Importance

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Abstract

An infrared device for prewarming IV solutions is provided with a cassette having a predetermined length of tubing connectable at an inlet to and IV solution source and an inlet connected to a device for infusion to a patient. An infrared energy-generating sheet is positioned in the cassette on or adjacent to the IV tubing or passage. The infrared energy sheet includes a fiberglass support grid, a layer formed on support matrix from a mixture of carbon and polymeric materials capable of producing infrared radiation in response to electrical current passed there through. A pair of electrical conduction power strips are attached along opposite sides of the matrix layer and are attached to input power terminals to provide the required current. The entire cassette may be held together with a glue or may be otherwise bonded or molded into a unit for convenient handling. An electrical power source is connected to the input power terminals for providing electrical power to be passed through the power strips and the layer of carbon and polymer mixture to generate infrared radiation that passes through the tubing or passage and penetrates into the IV solution as it passes through the cassette to be warmed thereby and infused into a patient at a desired temperature.

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First Claim