Importance

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Abstract

An intravenous fluid warmer includes an electrically heated warmer module receiving a low volume (10 ml.) disposable cartridge through which the fluid being heated flows. The module is configured as two spaced concentric elongated metallic heating elements having attached electric heaters and defining therebetween an elongated plenum adapted to receive the disposable cartridge. The temperature of the heating elements is individually monitored by separate sensors and an electronic temperature control module maintains the inner heating element at a slightly higher temperature (36.degree. C.) than the temperature (34.degree. C.) at which the outer heating element is maintained. The inner heating element is free floating through a limited range to accommodate manufacturing differences is the disposable cartridge. The cartridge, made of polystyrene or polycarbonate plastic, nests in the plenum in contact with the heating elements. The cartridge has a fluid inlet and outlet at one end and internal guide vanes for spreading the fluid throughout the cartridge for thorough heating prior to discharge.

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First Claim