The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 22, 572-577, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Surface-induced profound hypothermia in infant cardiac operations: a new system
BA Vidne and S Subramanian
A new system of surface-induced profound hypothermia for infant cardiac
operations has been developed in order to overcome problems inherent in the
current techniques using crushed ice, water baths, and similar methods. The
hypothermic chamber consists of two parts: a lower part, containing a
refrigeration unit and a blower fan capable of lowering the air temperature
in the chamber to -6 degrees C, and an upper part made of Plexiglas that
has a completely detachable end to allow easy access to cannulas, the
anesthesia hose, and the infant. A temperature panel recorder to monitor
the infant's esophageal and rectal temperatures and the ambient chamber
temperature is incorporated into the unit. Following evaluation in the
animal laboratory, the hypothermic chamber has been successfully used in 10
infants without any complications attributable to the technique. This
method provides a rapid and uniform drop of the body temperature and even
skin cooling, eliminates the possibility of contact skin lesions, saves
medical and paramedical personnel time in preparation of the infant and
equipment, and allows observation of the child during the cooling phase.
This hypothermic chamber has facilitated infant hypothermic operations.
