Blood and biological fluid warmer

Abstract

This invention is based on combining dual heating means to warm the infused blood or other fluids to a normal body temperature and to compensate for any heat loss from the intravenous line. The infusate is directly heated to a normothermic temperature inside the apparatus as it flows in a plastic pouch having a winding shape passage. A particular object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved intravenous line heat exchanger to further warm the infusate at high flow rates, or to compensate for any heat loss to the environment at low or stagnant flow rates. The present invention provides a closed circuit heating fluid for the intravenous heat exchanger. The heated fluid used to warm the infusate in the intravenous line is maintained in a clean and isolated circuit. Either dray or wet fluids are used to warm the infusate in the intravenous line heat exchanger. The wet warming fluid is supplied in a disposable pouch fitted inside a warming chamber and integrated with the intravenous line. A peristaltic pump is used to drive the warming fluid in a closed circuit between the pouch and the heat exchanger. The wet fluid remains in the closed circuit, and does not contact the apparatus preventing any build up of mold or fungus. The closed fluid circuit eliminates the need for unnecessary cleaning and periodic maintenance as it is done to the conventional water tank in the existing blood warmers.