‘Tis the season to see hypothermic patients again! The optimal way to warm them up has been debated for years. A number of very interesting techniques have been devised. Ever wonder how fast / effective they are?
I’ve culled data from a number of sources, and here is a summary what I found. And of course, the disclaimer: “your results may vary.”
| Warming Technique | Rate of Rewarming |
| Passive external (blankets, lights) | 0.5° C / hr |
| Active external (lights, hot water bottle) | 1 – 3° C / hr |
| Bair Hugger | 2.4° C / hr |
| Hot inspired air in ET tube | 1° C / hr |
| Fluid warmer | 2 – 3° C / hr |
| GI tract irrigation (stomach or colon, 40° C fluid, instill for 10 minutes, then evacuate) | 1.5 -3° C / hr |
| Peritoneal lavage (instill for 20-30 minutes) | 1 – 3° C / hr |
| Thoracic lavage (2 chest tubes, continuous flow) | 3° C / hr |
| Continuous veno-venous rewarming | 3° C / hr |
| Continuous arterio-venous rewarming | 4.5° C / hr |
| Mediastinal lavage (thoracotomy) | 8° C / hr |
| Cardiopulmonary bypass | 9° C / hr |
| Warm water immersion (Hubbard or therapy tank) | 20° C / hr |