The IV Evaporative Cooling System (IVECS™) was developed to prevent IV fluids from reaching excessively hot and potentially dangerous temperatures. It does not actively cool the IV fluid but rather prevents it from heating up. Studies show that excessively hot IV fluids can cause tissue damage and hemolysis. Hot fluids are also counter-productive when treating heat casualties. When operating in a desert or any low humidity hot environment this becomes a serious concern.

The IVECS™' efficient design maintains fluids at a safe temperature for up to 18 hours without additional cooling assistance. The cooling systems are cost effective and re-usable. It can easily be converted to a pressure infuser with the addition of a standard blood pressure cuff. It will accomidate both 500ml and 100ml bags. The IVECS™ provides an effective, power free means of delivering IV fluids at a safe temperature under adverse conditions and in harsh climates.

How does it work?

The IVECS™ is an essential piece of equipment for any care provider operating in extremely hot conditions.

The IVECS™ does not need to be cooled prior to inserting the IV bag. The only step required is to soak the pouch for approximately 15 minutes. It is not like a cold pack that absorbs or transfers heat energy from one mass to another to cool. The temperature is controlled by the movement of water in the form of gas traveling over the surface area of the IV bag, just as the human body regulates temperature by the evaporation of sweat. The circulation of air around the bag is important to allow maximum efficiency. It will work without the circulation, but not as well. When USAMRMC (US Army Medical Material Command) conducted testing where there was no breeze in the chamber and they did not chill the IVECS prior to initiation of the test. Results were the IVECS™ still performing and staying within the established guidelines.

Features Include:

• No power required, simply soak in water
• Can be hung in the back of a vehicle or clinic or attached to a pack on standard PALS straps
• Does not actively cool the fluid, only prevents and delays it from heating
• Ideal for hot dry desert climates

"ECRI recommends that fluid and warming cabinets not be set at temperatures above 43°C (109.4°F). In some instances a setting of 43°C may be too high."

According to these guidelines established by a leading authority on patient care and safety in the US, fluids stored at ambient temperatures in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other desert areas around the world are not maintained at a safe temperature. The average daily temperatures in these areas can be in excess of 54°C (130°F). Other studies indicate that the administration of fluids at temperatures exceeding 52.2°C (126°F) can damage tissue and blood cells. While forward surgical units, combat support hospitals, and vehicle based heath care providers have the ability to store fluids at safe temperatures, the combat medic or wilderness medical provider do not.

Recent reports from Iraq have shown the IVECS™ to maintain fluids at temperatures well below the established maximum. One soldier reported a temperature of 35.5°C (96°F). This demonstrates the impact of the addition of a light breeze and occasional shade, which make the IVECS™ even more effective.

Tests conducted by USAMRMC (US Army Medical Research & Material Command) proved the IVECS™ effective in extremely harsh, unrealistic conditions. The bag was tested over a period of 13.5 hours at a temperature of 54°C (130°F) and a maximum of 5% humidity with no wind.

Within 2.5 hours, the control bag was already at ambient temperature 54°C (130°F). The bag stored in the IVECS™ was only 43.3°C (110°F) and then began a very slow climb to a maximum temperature of 50°C (122°F), four degrees below the maximum recommended temperature for blood products and fluids.

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