Safety and efficacy of resistive polymer versus forced air warming in total joint surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that hypothermia is achieved by both forced-air and non-forced air warming devices among total knee and hip arthroplasty patients. The potential for airflow disruption is present with the forced-air warming device and does not exist with the non-forced air device. The disruption of laminar airflow may be associated with surgical site infections. The disposable covers used to protect the device and patient have potential implications for surgical site infection. Quality improvement efforts aimed to enhance patient safety should include the implementation of healthcare equipment with the least known or suspected risk. PMID: 28416968 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Patient Safety in Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Patient Saf Surg Source Type: research