Endovascular catheter as a rewarming method for accidental hypothermia

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• The human body maintains a narrow optimal core temperature for function.
• Thermoregulation mechanisms combat external temperature fluctuations.
• Physiologic temperature deviations, especially profound hypothermia, are poorly tolerated and require urgent intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of severe hypothermia in an elderly patient.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular catheter rewarming.

Main Methods:

• An 89-year-old male presented with altered mental status, bradycardia, hypotension, and severe hypothermia (28.8°C).
• Initial management included warmed saline and vasopressors.
• An endovascular catheter (Zoll Coolgard) was placed in the vena cava for controlled rewarming.

Main Results:

• The patient was successfully rewarmed at a rate of 1°C per hour without complications.
• Hemodynamic stability was achieved, and the patient was transferred from the coronary care unit.

Conclusions:

• Severe hypothermia is a critical condition necessitating prompt recognition and management.
• Endovascular catheter rewarming presents a safe and effective alternative to traditional invasive rewarming techniques for rapid and controlled temperature normalization.