| abstract |
A multi-layer disposable medical thermal blanket (10) for controlling body temperature by either heating or cooling at selected areas of application comprising an inner bladder (12) forming a matrix conduit for circulating fluid therethrough having a highly absorbent fabric layer (14) formed on one surface thereof to provide enhancement thermo-conduction and a moisture proof layer (16) formed on the opposite surface thereof to inhibit condensation thereon, the matrix conduit comprising an outer primary fluid path (22/24) disposed about the outer periphery of the thermal blanket and an inner secondary fluid path (26/28), the outer primary fluid path (22/24) being enlarged relative to the inner secondary fluid path (26/28) to form a barrier with the applied area of the patient's body to retain the thermal energy to the applied area and form a moisture barrier therebetween and a plurality of thermal-application channels (30) disposed substantially perpendicular to the outer primary (22/24) and inner secondary (26/28) fluid paths for application to the patient's body. |