Original Article

Water Pressure Drop versus Flow Rate; Its Effect on Rewarming in Infant/Pediatric Heat Exchangers

The Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Children's Hospital of New Jersey, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, United Hospitals Medical Center, Newark, NJ 07107

^* Direct communications to: Joseph Schiavo, The Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, United Hospitals Medical Center, 15 South 9th Street, Newark, NJ 07107

Received: 22 October 1982
Revised: 29 November 1982
Accepted: 3 February 1983

Abstract

Four pediatric heat exchangers were tested to determine whether the water pressure gradient through the units, and the related drop in flow, has a significant effect on rewarm time. Varying resistances were noted in each unit, which seemed primarily dependent on heat exchanger design. While the units offering less resistance to water flow would theoretically transfer more heat due to higher water flowrates, they did not demonstrate shorter warm times clinically. The shorter warm times seen clinically were more dependent upon blood flowrates used.