Cooling Therapy Equipment

[Johannes]

Hi all,
anyone here who has experience with different equipment for neonatal cooling and can advise us all about the pros and cons of the respective products?
In the TOBY-trials Tecotherm equipment was used, but since there are some other manufacturers pushing into the market I am curious about the actual or possible advantages/disadvantages of the different models that will show up during clinical use.
Our unit is about to purchase a system, but as we have not decided yet which one I am looking for your valued input.

Many thanks!
Cheers

[mr_raider]

We use the Blanketrol II from Cincinatti Sub-Zero. Your hospital may already have it in the OR or intensive care. We use the NICHD protocol:

1 pediatric blanket for the patient
1 Adult blanket that is just "hung" on a pole
1 Esophageal probe for temp monitoring

Servo-control to 33.5 C

The main advantage of the Blanketrol is that temperature control is automatic.

[Johannes]

Thanks for your reply, mate!
The automated temperature control is definitely an advantage, and this excludes the Tecotherm equipment. We are definitely in favour of an automated system.
May I enquire about the reason of the adult blanket hung on a pole?

Cheers

[mr_raider]

Thanks for your reply, mate!
The automated temperature control is definitely an advantage, and this excludes the Tecotherm equipment. We are definitely in favour of an automated system.
May I enquire about the reason of the adult blanket hung on a pole?

Cheers

This was done in the original NICHD trial (sanakaran et al. protocol), because they found that hanging the 2nd blanket reduced fluctuations in water temparature. It is by no means essential, but we do it because that's how I learned how to do it :D

[jeannie_nicu]

We use the Gaymar Medi-therm II. It also allows for automatic temperature. We use a rectal probe rather than an esophageal probe, and do not use the second blanket. We have no issues with keeping the infant a constant temperature, and re-warming works like a charm also.

[jriley]

We are currently using a CRITICOOL by Kontron. Again uses a disposable rectal probe. Have the option of manual or auto rewarming. Takes around 20 mins to achieve cooling to 33.5 rather than 1 hr + with the Tecotherm. It's pretty easy to operate so training is a breeze! Use baby-wrap which allows just body cooling if using in conjunction with CFM monitor or body and head cooling combined. Much easier to operate than Tecotherm I find.