Systems and methods for providing temperature-controlled therapy

Abstract

Systems and methods provide air or gas-based temperature-controlled medical devices. The systems and methods may be applied to provide therapy to a patient suffering orthopedic or other injuries. Air or other gas is temperature-controlled and adjusted to meet a patient's physical needs and delivered the patient therapy site through a temperature regulated system including a therapeutic orthopedic wrap. Feedback mechanisms allow the caregiver or the patient to adjust the temperature of the gas. Other fluids may also be used. The systems and methods permit use of electrotherapy for enhanced therapy and injury recovery.

1 - 247 . (canceled) 
     
     
         248 . A system for delivering a temperature-controlled gas to a therapy site comprising:
 a gas temperature regulator;   a gas intake port; and   a coupling tube, having a first end configured to receive gas from the regulator and a second end configured to deliver gas to a therapy pad at a controlled temperature.   
     
     
         249 . The system of  claim 248 , wherein the temperature regulator comprises a thermoelectric device. 
     
     
         250 . The system of  claim 249 , comprising a therapy pad, having a first surface configured to mate with the therapy site; 
     
     
         251 . The system of  claim 250 , comprising a blower configured to pump the gas to the therapy site. 
     
     
         252 . The system of  claim 251 , wherein the temperature regulator is disposed within the therapy pad. 
     
     
         253 . The system of  claim 251 , wherein the first surface of the therapy pad is a heat exchange layer. 
     
     
         254 . The system of  claim 253 , wherein the first surface has at least one aperture through which gas is expelled from the pad. 
     
     
         255 . The system of  claim 254 , wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         256 . The system of  claim 254 , comprising a connector fixed to the therapy pad and structured to receive an electrode for delivering a current. 
     
     
         257 . The system of  claim 256 , wherein the connector is positioned on the first surface of the therapy pad. 
     
     
         258 . The method of  claim 257 , wherein the connector is positioned adjacent the at least one aperture. 
     
     
         259 . The system of  claim 258 , comprising an electrode that mates with the connector. 
     
     
         260 . The system of  claim 259 , wherein the electrode, when mated with the connector, is positioned within a flow stream of gas that exits at least one aperature. 
     
     
         261 . The system of  claim 251 , comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the therapy pad and configured to monitor the temperature of the therapy site. 
     
     
         262 . The system of  claim 261 , wherein the temperature sensor is an infrared diode. 
     
     
         263 . The system of  claim 262 , wherein the temperature regulator has a controller that receives information from the temperature sensor and triggers an alarm when a signal from the sensor indicates that the temperature at the therapy site has reached or exceeded a predetermined temperature. 
     
     
         264 . The system of  claim 257 , comprising a sterilization device. 
     
     
         265 . The system of  claim 264 , wherein the sterilization device includes a filter, ultraviolet light source, or ionization purifier. 
     
     
         266 . The system of  claim 251 , comprising a thermal pack. 
     
     
         267 . The system of  claim 266 , comprising a pocket coupled to the therapy pad, wherein the thermal pack is disposed within the pocket. 
     
     
         268 . The system of  claim 267 , wherein gas is expelled through at least one aperture onto the thermal pack.