104. The support 104 is disposed beneath the patient's chin for cervical support. The support 104 includes an attachment piece 112 that attaches to the front portion 102 and a rest piece 114. The attachment piece 112 includes two leg members 116 and a curved portion 118 connecting the two leg members 116. The leg members 116 are attached, via rivets or any other suitable means, to the front portion 102 to secure the support 104 to the cervical collar 100. The rest piece 114 is attached, via an adhesive or any other suitable means, to the curved portion 118 to support the patient's chin.

The support 104 can be fixedly attached or adjustably attached to the cervical collar 100. It is understood that individuals have different size necks and chins. Thus, in accordance with aspects of the innovation, the support 104 can be height (or otherwise) adjustable or interchangeable to facilitate comfort and enhanced immobilization effect. For example, in accordance with aspects of the innovation, the support 104 can be adjusted using a tongue and groove mechanism, where the support 104 can act like a tongue and the cervical collar 100 can employ the associated grooves. In accordance with other aspects of the innovation, the support 104 can include preselected heights. For example, a spring-button can be used that catches within a hole in the cervical collar 100 to secure the support 104 at a pre-selected height position. It is to be appreciated that other aspects can employ grooves, hardware (e.g., wing-nuts), etc. for adjustment without departing from the scope of the innovation. Thus, the adjustability of the support 104 and the cervical collar 100, via the fastening device 108, provides a universal fit and applicability of the innovation. Therefore, the cervical collar 100 is adjustable for both length (e.g., support 104) as well as width (e.g., fastening device 108).

In the examples illustrated below, the cervical collar 100 further includes a cooling device that may be in the form of a cooling pack (e.g., chemical pack) integrated into the cervical collar 100, a retainer to receive and hold a cooling pack (e.g., chemical pack, ice pack, sterile water cooling pack, etc.), or a bladder having chambers to allow cooling fluid to be pumped through essential portions of the cervical collar 100. It is to be appreciated that while pumping cooling fluid through the chambers of the bladder is described specifically herein, any method/means of causing cooling fluid to circulate throughout the bladder can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the circulation of cooling fluid described herein. In other words, cooling fluid may be pushed and/or pulled to accomplish the desired circulation of cooling fluid.

While the embodiments described herein are generally related to fluids in a liquid state, it is to be appreciated that alternative aspects exist that employ other fluid states/phases such as air and gas to accomplish the features, functions and benefits described herein. These alternative embodiments are to be included within the scope of this specification and claims appended hereto.

The cervical collar 100 may optionally include features to permit access to areas of a patient for administration of medications or other treatments. For example, the cervical collar may include medical application openings within the outer shell. These openings may be strategically placed so as to permit access to specific regions (e.g., veins). In one embodiment, these openings may comprise perforated or otherwise removable portions to permit customized access according to need. For example, the medical application opening may comprise a portion of the cervical collar (e.g., the outer shell or the bladder if there is no outer shell) that is removable with force (e.g., pressure applied to a perforated region) to create medical application opening(s) only where needed.

In an alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the cervical collar (e.g., the outer shell or the bladder if there is no outer shell) comprises a penetrable material (e.g., able to be penetrated by medical equip such as a needle).

In yet another alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the cervical collar may include a movable portion to permit access. For example, the material may be arranged in overlapping slats wherein each slat is at least somewhat moveable so as to permit access for medical treatment (e.g., insertion of a needle for medication or an IV).

FIG. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of the cooling device in accordance with aspects of the innovation. The cooling device in this embodiment is a cooling pack 200 that can be either integrated into the cervical collar 100 or can be inserted into a retaining device described below. The cooling pack 200 can be strategically disposed at essential locations on the cervical collar 100 to target the areas of the neck described above. For example, one or more cooling packs 200 can be located on the front portion 102 to target the carotid arteries. In addition, one or more cooling packs 200 can be located on the back portion 106 to target the spinal cord area. The cooling pack 200 can be any type of cooling pack, such as but not limited to chemical pack (e.g., granule-activation packets that when activated releases a cooling agent to provide the desired cooling effect). For example, the granule-activation packets use ammonium nitrate and water. When a user strikes the cooling pack 200 with the palm of a hand, a prescribed amount of water will mix with the ammonium nitrate thereby creating a cold compress. Once the cooling packs 200 are activated, the cervical collar 100 can be placed on the patient to provide the desired therapeutic hypothermia to essential portions of the neck area described above.

