A variety of medical devices can be used to maintain patient normal body temperature during surgery. All over the world, forced air warming devices are popular and widely used. However, their features vary between manufacturers, and not enough evaluations comparing performance have been researched and distributed. This is of concern, since these forced air warming devices have the potential for both harm and good.

Before purchasing a forced air warming device, a risk assessment should be undertaken. The potential for harm to the patient is low, if manufacturer's instructions are closely followed and staff are well- trained. Their use in ultra-clean operating rooms needs to be evaluated further, as improper use can have serious consequences.

Traumatic thermal injuries have been reported from failing to properly attach the blanket to the hose. Similarly, a new warming blanket must be used for each patient. The temptation to simply place the hose under a sheet or blanket should be avoided at all costs.

A forced air warming system is a medical electrical device used to help keep patients warm during anesthesia and surgery. The forced air warming unit is made up of a reusable controller and disposable, single-use blankets.

A forced air warming system comprises a controller plus a compatible disposable blanket. The controller contains the following components:

Electric motor and fan
Electric heating element
Thermostats
Air filter
Hose

In operation the fan draws in air through the filter and the heating element heats it to a selected temperature, controlled by the thermostats. Heated air travels through the hose to the blanket, which connects to the hose nozzle.

The blanket is double layered and inflates in operation. The patient contact surface is permeable to air and the warm air exits the blanket and moves over the patient's skin and transfers heat to the patient by convection.

The most significant operational factors relate to the single use blankets. It is essential that the blankets are compatible with the controller and the range of blankets available for the controller is an important factor in the purchasing decision.

Prevention of hypothermia requires the use of simple measures, such as warm clothing, use of a duvet (comforter) or blankets preoperatively and active warming of the patient and intravenous fluids, especially in the operating room. A range of active patient warming devices have been designed for use in the perioperative and critical care environment, including: electric blankets, heated fluid filled mattresses, radiant warmers and forced air warming devices.

The cost of disposable blankets is the most significant cost of forced air warming and purchasers should make use of bulk purchasing arrangements in order to benefit from volume discounts.

MedWOW offers a comprehensive selection of new, used and refurbished Forced Air-Warming Systems from a multiplicity of manufacturers and distributors throughout the world. As the main global eCommerce platform for all kinds of medical equipment, MedWOW features a comprehensive searchable catalogue that allows you to filter for make, manufacturer, continent, condition, price range, seller’s business type, heating intensity, size and uses when looking for the forced Air-warming device best-suited to your particular medical facility.

Currently MedWOW features Forced Air-Warming Systems from the following manufacturers:

Augustine Medical, Cincinnati Sub-zero, Gaymar Industries, Gibek, Kan Med, Mallinckrodt Puritan, Stihler Electronic and The Surgical Company.

If you don’t find the specific Forced Air Warmer you are looking for, you can post a free buying request which typically will bring you a number of competitive quotes from MedWOW’s global distributors.

Mark Green is the author of this article on hospital equipment.

Mark Green is the author of this article on used hospital equipment.