Heating profile for medical instruments

Abstract

The temperature control means ( 5 c, 5 c ) of an elastic heating profile ( 1 ), which heat and/or cool a medical instrument inserted into a cavity ( 3 ) of the heating profile ( 1 ), are provided in bores ( 4 a, 4 b, 4 c , . . . ) having a bore diameter ( 110, 110 ′) which is smaller than the outer diameter ( 120, 120 ′) of the temperature control means ( 5 c, 5 e ) to be inserted into the bores ( 4 a, 4 b, 4 c , . . . ). A positive and/or non-positive connection between the heating profile ( 1 ) and the received temperature control means ensures good thermal contact. The production costs for an operable heating profile or temperature control means are also reduced.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An elastic heating profile for covering and controlling a temperature of a medical instrument, the heating profile structured for acceptance of a temperature control means, the profile having at least one cavity which extends along an axial extension thereof and which can be accessed from an outside for insertion of the medical instrument, and with at least one axial bore which extends along an entire length of the heating profile for receiving the temperature control means, the at least one axial bore having a bore diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the temperature control means which is inserted into that bore. 
     
     
         2 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein several bores are provided in the heating profile. 
     
     
         3 . The heating profile of  claim 2 , wherein the bores have different bore diameters. 
     
     
         4 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein at least one bore is provided in the heating profile which extends along or substantially along a neutral bending line of the heating profile when the heating profile is bent. 
     
     
         5 . The heating profile of  claim 4 , wherein there are two bores. 
     
     
         6 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein the heating profile is produced from a heat conducting material. 
     
     
         7 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the heating profile is coated with a heat-insulating material. 
     
     
         8 . The heating profile of  claim 7 , wherein the material coating is connected to the heating profile with material fit. 
     
     
         9 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity is designed as a groove for receiving an infusion tube or a trocar. 
     
     
         10 . The heating profile of  claim 1 , wherein said temperature control means is disposed in at least one bore. 
     
     
         11 . The heating profile of  claim 10 , wherein said temperature control means is designed as an electric heating means, a heating conductor, a heating wire, a sensor, or a temperature probe. 
     
     
         12 . The heating profile of  claim 11 , wherein said temperature control means is disposed along a neutral bending line.