Comparison of four intraoperative warming devices.

Several methods of heat conservation and transfer have been suggested as aids to reducing heat loss during anesthesia. This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of four warming and heat maintenance therapies. The efficacy of various heat conservation modalities was evaluated in 60 patients in five groups of 12 each, four experimental groups, and a control group. The study concluded that the Bair Hugger is more effective in maintaining normothermia during general anesthesia than is a reflective blanket, humidistat, or heated humidifier.