Comparison of Warm Touch Forced Air Warming System vs Routine Care in Increasing Tympanic Temperature and FOUR Score

Abstract

Background: Delayed awakening is one of the biggest challenges after general anesthesia and surgery. Hypothermia is common after coronary artery bypass surgery, and even mild hypothermia can cause severe complications after surgery. It is important to know the effective methods in accelerating awakening and correcting hypothermia. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, Warm Touch forced air warming system was compared with routine method (a blanket) in increasing tympanic temperature and FOUR score in patients after elective coronary artery bypass surgery. A total of102 patients were equally divided into intervention and control groups. Tympanic temperature and FOUR Score were checked and recorded every 15 minutes for 225 minutes. Results: Tympanic temperature and FOUR Score were significantly higher in the intervention group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Forced air warming system was more effective in increasing tympanic temperature and FOUR Score compared to the routine method. Awakening time was shorter and tympanic temperature increased ‎faster.‎

Keywords

• hypothermia
• coronary artery bypass surgery
• forced air warming system
• four score