The retaining device receives and holds a cooling pack, such as but not limited to, an ice pack or a chemical pack as described above. The retaining device can be strategically disposed at essentials locations on the cervical collar 100 to target the areas of the neck described above. For example, one or more retaining devices can be located on an interior side of the front portion 102 to target the carotid arteries. In addition, one or more retainers can be located on an interior side of the back portion 106 to target the spinal cord area. The retaining device can be in the form of a pocket, a pouch, straps, etc. and can be made from any suitable material, such as but not limited to, plastic, a mesh like material, etc. that sufficiently conducts the cooling effects of the cooling pack. It is to be appreciated that the options for the type and material of the retaining device are limitless and as such all of which are included in the scope of the innovation.

For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustration of the cervical collar 100 described above incorporating an example retaining device 300 in accordance with aspects of the innovation. The retaining device 300 includes a channel 302 and one or more covers 304 to hold the cooling pack 200 described above in place. The cover 304 may be made from any material that sufficiently conducts the cooling effects of the cooling pack 200 and that does not irritate the patient's skin. Further, the cover 304 can be a single piece or multiple pieces. In this embodiment, the cervical collar 100 can be packaged and transported in a flat condition to save space in transport vehicles such as emergency medical vehicles. When emergency personnel require the use of the cervical collar 100, the cooling pack 200 can be inserted or slid into the channel 302 and placed on the patient. When the cervical collar 100 is placed on the patient, the cooling pack 200 will activate thereby providing the required cooling effect. It is to be appreciated that the cooling pack 200 can be integrated into the channel 302 thus, saving the emergency personnel the time of placing the cooling pack into the channel 302. Once the cooling packs are secured by the one or more retaining devices, the cervical collar 100 can be placed on the patient to provide the desired therapeutic hypothermia to essential portions of the neck area described above.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cervical collar 100 described above fitted on a patient. As illustrated, the cervical collar 100 has the ability to provide therapeutic hypothermia upon vascular regions to facilitate promptly treating a patient and to minimize risk of further injury than that of conventional cervical collars.

FIGS. 5-8 represent another example embodiment of a cervical collar 500 (hereinafter “collar”) incorporating a cooling/warming device. In this embodiment, the cooling/warming device allows cooling (or warming) fluid from an external fluid source, such as but not limited to, a portable fluid source or an external continuous fluid system to be squeezed or pumped into and/or circulated through essential portions of the collar 500. The collar 500 includes an outer shell 502, an adjustable support (not shown), and a bladder 506. It is to be appreciated that while the collar 500 can be used for inducing hypothermia, in some embodiments, the collar 500 can also be used for other purposes when a patient does not require therapeutic hypothermia. In one embodiment, the collar may be in fluid communication with additional cooling/warming devices such as a vest having a cooling/warming bladder or cooling/warming pouch. The vest may also be connected to a portable fluid source or an external continuous fluid system that is the same or different than the fluid source for the collar.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer shell 502 includes a front portion 508 fixedly coupled to a back portion 510 on one side and a fastening device 512 attached to the back portion 510 and removably coupling the front and back portions 508, 510 on an opposite side. The features of the fastening device 512 are similar to the fastening device 108 described above and, as such, will not be repeated.

