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[Physical methods used to control body temperature]
Esther Ezquerro Rodríguez1, Yolanda Montes García, Blanca Marín Fernández
1Universidad Pública de Navarra. mariaesther.ezquerro@unavarra.es
Revista De Enfermeria (Barcelona, Spain)
|November 20, 2012
Summary
Physical methods control body temperature through external cooling/heating or invasive techniques. Hypothermia induction uses evaporation, convection, and conduction, while rewarming involves various internal and external heat applications.
Area of Science:
- Thermoregulation
- Medical Physics
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Body temperature management is crucial in critical care.
- Both hypothermia and hyperthermia require precise physical interventions.
- Current methods range from non-invasive surface techniques to complex invasive procedures.
Purpose:
- To review and describe physical methods for inducing hypothermia and hyperthermia.
- To categorize these methods based on external/internal application and heat transfer principles.
- To provide a comprehensive overview for clinical application and understanding.
Summary:
- External hypothermia methods include cold air/water circulation, hydrogel pads, and cooling helmets, utilizing conduction and convection.
- Invasive hypothermia techniques involve intravenous crystalloid infusion, endovascular cooling catheters, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hemofiltration.
- Rewarming strategies encompass external methods like warm blankets and internal approaches such as warm oxygen inhalation, IV infusions, cavity irrigation, and extracorporeal circulation.
Impact:
- Facilitates informed clinical decision-making in temperature management.
- Highlights the principles of heat transfer in medical applications.
- Provides a foundational resource for understanding therapeutic hypothermia and rewarming techniques.
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