Induced hypothermia
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Induced hypothermia is sometimes used as preparation for surgery on the heart or during artificial coma to increase survival chances after cardiac arrest or severe injury.
Hypothermia is also a consequence of anesthetic induction drugs and occurs to some extent every time an anesthetic is given. Anesthetic drugs produce two different effects that lead to hypothermia during surgery: they increase the width of blood vessels, vasodilation, which means that blood flows easily from the body's inner organs or core to the periphery or skin. This allows heat to be easily lost or radiated from the body. The temperature control center situated in hypothalamus is also affected by drugs causing the normal temperature control limits to be increased, compromising the body's normal cold response system.
Recent research has also shown that in patients who are resuscitated after cardiac arrest (stopping of the heart) the chance for recovery is increased if the patient is then cooled to about 33 degrees Celsius (91 °F). Patients who are cooled have better survival and better neurological recovery. This is usually accomplished by either ice-cold intravenous fluids or placement of ice packs in the patient's armpits and groin, although other methods are available. This therapy is increasingly being used in hospital emergency departments and intensive care units.
See also
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