Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Caring for Patients Treated With Therapeutic Hypothermia
Claranne Mathiesen1, Denise McPherson2, Carolyn Ordway2
1Claranne Mathiesen is the director, medical operations, neuroscience service line, at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania.Denise McPherson was director of the cardiac intensive care unit at Lehigh Valley Health Network when this article was written. That unit cares for patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.Carolyn Ordway is the patient care specialist, cardiac intensive care unit, at Lehigh Valley Health Network.Maureen Smith is the patient care specialist, neuroscience intensive care unit, at Lehigh Valley Health Network. claranne.mathiesen@lvhn.org.
Therapeutic hypothermia improves neurological outcomes post-cardiac arrest. Key elements like interprofessional collaboration and education are crucial for successful clinical implementation of this life-saving treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Therapeutic hypothermia is a recognized intervention for improving neurological outcomes following cardiac arrest.
- It plays a vital role in mitigating postresuscitation syndrome.
- Lehigh Valley Health Network has extensive experience with this treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline critical elements for successful implementation of therapeutic hypothermia guidelines.
- To share insights from an 8-year experience with over 200 treated patients.
- To enhance the translation of therapeutic hypothermia protocols into clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Development and refinement of an interprofessional clinical practice guideline for therapeutic hypothermia.
- Treatment of over 200 patients using the guideline.
- Identification of 5 key elements contributing to successful implementation.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of therapeutic hypothermia was achieved over an 8-year period.
- Over 200 patients received therapeutic hypothermia treatment.
- Five critical elements were identified as enhancing the translation of the guideline into practice.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach involving an interprofessional team is essential for therapeutic hypothermia.
- Key success factors include stakeholder engagement, care coordination, education, case analysis, and database participation.
- These elements are vital for effective clinical translation of therapeutic hypothermia protocols.
More Related Videos
05:00Short-Duration Hypothermia Induction in Rats using Models for Studies examining Clinical Relevance and Mechanisms
Published on: March 3, 2021
08:22In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model
Published on: October 27, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Decreased Body Temperature
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Increased Body Temperature
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...