Description

Why Do We Need a Hydro-Therm?

During normal breathing, the upper airway plays a crucial role in warming and humidifying the air we inhale while also preserving the heat and moisture from exhaled air. Even when we breathe in cold or dry air, it is typically warmed to 37°C and fully saturated with moisture, containing about 44 mg of water per liter.

However, when a tracheal tube is used—as is common during surgery—this natural process is disrupted. The upper airway can no longer reabsorb heat and moisture during exhalation, leading to increased drying and cooling effects in the respiratory tract. Over long surgical procedures, patients are exposed to dry ventilatory gases, which can cause several complications, including:

• Localized inflammation of the trachea
• Decreased ciliary function
• Retention and thickening of airway secretions
• Lowered body temperature
• Reduced cardiopulmonary function
• Increased risk of tracheostomy tube blockage

To prevent these issues, a passive humidification device such as a Hydro-Therm is used. It incorporates a heat and moisture exchanger placed at the patient connection of a basic two-limb breathing system, helping to maintain adequate humidity and temperature in the inspired gases.

Hydro-Therm 1560000 Technical Specifications:

• Moisture return: 31.6 mg H₂O/liter
• Airway resistance at 30 L/min: 0.2 cm H₂O
• Airway resistance at 60 L/min: 0.8 cm H₂O
• Compressible volume: 59 ml
• Weight: 31 g
• Connectors: 22F/15M–22M/15F
• Minimum tidal volume: 200 ml

In summary, the Hydro-Therm helps protect patients from the harmful effects of dry medical gases during extended periods of mechanical ventilation, making it an essential component in airway management during surgery.