Augustine Surgical, Inc., a leader in air-free patient warming, has launched the HotDog Warming Mattresses+Return Electrode, following FDA clearance.
Augustine Surgical’s entire HotDog Warming Mattress is now also a return electrode, a required component in electrosurgery that is performed in roughly 4 out of 5 surgeries. The warming mattress is capacitive, returning energy to the electrosurgical generator simply by the patient laying on the warming pad. Reusable capacitive return electrodes have been used for 20-plus years in more than 100 million procedures, however, this is the first time this function has been combined with active patient warming.
The HotDog Warming Mattress+Return Electrode saves space – and cost – by combining two functions within one product, a huge improvement in workflow efficiency. Every single patient can get the clinical benefits of two technologies simply by laying on the operating table. Not only is it compatible with most electrosurgical generators, it is also lightweight for quick and easy set up and cleaning. Unlike single use stick-on pads, it requires no special skin preparation, such as shaving; even tattoos, piercings and implanted joints do not interfere with the return electrode safety. Because there is no adhesive, it is ideal for patients with delicate skin.
As a reusable device, HotDog Warming Mattress+Return Electrode reduces waste from single-use grounding pads and disposable hot-air blankets. Over two years, one OR could reduce waste by as much as 1,326 lbs. (620 kg) with average use. This also helps to save on energy required for each shipment of a single-use item, helping to meet green initiatives.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the warming system allows users to easily warm below and above the patient simultaneously, which has been shown to provide the best normothermia outcomes. Intraoperative normothermia is associated with fewer infections, less blood loss and fewer adverse cardiac events. And, by providing the benefits of warming without blowing hot air, the product eliminates the risk of airborne contamination from forced-air systems.
“In more than 30 years as a doctor-inventor,” said Dr. Scott Augustine, “this device could have the biggest impact in the OR. Combining warming with a capacitive return electrode can make surgery safer … and save hospitals money at the same time.”
Augustine invented Bair Hugger hot-air patient warming in the 1980s, as well as air-free HotDog warming.
For more information, visit www.hotdogwarming.com.
