| abstract |
The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest ( 24 ) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest ( 24 ). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane ( 28 ). A spacing structure maintains a spaced relation between an interior side ( 30 ) of the flexible membrane ( 28 ) and the tissue region of interest ( 24 ) to define a fluid circulation space ( 34 ) for fluid flow therebetween. Thermal exchange fluid is drawn into the fluid circulation space ( 34 ) though an inlet ( 60 ) in the flexible membrane and out of the fluid circulation space ( 34 ) through an outlet ( 64 ) in the flexible membrane ( 28 ) under negative or nearly negative gauge pressure. The fluid directly contacts the tissue region of interest ( 24 ), resulting in cooling/heating of the tissue region of interest ( 24 ). |