Hypothermia Emergency Vest Protects Against Neurological Damage

Researchers at the Hohenstein Institute (Boennigheim, Germany) have developed a novel instantaneous cooling system based on the mineral zeolite and proprietary water adsorption technology. The technology utilizes waterproof, airtight, hollow textile cooling pads filled with water that are integrated into a vest. The cooling pads are connected to a metal container maintained in a vacuum that contain the silicate mineral zeolite. When an interposed valve is opened, the water in the pads is instantly cooled down to nearly freezing, thus effectively draining heat from the patient's body.

The cooling system based on the zeolite/water adsorption technology has a simple design that does not require electrical power, and can be used in any location, offering drastic lowering of the core body temperature to 32-34 °C. Such rapid cooling has been proven to protect the brain against irreparable neurological damage after occurrence of a cardiac arrest. The cooling pads are intended to complement mobile defibrillators with automated electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis for use by first aiders without medical knowledge.

“The cooling pads harbor enormous potential in the neurological rehabilitation after cardiac arrests,” said Prof. Dirk Höfer, PhD, of the faculty of hygiene, environment, and medicine. “In addition to the benefits for the affected individual, every prevented case of invalidity is also a great financial advantage for the general public.”

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Hohenstein Institute