The new, patented Encompass Group Nova Next-Generation Patient Warming System
A recent study published in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery identifies a clear link between the use of forced-air patient warming (FAW) systems and an increase in surgical site infections (SSIs).
The importance of reducing patient hypothermia during surgical procedures is well known. It helps improve patient outcomes and mitigates surgical site infections. Forced-air warming is a commonly used method to maintain normothermia in patients. However, a study by health care epidemiologist and clinical research expert, Victor R. Lange, Ph.D., has shown that even when properly managed, FAW units may contribute to greater bacterial load in the surgical environment. The study demonstrated that 42.5 percent of samples collected in settings where FAW units were used exceeded the minimum accepted pathogen levels. In summary, the use of FAW increases the chance of SSIs. Lange will present an OR Today webinar on March 10 on the subject. Register at ORTodayWebinars.live.
“We recognized the problems associated with forced-air patient warming early on,” says Eric Howard, vice president and general manager TECHStyles, Encompass Group. Thirty years ago, Encompass revolutionized patient warming with the original Thermoflect heat-reflective technology. “In developing Thermoflect, patient safety was our primary goal. It still is. With our new Nova patient warming blanket, we have introduced the next generation of patient warming.”
Nova’s patented technology combines a unique Thermoflect heat-reflective fabric exterior layer with a proprietary carbon heating layer – managed by an external control panel – to warm patients without air movement. It works by banking a patient’s heat before surgery and maintaining normothermia throughout the surgical process. This helps reduce the infection risks associated with forced air warming systems. And, with no moving parts, Nova is silent, eliminating a potential distraction in the OR. Nova was designed with both caregivers and patients in mind: It’s simple to apply and stays in place. The controller unit is easy to operate. And Nova doesn’t generate excess heat, so patients stay warm while clinicians remain cool.
“The many benefits of maintaining patients’ normothermia throughout the perioperative process are widely acknowledged. But patient safety must always be paramount,” says Eric Howard. “And now, with Nova, clinicians have a new and better way to help patients do better.”
Review the Annals of Medicine and Surgery forced-air patient warming study at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2049080121009262?via%3Dihub
Learn more about Nova at:
https://www.encompassgroup.com/patient-warming/nova-next-generation-patient-warming-system-0
