Magnetic hyperthermia instruments are a type of blood temperature measurement tool that uses electromagnetic fields rather than hot needles. Because these instruments use electromagnetic fields, they are safe and effective—they do not create the same level of heat that would be produced by using hot needles. Inspecting blood temperature with an electromagnetic Hyperthermia Instrument is similar to using a thermometer: You just need to check on your patient’s temperature instead of directly inserting a thermistor into their skin. A magnetic hyperthermia instrument is also known as a “Magnetic Triage” or “Magnetic Cooling” instrument. It consists of several components, including body-worn coils, handheld fans, and electronic monitoring devices. This article explains how to properly use a magnetic hyperthermia instrument safely and effectively.
Get to Know Your Device
The basic functions of most modern medical devices are the same today as they were back in the early 1900s. Modern equipment is usually much more accurate and efficient than its predecessors. This is why so many non-specialists use blood pressure cuffs and monitors, instead of the cumbersome and inaccurate doctor-patient devices. Before using a device, make sure you know how it works and how it can be used in your patient’s situation. Knowing the following will help ensure you use a safe and effective device: Type of thermometer (patient- or home-ovable thermometer) Type of electrode (electrical, radiofrequency, or optical) Electromagnetic field strength (not to be confused with radiofrequency or thermal energies) How the field is created (electromagnetic waves or radiofrequency) How often the device isepromizes (repatterns) Device type and features (battery-powered, easy to use, non-invasive, etc.)
Place your patient in the correct position first
Before you place your patient in the correct position, you need to take some time to get to know the device. This will help you save time when it comes to set-up and take the device from a safety standpoint. Set up can be a hassle, especially if you have to set up for more than one patient at a time. If your patient is lying down, you need to place them in the supine (lying on their back) or left lateral (lying on their left side) position. If your patient is standing, you need to place them in a balanced stance, with their weight slightly over their right foot and left leg slightly bent. This will help to ensure a stable and healthy heartbeat. Make sure your patient’s head is slightly higher than the rest of their body. A healthy person’s head should be higher than their body, making the patient’s head appear higher than their shoulder. Make sure your patient’s feet are roughly parallel and in line with one another. This will help to ensure a stable and healthy gait and posture.
Use the fan and cool their extremities first
Before you start to cool your patient’s extremities, you need to get a feel for their body temperature. Take the time to observe your patient from all angles, using the fan and the handheld ice pack. You can generally keep the fan on for about 20 minutes before turning it off, and you should generally cool your patient’s extremities with an ice pack for about 15 minutes before turning it off. This is a very simple way to get to know your equipment and to help you save energy.
Check for any abnormal heart rhythm or rate
Some people will have a heart rate that is significantly higher than normal when they are experiencing high temperatures. A high heart rate is generally an indication that the heart is working too hard and is revving itself too quickly. This is why you will typically see an increase in heart rate with fever and other illnesses that cause increased body temperature. It can also be a sign of increased stress in your patient.
Step up their cooling as needed
Even though a patient’s heart rate should decrease with lower body cooling, some people will have a heart rate that will remain elevated even after the cooling process has ended. It is important to step up the cooling process if this happens. The best way to do this is to place a cold pack on the patient’s lower body for about 15 minutes, followed by a hot pack for about 15 minutes, and then a cold pack for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process three times, switching hot and cold packs every time.
Conclusion
The proper use of a magnetic hyperthermia device is key to having a safe and effective experience. When using a magnetic hyperthermia device, you need to place your patient in the correct position, use the fan and direct your patient’s body temperature towards the cool end of the scale. Microwave and infrared devices will not be effective in this situation, and are not safe enough to be used on patients. While most magnetic hyperthermia instruments use RF technology, the hand-held version is one of the safest and most effective alternatives available. When using this type of device, you can be sure that the patient is in the right position, and will be treated with the appropriate amount of cooling.