Warming by resistive heating maintains perioperative normothermia as well as forced air heating † †None of the authors has personal financial interests related to this study.

Abstract

Resistive heating maintains core body temperature as well as forced air heating and both are better than circulating water. Resistive heating offers the advantage of adjustable heating pods.

Resistive-Heating or Forced-Air Warming for the Prevention of Redistribution Hypothermia

“…10,15 In our study, we assessed the efficacy of 2 warming systems that are recommended for prewarming. The inflatable part of the forced-air cover (40 ϫ 105 cm) approximately equals the total surface of the carbon fiber elements incorporated in the resistive heating blanket (5 ϫ 40 ϫ 20 cm).…”

“…10,11 Several reusable resistive-warming systems have been developed recently. 10,[12][13][14][15][16] They are based on carbon fiber technology and have a low-voltage, direct current power supply. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a resistiveheating system or a forced-air warming system for 30 minutes of prewarming in comparison with a control group that received the current standard of care.…”

Maintaining Perioperative Normothermia During Laparoscopic and Open Urologic Surgery

“…[12][13][14][15] A number of studies, for example, have suggested the use of reflective technology as a prevention strategy. [16][17][18][19] Ensminger and associates 18 suggested that reflective technology had properties to preserve body temperature by reflecting the patient's radiant heat loss and also preventing convective heat loss to the cold OR.…”

Infection control hazards associated with the use of forced-air warming in operating theatres

“…Less heat is transferred to the operating room and staff, making it a more favourable environment in which to work. 46 Unlike FAW the blanket itself is less flexible, so it may not be directly adjacent to the patient's skin. 47 Current evidence suggests that there is little difference between FAW and resistive technologies in terms of preventing hypothermia.…”