High Speed Blood and Fluid Transfusion Equipment
Abstract
Hypothermia occurs as the core temperature decreases below 35 degrees C. Many patients become hypothermic after severe injury due to environmental exposure during transportation, infusion of cold fluids, and decreased ability to maintain normal core body temperature (37 degrees C). Patients with severe trauma die because of hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, coagulopathy, this phenomenon is known as the lethal triangle. Studies have shown the outcome of trauma patients with hypothermia is far worse than those with either trauma or hypothermia alone. It has been shown resuscitation requirements are increased with trauma patients who become hypothermic. Internal warming has been considered the most effective for rewarming severely hypothermic patients which involves infusion of warm fluids. In combat settings, a fluid warmer with light portability and minimal power requirement capabilities would greatly improve, the treatment of injured who are in need of fluid replacement and return core body temperature as quickly as possible to normal and prevent further complications associated with hypothermia. No such process is currently available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA474236
Entities
People
- G. T. Shires
- John Fildes
Organizations
- University of Nevada, Reno