Cooling mattress

OVERVIEW

• mattress used for therapeutic active cooling

USES

Indications:

• hyperthermia
• post cardiac arrest

DESCRIPTION

• Depending on the device the blanket may be placed under the patient whilst others are placed over
• Usualy work by pumping cooled air or water through channels in a blanket
• Hoses allow attachment to a console supplying water/air and a means of cooling
• Flow designs ensure even heat transfer
• Gels and electric systems may be used
• Composed of various plastics;  urethane is easily cleaned, non-porous, and difficult to puncture
• Automatic temperature feedback controls are typically used

METHOD OF USE

• Core temperature monitoring needed
• Sedation+/- neuromuscular blockade often required
• Other requirements vary with devices (e.g.  minimal patient covering, a dry sheet, or a wet sheet with recurrent patient spraying)
• Devices may be combined to achieve efficient cooling and minimise side effects such as pressure areas

COMPLICATIONS

Hypothermia-related:

• Bradyarrhythmias
• Coagulopathy
• Hyperglycaemia
• Infection
• ileus
• hypotension on rewarming

Device-related:

• Skin hypoperfusion and pressure areas

OTHER INFORMATION

Contraindications

•  hypothermia on admission
• haemodynamically unstable post arrest
• pre-existing coagulopathy or terminal disease

Intravascular devices

• more efficient temperature control
• more rapid  cooling/heating
• expensive
• more invasive

Some devices can be used to cool and heat