Efficacy of Nine Heat and Moisture Exchangers for Intraoperative Airway Heat Conservation

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The performances of heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) were clinically evaluated for the effectiveness of intraoperative heat conservation. Ten groups of patients were studied, nine groups with commercially available HMEs (Gibeck Humidvent® 1, Terumo Brethaid®, Portex Thermovent® 600, NMI Pneumoist® 2, Pall HME15–22®, Gambro Engström Edith® 1000, Gambro Engström Edith® 1500, Gambro Engström Edith® Flex and Siemens Servo Humidifier® 153) and a control group with no HMEs. Deep temperature of the forehead (107 patients) and heat and humidity at the airway (55 patients) were measured. The temperature decrease in one hour, the total body heat loss, the temperature and absolute humidity of inspired gas and the heat loss from the airway were much better for all groups with HMEs than for the group with no HMEs, and the nine HMEs had different efficiency. There were significant correlations between the index values of body temperature and the index values of heat and humidity at the airway. In conclusion, HMEs were useful devices for preventing heat loss from the airway and maintaining body temperature.