| abstract |
The invention provides a medical device having two elongate catheters (30, 40), a pump (51), a refrigeration system (51), and a manometer (55). Each catheter (30, 40) has a proximal end (31, 41), a distal end (32, 42), a lumen (33, 43) therebetween, and communicating with a distal port (35, 45). The proximal ends (31, 41) of the catheters (30, 40) are connected to the pump, and the refrigeration system (51). The distal ends (32, 42) are adapted for insertion into the subarachnoid space (70). The cerebral spinal fluid is aspirated from the first catheter (30) to the pump (51), cooled to below body temperature, and returned to the second catheter (40). The flow rate of the cerebral spinal fluid is adjusted according the CSF pressure, and temperature. Methods of using the devices is treating patients suffering from spinal trauma, and undergoing aortic surgery are also disclosed. |