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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the advantage of using Alsius Intravascular Temperature Management (IVTM™) versus surface cooling or warming methods? "We participated in a randomized, controlled trial of 296 patients that showed a 64% reduction in fever using Alsius IVTM™ compared with best available surface methods.1 Because we are able to directly affect the patient's core temperature using the Alsius IVTM™ method, via cooling and warming the venous system, we are able to more rapidly control the patient's core body temperature with greater efficiency and precision than surface methods." Carmelo Graffagnino MD, FRCPC
Isn't the Alsius IVTM™ method more invasive for the patient? "No. Most critically ill patients who are candidates for temperature management already require central venous access. The fact that the Alsius Catheter provides reliable temperature management and functions like a triple lumen central venous catheter allows cooling and necessary vascular access in one step." Brent Myers, MD, MPH Paul Hinchey, MD, MBA
How has Alsius IVTM™ technology been used for warming patients? "Heat loss in patients with large burn injuries is common and preventing it is especially challenging for the surgical and ICU team. Alsius intravascular warming is a state-of-the-art technology. We have found the technique to be efficient, safe and easy to use. It has enabled us to complete large excisions and grafting while being able to maintain a stable temperature and avoid intra-operative and post-operative hypothermia." Carl Schulman, MD, MSPH, FACS
How will using the Alsius IVTM™ System impact our nursing staff? "Surface cooling is slow, uncomfortable, limits patient access, and is labor intensive for our nursing staff, often requiring intubation and paralysis to control shivering. The nurses report that using the Alsius IVTM™ System requires significantly less nursing time than external methods to reach and maintain target temperatures." Rhonda Anderson, RN, MSN, CCRN, Clinical Project Manager "I was completely sold on the idea of hypothermia induction. However, after just two patients and fighting with the external cooling blankets, we were all ready to stop the protocol." a "Since we have switched to the Alsius System we have been able to shift our focus from caring for the equipment to caring for the patient. It has made life so much easier." b Kim Henson, RNa
How can Alsius IVTM™ be combined with pre-hospital cooling techniques? "We routinely initiate cooling in the field with infusion of 4°C IV fluids. When we get to the hospital we connect to the Alsius IVTM™ System to complete the protocol. It is by far the fastest and most effective way to comply with the American Heart Association's guidelines for inducing hypothermia and rewarming after cardiac arrest." James P. Mobley, BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, EMT-P Mike Clumpner, BS, MBA, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P, EMT-T, FP-C,
What is the future for intravascular temperature control therapy? "Temperature management therapy is increasingly recognized as an important intervention for the treatment of certain critically ill and surgical patients. Alsius IVTM™ has the potential to expand the power of temperature management beyond current uses because it allows for very rapid cooling and warming rates, unsurpassed temperature control to prevent overshoot of the target temperature, and unlimited patient access. Alsius IVTM™ holds great promise for the treatment of patients with traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, burns, accidental hypo/hyperthermia, liver failure, and transplantation pending further clinical validation." Donald W. Marion, MD, Consulting Medical Director |
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COPYRIGHT 2008 ALSIUS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
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