Picture of Health
A Better Body Warmer?
A Better Body Warmer?
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
What looks like a glass-enclosed computer mouse is a new device called VitalHeat, designed to maintain body heat during and after surgery , reducing the risk of infections. According to Dynatherm Medical of Fremont, Calif., the product warms the body faster and more efficiently than conventional methods like blankets and forced air.
The gadget works by manipulating the arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) -- blood vessels in the palm that help regulate body temperature. The vessels close when surgical anesthesia cools the body, preventing warm blood from reaching exposed, chilled organs. To correct this, a patient's hand is placed on a warmed surface inside the VitalHeat. The device is then sealed and the air pumped out to create a vacuum, which opens the AVAs. Warm blood near the body's surface can then quickly flow to its core.
The Food and Drug Administration advises against use for patients under 18 and those with peripheral vascular disease.
--Matt McMillen
