Function and design
HICO-VARIOTHERM 550
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5.4 Function
5.4.1 Basic principles
The hypo/hyperthermia unit HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 serves the
purpose of cooling or warming
patients by means of water pads.
The unit was developed under due consideration of the latest
safety and application related knowledge about water pad
systems.
The temperature conductance between patient and the water
pad is solely achieved by surface contact. Thanks to its high heat
capacity and heat conductivity, water is an ideal transmission
medium for this type of application.
The sterile filtered tap water is cooled down or heated between
15 °C and 39 °C in a water tank inside the unit by means thermo-
electrical elements and continuously pumped through the water
pad by a centrifugal pump.
Reaching the transition temperature of the pads is
dependent on the environmental conditions and the size of
the pad.
The HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 is characterised by its simple and
safe use, reliability and compact design.
Through its electronic control, the temperature transfer to the
patient can be accurately adjusted whilst at the same time
maintaining high operational safety.
The transition temperature to the patient when warming up
should normally not exceed 40 °C to prevent the risk of burning
in case of long-term applications. This risk occurs not only at too
high temperatures, but also at too low temperatures. At a water
temperature of more than 41 °C, the HICO-VARIOTHERM 550
switches off electronically and electrically to minimise this risk in
case of an equipment fault when warming.
