Devices, systems, and methods for temperature management
The present technology relates to systems and methods for managing core body temperature in a subject using, for example, an esophageal heat exchange device. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for reducing duration of a hospital stay in a subject undergoing core body temperature management.
1. A method for controlling core body temperature in a subject in which mild to moderate hypothermia is being induced, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an esophageal cooling device, the esophageal cooling device comprising a heat exchange region having at least two lumens providing a fluid path for flow of a heat exchange medium, the esophageal cooling device further including first and second external tubes for delivering the heat exchange medium to and from the lumens of the heat exchange region and from and to an external source of the heat exchange medium;
orally or nasally placing at least a portion of the heat exchange region of the esophageal cooling device in an esophagus of the subject, wherein, throughout a procedure, the first and second external tubes remain completely outside of an oral or nasal cavity of the subject, wherein the heat exchange medium passes through the first and second external tubes before passing into the heat exchange region or after passing from the heat exchange region;
securing the first external tube with an anchor pad to reduce or prevent direct contact between the outer surface of the first external tube and exposed skin of the subject, wherein the anchor pad is positioned external to the oral cavity of the subject, wherein the first external tube passes over the anchor pad without passing through the anchor pad, so that the anchor pad lies between the first external tube and the exposed skin of the subject, wherein the second external tube is not secured to the anchor pad;
initiating flow of the heat exchange medium through the fluid path to achieve or maintain hypothermia;
assessing the subject for a shivering response; and
providing at least one anti-shivering intervention if the subject demonstrates mild to severe shivering.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-shivering intervention is a non-sedating anti-shivering intervention.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the non-sedating anti-shivering intervention comprises (i) administering an anti-shivering agent selected from the group consisting of acetaminophen, buspirone, magnesium sulfate, nephopam, meperidine, and combinations thereof or (ii) skin counter-warming.