Therapeutic
Hypothermia
That is a big name for a really cool
medical procedure that is saving lives
following cardiac arrest. Therapeutic
hypothermia has been a standard practice
with heart bypass procedures for years, but
recent findings show it has a benefit for
cardiac arrest cases, too.
What Is The Principle Behind because it generates heat and impairs
Hypothermia Therapy? the ability to achieve and maintain the
Therapeutic hypothermia is based target temperature.
on observations of drowning victims in
icy water being revived after long periods The shiver scale is:
of time with little or no brain damage. » 0 – no shivering
Following some key studies over the last » 1 – mild shivering (face and jaw)
decade, it was adopted by the American » 2 – peripheral shivering
Heart Association for use in post cardiac » 3 – severe shivering
arrest patients who remain unconscious. (uncontrolled rigors)
During a cardiac arrest, blood flow to
the brain is interrupted. Tissue damage During this time, the patient is
occurs and can continue even after blood closely monitored in the ICU. Nurses
flow is restored. Therapeutic hypothermia have a very important role in this part
minimizes the damage, giving patients of the process. One thing they do is
their best possible chances for a monitor the potassium level. This level
meaningful recovery. increases and decreases with cooling and
warming during the procedure. Since
How Does Therapeutic potassium must be kept between normal
Hypothermia Work? parameters, nurses keep the level within
The patient is heavily sedated. Cooled the limits.
water is circulated through insulated pads, Nurses also monitor blood pressure
lowering the body’s core temperature closely. Blood pressure typically remains
to approximately 92° for 24 hours. This elevated during the hypothermia process.
slows down metabolism and protects the When it is determined to reverse
brain and other vital organs. the procedure, the patient is gradually
The pads are applied with a gel to warmed back to normal temperature. It
adhere to the thighs, trunk and back, is most important to watch for a drop of
leaving other areas open for needed blood pressure during the warming phase.
procedures. A computer monitors the
patient’s temperature and automatically What Is The Prognosis?
cools or warms the circulating water Overall, therapeutic hypothermia
as needed. can mean a shorter stay in the ICU, less
Shivering is watched and rated on a time on a ventilator, improved neurologic
shiver scale. It is a major concern outcomes, and a better survival rate.
The Health & You segment entitled
“Therapeutic Hypothermia” was presented by
Dr. Joseph Bosarge, Memorial Intensivist.
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The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat possible
health problems. Consult your health care provider if you have
any questions or concerns about Therapeutic Hypothermia.