Portable Body Temperature Conditioner
Abstract
Many patients become hypothermic after severe injury due to environmental exposure during transport. These patients also have decreased thermoregulation due to blood loss. Normal core body temperature is defined as 37 deg C and core body temperature below 35 deg C and above 40 deg C is defined as hypothermia and hyperthermia respectively. Studies have shown much better outcomes for patients with either trauma or hypothermia compared to patients with both trauma and hypothermia. Additionally, studies have shown that decreasing the hyperthermic patient s core body temperature rapidly to 3838 deg Cowers the incidence of complications and the risk of death. Currently, one of the most effective treatments for dysthermic patients involves the use of active convective/conductive heating/cooling devices. However, current devices require heavy or bulky equipment not suitable for military applications. This study focuses on developing a portable battery operated body temperature conditioning system. The heating/cooling system has been designed to maximize efficiency allowing for a reduction in component and battery weight. Additionally, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are being utilized to allow for military use during medical evacuations in the absence of a reliable power source. To evaluate the heating/cooling capacity of the device, patient simulation testing will be performed through the use of a thermal manikin. This research will identify specific design improvements to be implemented in a reiterative process, ultimately leading to an efficient portable body temperature conditioning device suitable for military applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA611571
Entities
People
- Deborah A. Kuhls
- John Fildes
- Timothy D. Browder
Organizations
- University of Nevada, Reno