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A novel thermoregulatory system maintains perioperative normothermia in children undergoing elective surgery
Author(s) -
Nesher Nahum,
Wolf Tamir,
Uretzky Gideon,
OppenheimEden Arieh,
Yussim Elliott,
Kushnir Igal,
Shoshany Gideon,
Rosenberg Benno,
Berant Moshe
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pediatric anesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.704
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1460-9592
pISSN - 1155-5645
DOI - 10.1046/j.1460-9592.2001.00713.x
Subject(s) - medicine , shivering , perioperative , anesthesia , thermoregulation , surgery , hypothermia , core temperature , adverse effect , rectal temperature , skin temperature , biomedical engineering , endocrinology
Background : Body heat loss during anaesthesia may result in increased morbidity, particularly in high‐risk populations such as children. To avoid hypothermia, a novel thermoregulatory system (Allon) was devised. We tested the safety and efficacy of this system in maintaining normothermia in children undergoing routine surgical procedures. Methods : The system consists of a computerized body, which receives continuous afferent data, i.e. core (rectal) temperature. These data are then compared with a preset temperature (37°C) and a microprocessor heating/cooling unit warms/cools the temperature of circulating water in a garment that is specially designed to allow maximal coverage of body surface area, without impingement on the surgical field. Water temperature to the garment was limited to a maximum of 39.5°C. Continuous perioperative monitoring of skin and rectal temperature, heart rate and blood pressure was performed. Postoperative shivering and adverse effects were also assessed. Results : The Allon system was used in 38 patients aged 3 months to 14 years undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia lasting more than 30 min. Fifty to 80% body surface area was covered by the garment. Mean operative and postoperative core temperatures were 36.9 ± 0.5°C and 36.7 ± 0.5°C, respectively. Intraoperative skin temperatures were maintained at 34.4 ± 2.7°C. The average core‐ to‐periphery intraoperative gradient was 2.9 ± 4.9°C. Postoperative shivering was absent in 36 cases and mild in two cases. No device‐related adverse effects were observed. Conclusions : Perioperative thermoregulation using the Allon system is safe and effective in maintaining body temperature within a narrow range in children undergoing brief surgical procedures.