Textile and Apparel Science

Development and Validation of an Induced Hypothermia Thermoregulation Model for Assessing Patient Warming Devices

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop and validate an induced hypothermia thermoregulation model to assess patient warming devices for preventing perioperative hypothermia. An  ANDI thermal manikin with a simulated active thermoregulation (AT) model (ManikinPC) was used to predict human physiological responses under controlled, repeatable conditions. Researchers developed an adapted induced hypothermia (IH) model that neutralized vasoconstriction, perspiration, and shivering without restricting vasodilation to reflect real-world physiological responses under anesthesia. Predicted core temperature, skin temperature, skin blood flow, comfort, and sensation perceptions were compared between the AT and IH models when the manikin was nude and when covered with a patient warming blanket. Three test replicates were performed for each test condition for the 70-minute protocol duration. Significant differences were found between the models. The IH model successfully predicted the unique physiological responses of anesthetized surgical patients at risk for perioperative hypothermia, proving to be a useful tool.

Keywords: manikin, modeling, hypothermia, anesthesia, medical device

How to Cite:

Bernal-Diaz, S., van Grieken, A. & McQuerry, M., (2025) “Development and Validation of an Induced Hypothermia Thermoregulation Model for Assessing Patient Warming Devices”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18478