Evaluation of a new temperature management system during off-pump coronary artery bypass.

OBJECTIVE We evaluated the performance of a new temperature management system (Arctic Sun, Medivance, Inc.) in maintaining normothermia during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-eight unselected patients were prospectively randomized to either a conventional temperature management method (consisting of a sterile forced-air warming blanket, warm intravenous fluids, and maintenance of a warm OR) or the new Arctic Sun system (two pads, Arctic Sun Energy Transfer Pads placed on the patient's back with temperature-controlled water flowing through the pads). RESULTS The mean age, body surface area, and total operating time were similar in both groups. Despite significantly lower room temperatures (p<0.001) in the Arctic Sun group, the system maintained higher bladder and nasopharyngeal temperatures (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). A core temperature of at least 36 degrees C was achieved in 97% of the Arctic Sun patients compared with 42% in the conventional group. Additionally, intra-operative blood loss for the Arctic Sun patients was significantly less (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS The Arctic Sun system significantly outperformed conventional techniques in achieving and maintaining normothermia during off-pump coronary artery bypass.