Patent attributes
Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an inflatable mattress defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The inflatable mattress is constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body. The inflatable mattress includes a first zone inflatable to a first pressure and a second zone inflatable to a second pressure greater than the first air pressure. The inflatable mattress in an inflated condition defines a well for receiving the portion of the patient therein. A head positioner positions the patient's head so that the patient's breathing passageway remains out of contact with the heat transfer fluid. A method of adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises filling the first and second zones, positioning the portion of the patient's body on the mattress, and directing the heat transfer liquid to contact the patient's body.
