Do passive heat and moisture exchangers keep the patient warm?

Abstract

We observed a reduced temperature decrease of approximately 1°C with the use of the HME, which will result in less postoperative increase in the systemic oxygen uptake and less strain on the cardiovascular system. We suggest this is clinically significant. Use of the Siemens-Elema Servo Humidifier 150° in adult men having general anesthesia for superficial or extremity operations significantly decreased the rate of fall in core body temperature.