The outer shell 502 is made from a flexible plastic material, such as but not limited to polyethylene, polystyrene, etc. Further, both the front and back portions 508, 510 include multiple panels 514 each connected by hinged portions 516 that further facilitate in the flexibility of the outer shell 502. This configuration allows EMT personnel to control the flexibility of the collar 500 and easily adjust the collar 500 to fit the patient. In addition, the flexibility characteristic allows the collar 500 to be packaged in a flat state thereby optimizing volume space for shipping and/or storage purposes. The front portion 508 of the outer shell 502 further includes multiple slots 518 and multiple recesses 520 disposed on each side of each slot 518. The multiple slots 518 and multiple recesses 520 facilitate attachment and adjustment of the support to the collar 500 subsequently described.

The support is used to support the patient's chin and is adjustable to conform to the patient similar to the support 104 described above. The support includes attachment legs that attach the support to the front portion 508 and a connection part connecting distal ends of the attachment legs. The connection part serves to support the patient's chin. Multiple slots 518 are defined in the front portion 508 to receive the attachment legs to thereby connect the support to the collar 500. The support can be adjusted by sliding each attachment leg in each slot 518 to a desired position. The attachment legs engage recesses 520 defined on each side of each slot 518 to lock the support in its desired position.

As mentioned above, the connection part provides a connection between the distal ends of the attachment legs. The connection point between the attachment legs and the connection part is hinged to facilitate packaging. Specifically, when the collar 500 is packaged in a flat state, mentioned above, one attachment leg is disconnected from the collar 500 and laid in a flat state. This is possible because of the hinged connection.

Referring to FIG. 8, the bladder 506 is a single piece bladder type device that includes multiple cooling chambers (or reservoirs) 530, multiple passageways 532, an inlet port 534, and an outlet port 536. The passageways 532 provide a fluid connection between the chambers 530 and the inlet port 534, between the chambers 530 and the outlet port 536, and between the chambers 530 themselves.

The bladder 506 attaches to an interior portion of the outer shell 502 and can be made from multiple sheets of a flexible material that is conducive to conducting the cooling effects of the cooling, such as but not limited to, polyethylene. The multiple sheets can be arranged in numerous configurations, such as but not limited to, two sheets, three sheets, four sheets, etc. In instances where there are more than two sheets, multiple layers may be arranged on the patient side of the bladder 506 to facilitate the prevention of frost bite. The bladder 506 may be attached to the interior portion of the outer shell 502 by any suitable means, such as but not limited an adhesive.

As described above, in one embodiment, the cervical collar may not include a separate outer shell. The bladder may include a back portion (e.g., a patient side) and front portion. In one embodiment, the front portion of the bladder may comprise a more rigid material than the patient side. In one embodiment, the back portion may fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side.

The chambers 530 are an integral part of the bladder 506. Specifically, to form the chambers 530, the two flexible sheets are placed in a heat mold and hermetically sealed in an area surrounding the desired location of each chamber 530. Although, the number of cooling chambers 530 illustrated in FIG. 8 is three, it is to be understood that the innovation is not dependent on the number of chambers 530 formed in the bladder 506. Thus, the example embodiment described herein and illustrated in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the innovation. It is to be appreciated, however, that the number and location of the chambers 530 targets essential areas of the patient's neck (e.g., carotid arteries, spinal area, etc.) to provide optimum cooling to the cerebral vasculature.

For example, the innovative cervical collar 500 may be configured to selectively cool or target cerebral circulation arteries, which are arteries that supply blood to the brain. More specifically, the cervical collar 500 may be configured to target arteries that supply blood to the anterior portion of the brain, known as anterior cerebral circulation. These arteries include the internal (intracranial) carotid arteries, external carotid arteries, anterior cerebellar arteries, anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, middle cerebral arteries, anterior spinal arteries, the anterior communicating arteries, and the ophthalmic arteries. The cervical collar 500 may also be configured to target arteries that supply blood to the posterior portion of the brain known as posterior cerebral circulation, including the occipital lobes, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. These arteries include vertebral veins and arteries including subclavian arteries, basilar arteries, posterior cerebral arteries, posterior cerebellar arteries, posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, posterior communicating arteries, pontine arteries, the superior cerebellar arteries, and the posterior spinal artery. In addition, the innovative cervical collar can also be configured to provide cooling to portions of the cranium, such as but not limited to the petrous bone.

