| abstract |
A method and apparatus for increasing blood flow and / or regulating and maintaining human deep body temperature is provided. A method and apparatus for controlling body temperature of a mammal by increasing blood flow by applying a desired pressure to the extremity of the mammal. The 100 device includes one or more foldable, pliable body elements 110, the body elements from a first volume to a second such that the device can receive a portion of a mammalian limb therein. The volume can be expanded and then contracted from the expanded second volume to the pressurized third volume to surround and fit a portion of the limb. One or more heat exchange units 120A, 120B may be located within one or more foldable body elements 110 that are foldable. The temperature of the mammalian limb can be adjusted by supplying a heated or cooling fluid medium or electrothermal energy to one or more heat exchange units 120A, 120B. [Selection] Figure 1A |