Severe burn injury associated with misuse of forced-air warming device

Uzun, Günalp; Mutluoğlu, Mesut; Evinc, Rahmi; Özdemi̇r, Yavuz; Şen, Hüseyin

doi:10.1007/s00540-010-1031-1

Cited by 18 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Although rare, forced-air warmer use has been associated with thermal injuries in both adults [81][82][83] and children [84][85][86], some of which have required surgical intervention and prolonged wound care [82,83]. The underlying causes in the majority of cases involve incorrect assembly of the warmer hose to the blanket or accidental disconnections allowing hot air to be blown directly on to the patient's skin for a prolonged period of time ('hosing').…”

Section: Forced-air Warming Device Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Peri‐operative warming devices: performance and clinical application

2014

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SummarySince the adverse consequences of accidental peri-operative hypothermia have been recognised, there has been a rapid expansion in the development of new warming equipment designed to prevent it. This is a review of peri-operative warming devices and a critique of the evidence assessing their performance. Forced-air warming is a common and extensively tested warming modality that outperforms passive insulation and water mattresses, and is at least as effective as resistive heating. More recently developed devices include circulating water garments, which have shown promising results due to their ability to cover large surface areas, and negative pressure devices aimed at improving subcutaneous perfusion for warming. We also discuss the challenge of fluid warming, looking particularly at how devices' performance varies according to flow rate. Our ultimate aim is to provide a guide through the bewildering array of devices on the market so that clinicians can make informed and accurate choices for their particular hospital environment.

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Section: Forced-air Warming Device Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Peri‐operative warming devices: performance and clinical application

2014

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“…The most common misuse of forced‐air warming devices is the practice of “hosing” (ie, blowing warm air directly on patients without using a blanket) 27,28 . In a case in Turkey related by Uzun et al, 28 a staff member did not connect the nozzle of a forced‐air warming device to the blanket, and hot air (ie, 40° C to 43° C [104° F to 109.4° F]) was blown directly onto the patient's legs for nearly two hours during surgery, causing a third‐degree burn of 12.5 cm in diameter on the patient's ankle 28 …”

Section: Level Of Evidence In This Article According To the National mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Never use a forced‐air warming system to warm a patient without using an attached blanket. The substitution of commercial blanket with hospital cotton blankets is not recommended 28,30 Keep the blanket dry 34 …”

Section: Level Of Evidence In This Article According To the National mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Safe and Efficient Use of Forced‐Air Warming Systems

Wu¹

2013

AORN Journal

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Maintaining perioperative normothermia is important to ensure that a patient does not experience inadvertent hypothermia and its consequences, such as increased blood loss, cardiac abnormalities, prolonged recovery, and increased risk for wound infection. Many clinical guidelines recommend the use of forced-air warming as one of several techniques to prevent inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. Safe use of forced-air warming devices includes choosing the right device, assessing the patient for risks, protecting the patient from burn injuries, appropriately maintaining the patient's body temperature, and using the device as directed by the manufacturer's recommendations. Staff members should receive education on hypothermia and warming technology on a regular basis.

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“…Uzun et al [4] reported a case of a third-degree burn injury associated with misuse of a forced-air warming device. Hot air (40-43℃) was blown directly on the patient's leg for 2 hours.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although a few cases, including a severe burn injury of the lower extremities, have been reported [5], not everyone knows the dangers of "hosing" [4]. …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%