As mentioned above, the passageways 532 provide a connection between the chambers 530, and between the chambers 530 and the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536. The passageways 532 may be comprised of embedded tubes or may be integrally formed in the bladder 506. Specifically, multiple tubes can be positioned at proper locations in the bladder 506 during formation of the chambers 530 described above, thus, embedding the tubes in the bladder 506. The passageways 532 may also be integrally formed in the bladder 506 by hermetically sealing an area surrounding each passageway 532 similar to the formation of the chambers 530 described above.

The inlet and outlet ports 534, 536 provide a connection between the bladder 506 and the external fluid system or source. The connection between the bladder 506 and the external fluid system or source can be any suitable mechanical connection device, such as but not limited to, quick couplers, a screw type device, etc. Further, the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536 may include a valve to regulate the flow of cooling fluid into and/or out of the bladder 506. It is to be appreciated that the inlet port 534 and the outlet port 536 can be switched. In other words, the inlet port 534 can serve as the outlet port 536 and the outlet port 536 can serve as the inlet port 534.

In one embodiment, the bladder may include multiple inlet and outlet ports configured to provide multiple connections between the bladder and an temperature modulation source (e.g., cooling or warming fluid).

Alternatively, still referring to FIG. 8, pockets or sleeves 540 may be attached to one or more chambers 530 that accept cooling packs 200 described above. The cooling packs 200 may be used in the event that the external fluid system of source is not available.

In still yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, one or more of the chambers 530 may include internal fasteners that connect a front 542 of the chamber to the back to thereby create a dimpled pattern 544. The dimpled pattern 544 flattens out the front surface 540 of the chamber 530 to allow more surface area to contact the patient. In addition, the internal fasteners cause the fluid inside the chambers 530 to flow in more a random pattern.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the bladder 506 can be modified to exclude the chambers and simply include passageways 532 that run through the bladder 506 in desired locations. The passageways 532 would connect to both the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536 to allow the continuous circulation of cooling fluid, as described above.

One such example of a fluid source is a portable cooling pack 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The portable cooling pack 900 includes a port 902 that acts as both an inlet port and an outlet port. The portable cooling pack 900 is a granule-activation packet that uses a fluid 904, such as but not limited to, water and a chemical 906, such as but not limited to, ammonium nitrate that when mixed together create a cooling fluid. When a user strikes the portable cooling pack 900 with the palm of their hand, a prescribed amount of water will mix with the ammonium nitrate thereby creating a cooling fluid. The cooling fluid from the portable cooling pack 900 can then be mechanically pumped or hand squeezed into the bladder 506 via the inlet port 534 and into each chamber 530 via the passageways 532, as described below.

In addition, once the cooling fluid inside the bladder 506 begins to warm, the empty cooling pack 900 can be attached to the outlet port 536 and a new portable cooling pack 900 can be attached to the inlet port 534. The cooling fluid from the new portable cooling pack 900 can then be pumped or squeezed into the bladder 506 thereby forcing or flushing the warm fluid out of the bladder 506 through the outlet port 536 and back into the original cooling pack 900. Thus, cooling fluid can essentially be continuously pumped through the collar 506 by EMT personnel who do not have access to a continuous external cooling system (described below) in the field. In addition, the fluid may be manually squeezed (or pumped) out of the bladder 506 such that the cervical collar 500 can function as a collar without the need to pump fluid through the bladder 506.

For example, referring to FIG. 11A, at 1102, the cervical collar 500 is placed on the patient. At 1104, the port 902 of a first cooling pack is connected to the inlet port 534 of the cervical collar 500. At 1106, cooling fluid from the first cooling pack is squeezed into the bladder 506 of the cervical collar 500 thereby filling the cooling chambers 530. At 1108, once the cooling fluid from the first cooling pack reaches an undesirable temperature, the first cooling pack, which is empty, is attached to the outlet port 536 (or alternatively can be or stay connected to the inlet port 534). At 1110, a second cooling pack is attached to the port not in use (e.g., inlet port or outlet port) on the cervical collar 500. At 1112, cooling fluid from the second cooling pack is squeezed into the bladder 506. At 1114, the existing cooling fluid in the cooling chambers 530 from the first cooling pack is flushed out of the cooling chambers 530 and back into the first cooling pack. At 1116, cooling fluid from the second cooling pack fills the cooling chambers 530 with cooling fluid of a desired temperature.

