Investigation of the HotDog patient warming system: detection of thermal gradients. (24th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCarthy, D.; Matz, B.; Wright, J.; Moore, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of small animal practice. Volume 59:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2018-01-24
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4510

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To assess the performance of an active patient‐warming device. Materials and Methods: Temperatures of an active patient‐warming device (HotDog system) were measured at various time points using an infrared thermometer. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 compared temperatures among four different areas of the warming blanket. Phase 2 compared conditions simulating different scenarios using a weighted patient simulator. Results: Phase 1: Three out of four positions on the warming blanket had significantly different temperature measurements. Phase 2: Temperature output by the warming blanket was reduced: (1) in the absence of the patient simulator placed across the blanket (−1·9°C, P=0·013); (2) if the patient simulator was placed away from the blanket sensor (−2·0°C, P=0·009); and (3) if there was fluid between the patient simulator and warming blanket (−2·2°C, P=0·004). In a majority of measurements (95%), the set temperature of 43°C on the control unit was not reached (range, 29·8 to 42·9°C) and 2·3% of measurements were higher (range, 43·1 to 45·8°C) than the control unit set temperature of 43°C. Clinical Significance: Measured temperatures on the active warming blanket did not reflect control unit settings. This could result in the potential for hyperthermic injury, ineffectual heating and uneven heat distribution.