What is Therapeutic Hypothermia

Therapeutic hypothermia is a procedure that purposely lowers the body’s temperature. This procedure is used in emergency situations such as when heart function suddenly stops (cardiac arrest), or severe brain injury occurs.

Therapeutic hypothermia helps reduce swelling in the brain. It also slows down the body’s metabolism and allows the heart and brain to recover. This protects the brain and other organs by:

• Slowing the release of stress hormones that are triggered after the heart stops beating.
• Decreasing the body’s need for oxygen.

Therapeutic cooling increases the chance of surviving without damage in the brain.

How is therapeutic cooling done?

• The body will be cooled for 24 hours and then slowly warmed over the next 24 hours. The person may be cooled with:
  • Cold fluids given through an IV.
  • Ice packs placed on the body.
  • Wraps connected to a cooling machine that are then applied to the chest and legs.
• A device called a ventilator will be used to help the person breathe.
• Medicines will be given to make the person more comfortable and prevent shivering. The person will be given medicine to help him or her relax (sedative), so that the person is not aware of the cold.
• Tubes (catheters), electrodes, and other devices will be used to monitor the person.
• Health care providers will work to treat other conditions or injuries.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What will recovery be like?

• When the cooling period ends, the person will be warmed slowly over several hours. This may take 6-12 hours. Rewarming may be done with dry blankets, a warm environment, or by gradually removing cooling devices.
• Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored closely.
• A breathing tube will be in place until the person is able to breathe on his or her own.
• Some people wake up very quickly after the treatment, while others may take longer to wake up.
• The recovery process varies from person to person. Some people may not recover completely.
• The person will have tests to determine how well he or she is recovering.

Summary

• During therapeutic cooling, body temperature is lowered and kept low for a period of time. Therapeutic cooling increases the chance of surviving without damage in the brain.
• Cooling occurs by fluids given through an IV, ice packs, or cooling machine.
• A sedative and other medicines will be given to make the procedure more comfortable.
• The recovery process varies from person to person. Some people may not recover completely.