17
6
USE AND OPERATION
5.4.2
INDICATIONS/CONTRA-INDICATIONS/SIDE-EFFECTS
The unit is used for the following:
• Heat transfer during inter-operative or post-opera-
tive hypothermia
• Heat supply or removal to stabilize the patient’s
temperature (normothermia)
• Heat removal in the case of malignant
hyperthermia
During cold transfer and associated deliberate lower-
ing of the patient’s temperature (therapeutic hypo-
thermia), the following side-effects may occur:
• Autonomous reactions (incl. shivering),
• Electrolyte shift,
• Hyperglycemia,
• Reduced oxygen intake,
• Reduced coagulation activity,
• Changed solubility of blood gases/narcosis,
• Changed pH value,
• Lower heart rate,
• Lower anesthesia requirements.
Disadvantages of therapeutic hypothermia include:
• Extended bypass time from cooling to heating,
• Increased blood viscosity,
with increasing degree and duration of organ damage
and tendency to bleed
6
USE AND OPERATION
6.1
bEFORE SWITCHINg ON
6.1.1
CHECkINg THE UNITy
The system is a closed circuit. The water lines should not
be connected or disconnected in the operating room.
Ensure that the water connections to the oxygenator have
already been connected before the system is placed in
the operating room.
Check the unit for external damage.
After switching on the unit, check the water level every
time before and after connecting a oxygenator.
The water level must be between both marks on the
gage, preferably just below the maximum mark. The fill
difference between the minimum and maximum marks is
about 0.5 liters.
Top up with sterile water if the level is below the mini-
mum mark.
