Utilization of rapid infusion system with cold saline in the induction of therapeutic hypothermia

Objective: To examine the cooling effectiveness of a rapid infusion system (RIS) during induction of therapeutic hypothermia. Methods: This laboratory study simulated the effect of three fluid delivery methods: rapid dripping without any other equipment (control); RIS; pressure bag. Cold energy loss (°C×min) was calculated as: (temperature of the proximal thermoprobe - temperature of the distal thermoprobe)×(total infusion time). Results: Infusion time was significantly shorter and cold energy loss significantly lower in the RIS group than in the two other groups. Conclusions: RIS preserves the cold energy of fluid more effectively than pressure bag or control. RIS allows for rapid infusion at a constant pressure and can be easily applied in an emergency setting.