Bair Hugger

For the Punch-Out!! character, see Bear Hugger.

The Bair Hugger system is a convective temperature management system often utilized within a hospital or surgery center to maintain a patient's core body temperature. The Bair Hugger system consists of a reusable warming unit and a single-use disposable warming blankets for use before, during and after surgery. This medical device launched in 1987 and is currently manufactured by the 3M Company.[1]

Function

The Bair Hugger system uses convective warming, also known as forced-air warming, to prevent and treat perioperative hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature less than 36.0 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit),[2] in surgical patients. Unintended hypothermia has been associated with numerous negative outcomes in surgical patients, including increased rate of surgical site infection,[3] increased blood loss,[4] and higher mortality rate.[5]

The system includes two primary components: a warming unit and a disposable blanket. The warming unit is connected by a flexible hose to the single-use blanket. Warm air from the warming unit passes through the flexible hose and into the blanket. Once the warmed air reaches the blanket it exits through a series of micro-perforations on the underside of the blanket, warming the patient's skin in an area not involved in the surgical procedure.[6]

In addition, the Bair Hugger system may be used to provide patient thermal comfort when conditions exist that may cause a patient to become uncomfortable.

Performance

The Bair Hugger system warms effectively due to the properties of convection and radiation; heat transfer improves with the movement of warmed air across the surface of the patient's skin. Up to 64 percent of the patient's body surface may be recruited for heat transfer, depending on which Bair Hugger blanket is utilized.[7]

More than 170 published studies document the Bair Hugger system's clinical benefits, safety and efficacy.[8]

History

The Bair Hugger system received FDA clearance in 1987.[9] Today, the system features 25 blanket models [10] and globally has warmed more than 200 million patients.[11] The Bair Hugger system is the most utilized patient warming modality in the U.S. and is currently used by more that 80 percent of U.S. hospitals.[12]

In May 2016, 3M announced the publication of a robust research compendium highlighting the safety and effectiveness of the 3M™ Bair Hugger™ patient warming system. The comprehensive compilation of more than 200 publication summaries encompasses research from a wide range of surgeries, including hip, knee, cardiac and abdominal procedures. The research compendium reinforces the extensive volume of research and history supporting the Bair Hugger system’s clinical use.[13]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.twincities.com/2010/09/09/3m-picks-up-bair-hugger-manufacturer/
  2. ↑ Sessler DI. Current concepts: Mild Perioperative Hypothermia. New Engl J Med. 1997; 336(24): p.1730-1737.
  3. ↑ Kurz A, Sessler DI, et al. Perioperative Normothermia to Reduce the Incidence of Surgical-Wound Infection and Shorten Hospitalization. New Engl J Med. 1996; 334: p.1209-1215.
  4. ↑ Schmied H, Kurz A, et al. Mild hypothermia increases blood loss and transfusion requirements during total hip arthroplasty. The Lancet. 1996; 347(8997): p.289-292.
  5. ↑ Bush H Jr., Hydo J, Fischer E, et al. Hypothermia during elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: The high price of avoidable morbidity. J Vasc Surg. 1995; 21(3): p.392-402.
  6. ↑ U.S. Patent and Trademark Office web site, accessed 3/29/16. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K873745
  7. ↑ . Taguchi A, Ratnaraj J, Kabon B, et al. Effects of a Circulating-water Garment and Forced-air Warming on Body Heat Content and Core Temperature. Anesthesiology. 2004; 100(5): p.1058-1064.
  8. ↑ TruthAboutBairHugger.com web site, accessed 3/29/16. http://www.truthaboutbairhugger.com/about/
  9. ↑ U.S. Food and Drug Administration web site, accessed 3/29/16. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K873745
  10. ↑ 3M™ Bair Hugger™ Breadth of Line Brochure. 3M web site; accessed 3/28/16. http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/768611O/breadth-of-line.pdf
  11. ↑ Facts About Forced-air Warming web site; accessed 3/29/16. www.fawfacts.com
  12. ↑ Facts About Forced-air Warming web site; accessed 3/29/16. www.fawfacts.com
  13. ↑ Press release, 3M Newsroom.

External sources

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