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S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | J U LY 2 0 1 4
tion. What's more, a neuromuscular blockade has been administered, which dis-
ables the body's ability to warm itself through shivering.
In the past, heating devices have been employed between the anesthesia
machine and the patient for lengthy procedures such as organ surgeries, but
there's a simpler, more cost-effective solution for outpatient cases. Many anes-
thesia machines are now equipped with low-flow gas delivery settings.
Decreasing the amount of gas administered to less than 2 liters per minute can
minimize the shivers patients will suffer after emergence.
• Heat fluids.
Intravenously administered fluids — not to mention arthroscopy
irrigation and skin prepping solutions — can also bring on a chill. They may not
be any colder than room temperature, but keep in mind that surgical rooms
tend to be on the cool side.
For cases that will require a large volume of fluid, fluid warming is an effec-
tive way to help maintain normothermia from the inside out. There are no rules
prohibiting the warming
of IV fluids in a cabinet
until they are needed, as
long as it's done safely:
The fluid's temperature
should be no greater
than 100 degrees
Fahrenheit. Warming
cabinets specifically
designed for fluids will
likely include safeguards,
but those built for warm-
ing cloth blankets have
higher temperature set-
tings and should be used
and monitored with cau-
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• Efficiently warm patients from admission to discharge
• Warm fluids in a cabinet and keep them warm at the point of use
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ivNow increases regulatory compliance:
• Display actual temperature of every bag
• Records the shelf life of every bag
ivNow saves money:
• Reduce disposable costs while warming 20-140 liters
of fluid over 12 hours
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