Advantages Of Using Blood Warmer Cuff During Medical Procedures

By Mark Cooper


If you or someone you know is about to be added some pints of body fluid, there may be nothing to worry about since the procedure is largely considered to be safe. In the past however, when the blood warmer cuff and many other medical devices had not been introduced, transfusion was a very subtle procedure. These devices continue to do a perfect job at minimizing most risks associated with transfusion.

Before getting to understand the importance of the above mentioned device, you may want to discover some of the risks that come with transfusion of blood. This will go a long way towards helping you internalize why this device is a must have for your procedures. This is in the wake of several cases of unqualified doctors performing highly delicate procedures. Once you understand this, be sure to ask your doctor whether they use these devices.

One of the most serious conditions that is associated with transfusion is known as hypothermia. Usually, the body operates under an optimum temperature. When this temperature goes low beyond the recommended levels, normal body functions are inhibited. During transfusion, cold blood products are added to the patients to boost their levels. This products requires warming to increase its temperature to that of the body.

Hypothermia, however, is not a condition associated with all transfusions. Patients in need of only a few pints of blood are unlikely to suffer from hypothermia. There are cases however, where patients lose too much of their internal body fluids, such as during massive trauma. This calls for massive transfusions of fluids into the body of the patient, making warmers a useful equipment to avert hypothermia.

The use of medical equipment is restricted to trained practitioners only. For instance, in the case of warmers, medical practitioners need to be very keen on the temperatures not go beyond the normal levels. When this happens, hemolysis is definitely going. Transfusing already dead cells into the body of the patient is not something you may want to imagine. The consequences could be very severe.

The department of fluid transfusions uses a number of other devices. One among them are pressure infusion devices. They help to regulate the flow of blood in accordance to the pressure in the vessels. Using these devices calls for utmost precision, including strict adherence to the guidelines of the manufacturer. This helps to avert the rapture of catheter walls and blood vessels during transfusion.

When these devices are used, patients record superior clinical results. Hypothermia, for instance, is known to lengthen the stay of the patient at the hospital since it makes them recover slower than usual. Looking at this from the perspective of paying bills, it is more costly to the patient. Thanks to these devices however, patients do not have to worry about the severe consequences of hypothermia.

Today, nearly all clinics, hospitals and surgery facilities employ patient warming techniques in their procedures. Besides improving clinical results, they also work to improve the comfort of the patient during those procedures. This is why regulatory agencies are now making patient warming practices mandatory.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment