Intravascular temperature modulation in the neurosurgical critical care unit

Abstract

A new technology for intravascular temperature modulation increasingly is being used for severely ill neurosurgical patients in tertiary care centers in the United States. The goal of this intervention is to minimize secondary brain injury. Because a 1 degrees C temperature reduction reduces cerebral metabolic demand by 10%, an efficient means of both lowering and maintaining optimal body temperature is crucial. The CoolGard intravascular catheter can lower body temperature at the rate of 3-4 degrees C per hour and maintain a steady state via feedback from a bladder catheter thermistor.