The Arctic Sun®, Medivance Inc’s Patient Cooling System, was recognized by the Wall Street Journal’s 2006 Technology Innovation Awards. The system–and some of us here have the experience of using it–is extremely helpful for induction of therapeutic hypothermia (for example, for aortic arch or descending aorta surgery) or for the rapidly reducing temperature in febrile patients.
Medivance, a Louisville, CO company, explains its system’s cooling pads that are applied directly to the patient’s skin:
The Arctic Sun provides a highly efficient non-invasive method of warming or cooling patients. The combination of the Arctic Sun Control Module and Arctic Sun Energy Transfer Pads were designed to simulate water immersion.
The Arctic Sun Energy Transfer Pads have a three layer construction:
Inner Hydrogel Layer: Hydrogel is a biocompatible material, which is a 50% water polymer matrix, provides uniform skin contact for high thermal conduction.
Middle Ultra-thin Film Layer: The ultra thin film seals the fluid channels and allows efficient energy transfer from water through the hydrogel.
Outer Foam Layer: Insulating foam prevents heat loss into the environment. Raised dimples create even flow distribution throughout the pad.
The Arctic Sun Energy Transfer Pads offer an entirely different approach to surface cooling.
With conventional water blankets or wraps, air is trapped between the cooling source and the skin. The patient is then cooled by cold air (convection).
The Energy Transfer Pads are applied directly to the patient skin to provide direct thermal conduction through the skin.
Inner Hydrogel Layer: Hydrogel is a biocompatible material, which is a 50% water polymer matrix, provides uniform skin contact for high thermal conduction.
Company’s site…