Intravascular/intracavitary-circulation hyperthermia system
Definition
An assembly of devices designed to circulate warmed fluids or autologous blood through the vasculature or cavity of a targeted anatomical area (e.g., peritoneal/pleural cavities, thorax, abdomen, section of a limb) to treat cancer. Blood/fluids (may include drugs) are warmed and circulated by the system's extracorporeal circuit. It is typically computer-controlled and consists of pumps, heat exchanger, valves, detectors/sensors, clamps, monitors, alarms, disposable tubing/filtration set and oxygenator. It heats the blood/fluids to temperatures up to 43° C to enhance the effect of drugs [e.g., for intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC)] and help destroy cancer cells.