References
Peri-operative hypothermia and the preventative role of forced air warming devices
Abstract
Peri-operative hypothermia is an important condition for veterinary professionals to understand and avoid. There are numerous measures that can be taken to avoid peri-operative hypothermia. The use of forced air warming (FAW) is a common and effective method used in veterinary practice.
This report focuses on the indications, efficacy and risks of FAW in the prevention of hypothermia, by examining studies that have been carried out within the medical and veterinary fields. It shows that FAW warming is effective in preventing hypothermia, and that it is beneficial to combine FAW with other methods of insulation. While there is an associated risk these are rarely reported and easily avoided.
Peri-operative hypothermia is known to be a common consequence of anaesthesia (Ng et al, 2003), however, there are various other common causes that should always be taken into consideration (Table 1). It is extremely important for the veterinary nurse who may be responsible for perioperative monitoring, to realize that due to its detrimental effects on the patient (Table 2), it is better to prevent hypothermia, than to have to treat it. The condition and means for avoiding it should therefore be thoroughly anticipated and understood.
The purpose of this article is to focus on the indications, efficacy and risks of forced air warming (FAW) in the prevention of hypothermia by examining studies that have been carried out within the medical and veterinary fields. The benefits of using other warming methods alongside FAW will also discussed.
The efficacy of alternative methods of warming, use of intravenous fluids, methods of temperature measurement and cost effectiveness of FAW are outside the scope of this article.
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