature sensor.

The probe 152 of the temperature monitoring element 150 may be disposed at the outlet 148 to monitor the temperature of the fluid 20 discharged from the tubular cocurrent structure 142. This information may be transmitted to power module 202 via line 208 and electrical contact pads 190C, 188C. Optionally, the temperature monitor 150A (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 15) may be disposed on the controller, and the probe 152A of the temperature monitor device may have a sleeve 154 or tubular cocurrent structure 142 outlet 148. Can be inserted into other parts of the This information may be transmitted to power module 202 via line 208A. The actual temperature of the fluid may be relayed to the temperature display panel 191 via line 210 and / or to at least one optical element 194A indicating that the temperature has reached an appropriate level via line 214. Can be relayed. Further temperature monitoring and control may be accomplished by an infrared temperature sensor 218 disposed on the controller 182 that senses the discharge fluid temperature through the tube outlet 148 and a window 220 disposed in the fluid line. This information can be relayed to power module 202 via line 212 and can be used to monitor temperature. Liquid detection sensor 160 may be used to measure the resistance of the fluid in the tube. If sensor 160 detects a lack of fluid (eg, a high resistance), a shutoff signal may be relayed to power module 202 via line 236 and electrical contact pads 232D, 234D. Power ON / OFF switch 196 may be relayed to power module 202 via line 244. RESET switch 199 may be relayed to power module 202 via line 216.

If the resistance or temperature exceeds a predetermined level, the power module 202 can automatically cut off the power supplied to the heating element 144. Moreover, the power module may sound an alarm 240 via line 242 and / or illuminate warning light 194B through line 222 to inform the user of an error condition.

In summary, the present invention benefits from the recognition that an electrically resistive heating element can be molded into a cocurrent structure and inserted into a flow line that heats the fluid to normal temperature before the cocurrent structure delivers the fluid to the body. Moreover, the devices and methods of the present invention have several significant advantages over conventional devices and methods for heating fluids. For example, incorporating a heating element into the polymerization co-current structure, the device for heating the fluid can be inserted directly into the fluid delivery line in one simplified step. In contrast, the prior art requires several steps, such as placing a bag or conduit of fluid in the seal, compressing the fluid container and heating plate, and removing the heating plate before delivering the fluid.

Moreover, when an electrically resistive heating element having a very high heat transfer efficiency is coupled to a polymerization cocurrent structure such as a chamber or a tube, the fluid can be heated accurately and quickly by the micro device. In contrast, the prior art of winding heating wires around the hose cannot efficiently transfer heat, requiring long heating times and long hoses to properly heat the fluid.

Moreover, compared to the prior art of heating the delivery fluid, the method of the present invention can monitor and control the temperature very accurately. For example, the device of the present invention may use a probe of a temperature monitoring element that is directly inserted into the flow line of the fluid exiting the cocurrent structure. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus of the present invention may use an infrared sensor that senses the discharge fluid temperature through a window molded in the outlet of the cocurrent structure. In contrast, the prior art typically only monitors the temperature of the heating plate and / or fluid container.

The foregoing embodiments have been described for the purpose of illustrating the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. For example, other structures, flow paths, resistance and temperature monitoring and control structures can be selected without contradicting the invention. Moreover, the invention is limited by the appended claims.

Claims (32)

A fluid heater for heating a fluid prior to delivering the fluid to a patient, A polymerization cocurrent structure in which a fluid flows; And at least one electrically resistive heating element molded into said cocurrent structure to heat the fluid. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cocurrent structure further comprises a chamber. 3. A fluid heating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said chamber has a center wall and said heating element is molded in said center wall. 3. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chamber further comprises a baffle forming a restricted labyrinth flow path. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cocurrent structure further comprises a tube. 6. A fluid heating device according to claim 5, wherein said heating element is disposed along an inner fluid side wall of said tube. The fluid heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature monitoring element for measuring a discharge temperature of the fluid discharged from the cocurrent structure. 8. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the temperature monitoring element further comprises a probe disposed in a discharge flow path of the fluid discharged from the cocurrent structure. 9. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the temperature monitoring device further comprises a thermistor. The fluid heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical connection element for controlling power and temperature. The fluid heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting the absence of fluid in the cocurrent structure. The fluid heating device of claim 1, wherein the device is disposable. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biologically compatible protective material disposed between the heating element surface and the inner side of the cocurrent structure. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insulating material to reduce heat loss. The fluid heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mechanical means for driving the fluid flow. The fluid heating device of claim 1, wherein said heating element has a capacity to radiate at least about 15 watts. The fluid heating device of claim 1, wherein the device has a fluid flow rate of about 10 ml / min to about 1000 ml / min. 2. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the heating element selected from the group consisting of etched metal foils, carbon dispersion resistant materials, and die-cut resistant materials. A fluid heating system that heats a fluid before delivering it to a patient, A polymerization cocurrent structure in which a fluid flows; At least one electrically resistive heating element molded into said cocurrent structure for heating a fluid; And an external controller that can be attached to the cocurrent structure to control power to the heating element. The method of claim 19, And an attachment mechanism to attach the controller to the cocurrent structure to receive electrical connection elements disposed on the cocurrent structure. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising a resistance sensor for sensing the electrical resistance of the heating element. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising a power shut-off circuit loop that automatically shuts off power to the heating element when an error condition occurs. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising an alarm that sounds when an error condition occurs. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the controller to a support pawl. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising an infrared temperature sensor for sensing the discharge fluid temperature. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, further comprising an LED display indicative of a two-digit temperature display of outlet fluid temperature and at least one optical element indicative of when the outlet fluid temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, wherein said cocurrent structure is a chamber. 20. The fluid heating system of claim 19, wherein said cocurrent structure is a tube. In the method for heating a fluid input to the biological body, Providing a polymerization co-current structure through which the fluid can pass; Providing at least one electrically resistive heating element molded into said cocurrent structure; Flowing a fluid through the cocurrent structure; Heating the fluid with the heating element while the fluid passes through the cocurrent structure. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein said heating step further comprises heating said fluid at a predetermined suitable temperature range of about 34 ° C to about 45 ° C. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein said heating step further comprises heating said fluid at a maximum of about 50 [deg.] C. above the storage temperature of the fluid. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the temperature of the heating element is monitored by measuring the resistance of the heating element and correlating the resistance with the temperature of the heating element.