title: Evaluating a new method for maintaining body temperature during OPCAB and robotic procedures.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department for Cardiac Surgery, Klinikum Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen, Germany. kiesslia@klilu.de
authors.forename: Arndt-H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Kiessling
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Isgro
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lehmann
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Piper
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blome
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Saggau
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001831:Body Temperature; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012371:Robotics