In conjunction with the cooling packs 200, 900 previously described, the cervical collar 500 may include an indicator 538 (see FIG. 8) disposed on the retaining device 300 or on the bladder 506 (e.g., on at least one chamber 530 and/or at least one passageway 532) that indicates an approximate body (core) temperature of the patient and/or an approximate temperature of the patient's cerebral vasculature and/or an approximate temperature of the cooling fluid in the fluid source 200, 900. In one embodiment, the indicator 538 may be an integrated portion of the cervical collar 500. In another embodiment, the indicator 538 may be a separate temperature sensitive device (e.g., sticker, etc.) that can be attached to the cervical collar 500 by the EMT personnel. The separate temperature sensitive device may be removable and re-attachable so that it can be moved to different locations on the cervical collar 500.

In one example, the indicator 538 can sequentially change color based on a change of a measurable event, such as but not limited to a change in a temperature of the cooling fluid. For example, the indicator 538 may be a first color (e.g., blue, dark blue, etc.) when the temperature of the cooling fluid is at a temperature (first temperature) that provides adequate cooling to the patient. As the temperature of the cooling fluid begins to lose its cooling effect (e.g., the cooling fluid begins to warm) or approaches (or reaches) a second temperature, the indicator 538 may turn a second color (e.g., orange). The second temperature can be any temperature that is higher than the first temperature (e.g., “x” degrees warmer than the first temperature). As the temperature of cooling fluid continues to warm or approaches (or reaches) a third temperature the indicator 538 may turn a third color (e.g., red) indicating that the cooling fluid is no longer providing adequate cooling to the patient. The third temperature can be any temperature that is higher than the second temperature and obviously higher than the first temperature (e.g., “y” degrees warmer than the second temperature, “z” degrees higher than the first temperature). The indicator 538 can provide a quick visual means for the EMT personnel to determine if the cooling pack 200 should be replaced or if additional cooling fluid should be pumped into bladder 506 with another cooling pack 900.

Similarly, when the warm cooling fluid is flushed out and replaced with cold cooling fluid, the color of the indicator can change back to the first color (e.g., blue, dark blue, etc.). In addition, if the cooling fluid is gradually cooled from a warm temperature, the color of the indicator can change back in sequence toward the first color. As the cooling fluid once again begins to warm, the above process can start over again.

In another example embodiment, the indicator 538 can change color based on a change of a measurable event, such as but not limited to, a passage of time where specific colors may represent an incremental passage of time. For example, the indicator 538 may be a first color (e.g., blue, dark blue, etc.) when the cooling fluid is first introduced. As time passes (e.g., 1, minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc.) the indicator 538 may change color to a second color (e.g., orange) to alert the EMT personnel how much time has passed. As more time passes, the indicator may turn a third color, fourth color, fifth color, etc.

In one example embodiment, the color change may be gradual, which may represent a passage of time in small increments (e.g., 1 minute increments, 2 minute increments, etc.). In another example embodiment, the color change may be more defined or abrupt (i.e., changing quickly from one color to another), which may represent a passage of time in larger increments (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). For example in one embodiment, orange may represent the passage of 5 minutes, red may represent the passage of 10 minutes, etc. In another example embodiment, every time the indicator changes color may represent an incremental passage of time (e.g., any color change represents a 5 minute increment, a 10 minute increment, etc.).

In this example embodiment, the indicator 538 can provide a quick visual means for the EMT personnel to determine how much time has passed. Since time is very crucial in traumatic head and neck injuries, the quick reference indicator provides the EMT personal a means to quickly determine how much time has passed.

