Evaluating a new method for maintaining body temperature during OPCAB and robotic procedures.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the performance of a new temperature management system (Allon Thermowrap, MTRE, Israel) in maintaining normothermia during OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass) procedures and Zeus-robotic IMA (internal mammary artery) takedowns.


METHODS
One hundred patients were prospectively randomized to either a conventional temperature management method (thick blanket, warm intravenous fluids, operating room temperature 25 degrees C), or the new Allon Thermowrap system (pads with temperature-controlled water circulation placed on the patient's back, legs, and arms). The mean age, body surface area, total operating time, and OR air temperature were similar in both groups.


RESULTS
The Allon Thermowrap system maintained a higher bladder and nasopharyngeal temperature (p<0.05). The SVR decreased (p<0.05) and the cardiac index increased (p<0.05) in patients with a body temperature>35.80 degrees C. Without reaching a significant level, the postoperative blood loss was lower in the Allon Thermowrap group.


CONCLUSIONS
The Allon Thermowrap system significantly out-performed conventional techniques in achieving and maintaining normothermia during off-pump and robotic procedures.
Kiessling
Arndt-H
AH
Department for Cardiac Surgery, Klinikum Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen, Germany. kiesslia@klilu.de
Isgro
Frank
F
Lehmann
Andreas
A
Piper
Sven
S
Blome
Markus
M
Saggau
Werner
W
D000368:Aged; D001831:Body Temperature; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012371:Robotics