In another example embodiment, the bladder 506 or any portion thereof, such as one or more cooling chambers 530 or one or more passageways 532, may act as the indicator. For example, the bladder 506 may be made from a material that changes color based on temperature, as previously described.

In another example embodiment, the outer shell 502 may be made from a transparent material or may include a viewing window that permits the EMT personnel to view the patient's neck for signs of trauma and/or view the indicator 538 described above. In still another embodiment, the bladder 506 may be made from a transparent material that allows the EMT personnel to see the cooling fluid. As such, the cooling fluid itself may act as the temperature indicator. For example, a color of the cooling fluid may change color as the temperature of the cooling fluid changes, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 12, as mentioned above, another fluid source 1200 that the collar 500 can be connected to is an external cooling system 1200 that can continuously pump cooling fluid 1200A at a desired temperature through the bladder 506 thereby and flush out the warm cooling fluid 1200B, thereby providing a continuous circulation of cooling fluid at the desired temperature. Thus, the temperature of the cooling fluid can be regulated to maintain a predetermined temperature or adjust the temperature as desired. As such, this embodiment can be used to perform therapeutic hypothermia over an extended period of time to treat a particular type of injury or perform a particular type of procedure. For example, this example embodiment, as well as those described above, can be in the form of a wrap that employs the bladder 506 to treat injuries to the arms, shoulder, legs, knees, etc., as well as the neck area, where therapeutic hypothermia is required over an extended period of time.

Still referring to FIG. 12, it is to be understood that the innovative cervical collar disclosed herein can also be used as a warming device in appropriate medical applications. Thus, the cervical collar can be connected to the external fluid source 1200 that can pump warming fluid through the cervical collar as described herein. In one embodiment, the collar may be used for targeted temperature management in a hospital or medical environment. For example, the collar may be used to keep a patient warm during surgery or other medical procedure. In one embodiment, the collar may be used to modulate a patient's temperature post surgery. In one embodiment, the collar may be used for targeted temperature management in extreme environments, including in cold conditions.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the innovative cervical collar 500 can also be used as a compress. For example, in post-operative care, a practitioner can simply set the temperature of the fluid that does not induce hypothermia for the purpose of applying a cool or warm compress to the designated area. Still further, the practitioner can regulate the temperature of the fluid to transition between a cold compress and a warm compress and vice versa for therapeutic reasons.

In addition, referring to FIG. 12A, the external cooling system 1200 in conjunction with the cooling packs 900 can provide a smooth transition from providing portable cooling fluid in the field to a continuous cooling system in a medical facility. Thus, once the patient arrives at a medical facility the cooling source can be transitioned from the portable cooling pack 900 described above to the external cooling system 1200 as illustrated in FIG. 12A. Specifically, at 1202, the cervical collar is placed on the patient. At 1204, the portable cooling pack 900 is connected to the inlet port 534. At 1206, cooling fluid from the cooling pack 900 is pumped or hand squeezed into the bladder 506 thereby filling the cooling chambers 530. At 1208, once the patient arrives at a facility (e.g., medical facility) that has an external cooling system 1200, the portable cooling pack 900 is removed from the inlet port 534. At 1210, the external cooling system 1200 is connected to the cervical collar 500. At 1212, cooling fluid is pumped into the bladder 506, which flushes out the existing cooling fluid inside the cooling chambers 532.

It is to be understood that the transition process illustrated in FIG. 12A can also be from the continuous cooling system to the portable cooling packs. For example, if a trauma patient is connected to the continuous cooling system in a medical facility that is not capable of handling trauma patients, the patient can be transitioned from the permanent system to the portable cooling packs in order to transport the patient to a trauma facility.

Referring to FIG. 13, the example embodiment of the cervical collar 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 above may include one or more temperature sensors 1300A or 1300B or 1300C that may measure a body (or core) temperature of the patient and/or a cerebral vasculature temperature of the patient. Although like features are referenced in FIG. 13, a description of such features will not be repeated for simplicity. The temperature sensors 1300A-C illustrated in FIG. 13 can be any type of temperature sensor, such as but not limited to, an infrared sensor, a stick tab sensor, etc. The presence of a temperature sensor allows medical personal to not only monitor, but also regulate the patient's body and/or cerebral vasculature temperature via the external cooling system mentioned above. Thus, to increase or decrease either temperature of the patient, the flow rate of the external cooling system is either increased or decreased respectively (alternatively, the temperature of the cooling can be adjusted as opposed to the flow rate). Thus, medical personnel are able to maintain the patient's body or cerebral vasculature temperature at a target temperature to thereby minimize the traumatic effect to the patient. It is to be understood, that any type of sensor that measures a physical characteristic of the patient may be included in the cervical collar. For example, in lieu of or in addition to a temperature sensor, a sensor may be included that measures the patient's pulse, etc.

In one example embodiment, the temperature sensor 1300A can be disposed on the bladder 506 such that when the cervical collar 500 is placed on the patient, the temperature sensor 1300A is already positioned to monitor the body temperature of the patient.

In another example embodiment, the temperature sensor 1300B can have a tab like configuration that attaches to a bottom edge 546 (as shown in FIG. 13) of the cervical collar 500. Thus, when the cervical collar 500 is placed on the patient, the temperature sensor 1300B is already positioned to monitor the body temperature of the patient. It is to be appreciated that the tab like temperature sensor 1300B can attach to a top or side edge of the cervical collar 500.

In still yet another example embodiment, the temperature sensor can be attached to any location (e.g., the outer shell 502, the bladder 506, etc.) on the cervical collar 500 via a tether 1302, as illustrated by temperature sensor 1300C. Once the cervical collar 500 is in place the temperature sensor 1300C can be placed on the patient at any convenient location, such as but not limited to, the forehead, neck area, etc.

Referring to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, the temperature sensor 1300A-C can communicate with the external fluid source 1200 to automatically control the flow rate of the cooling fluid, thereby automatically adjusting the body temperature of the patient. For example, the body temperature of the patient can be continuously transmitted to a control system 1202 of the external fluid source 1200. The control system 1202 can then adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid to adjust the body temperature until a desired target body temperature is reached. Further, the control system 1202 can continually or incrementally adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid to gradually increase or decrease the patient's body temperature as desired.

In another example embodiment, the control system 1202 can be programmed to automatically adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid to reach a target temperature based on several factors, including but not limited to, the patient's characteristics (e.g., the patient's health history if available, the patients physical make-up (e.g., height, weight, etc.)), environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, etc.), etc.

Still referring to FIG. 14, patient information, such as but not limited to, patient's body temperature, flow rate of cooling fluid, patient's pulse, etc., may be visually displayed via a display 1204 associated with the external cooling system or printed via a printer 1206 associated with the external cooling system 1200. Further, the information may be transmitted from the control system 1202 to a remote location (e.g., medical facility) or to an electronic device 1408, such as but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a PDA, a computer, etc.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the innovative cervical collar 500 can be configured as part of a system that allows the cervical collar 500 to communicate with peripheral medical and non-medical equipment 1400A (e.g., fluid sources, thermal imaging devices (camera), temperature devices, printer, computer, etc.). Thus, the practitioner can program the peripheral equipment to set certain parameters. For example, the practitioner can program a temperature of the fluid, a flow rate of the fluid, a temperature of the patient's cerebral vascular and/or core, etc. Thus, the practitioner can easily achieve desired parameters by simply programming the peripheral equipment in use with the cervical collar 500. The communication between the cervical collar 500 and the peripheral equipment can be wired or wireless (e.g., RF, Bluetooth, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 15, a method of using the collar 500 incorporating the bladder 506 will now be described. At 1502, the collar 500 is placed on the patient. At 1504, the sensor is properly placed to monitor the patient's temperature. At 1506, the external cooling system or source is connected to the bladder via the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536. At 1508, cooling fluid from the external cooling system or source is pumped into the bladder 506. If desired, at 1510, the cooling fluid can be continuously circulated through the bladder 506. At