PFM MEDICAL HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 Hypo-/Hyperthermia Units

Condition: New
Part #: HICO-VARIOTHERM 550

$9,200.00

PFM MEDICAL HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 Hypo-/Hyperthermia Units

 

SKU: HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 Categories: ,
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Description

The PFM Medical HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 is a high-precision patient temperature management (PTM) system designed for the rigorous demands of critical care. By utilizing advanced thermal regulation technology, this unit provides clinicians with the ability to induce, maintain, and reverse hypothermia or hyperthermia with exceptional accuracy.

Engineered specifically for sensitive environments—including neonatology, pediatrics, and intensive surgery—the HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 ensures that core body temperatures remain stable within a therapeutic window of 15 to 39 °C. Its compact footprint and reliable performance make it an essential tool for improving patient outcomes through targeted temperature management.


Core Technology: Peltier-Driven Thermal Regulation

The HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 distinguishes itself through its use of Peltier technology. Unlike traditional compressor-based units, Peltier elements allow for a more compact, vibration-free, and low-noise operation, which is critical in neonatal and pediatric settings.

  • Honeycomb Water Pads: The system utilizes radiolucent pads with a unique honeycomb structure. This design maximizes the surface area for heat transfer while remaining “invisible” under X-ray and other imaging modalities, allowing for uninterrupted surgical workflows.

  • Dual-Use Capabilities: Unlike warming-only units, the 550 model provides active cooling and warming within a single interface.

  • Hygienic Closed-Loop System: The water circuit is fully closed to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring a high standard of infection control in sterile environments.


Mechanism of Action

The HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 operates via conduction. Water is heated or cooled within the main control unit using Peltier modules and then circulated through connected pads placed in contact with the patient.

  1. Thermal Induction: The clinician selects the target temperature via the push-button interface.

  2. Circulation: The low-noise pump moves the conditioned water through the honeycomb pads.

  3. Heat Exchange: Energy is transferred through the pad material to or from the patient’s skin, effectively raising or lowering the core temperature.

  4. Continuous Monitoring: The system constantly monitors the water temperature to ensure it stays within the set parameters, providing a stable thermal environment for the duration of the treatment.


Clinical Applications and Indications

  • Neonatology & Pediatrics: Maintaining normothermia in vulnerable newborns or providing therapeutic cooling for HIE (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy).

  • Surgical Procedures: Managing patient temperature during long operations to prevent unintended perioperative hypothermia.

  • Critical Care: Targeted temperature management for cardiac arrest or stroke patients where neuroprotection is required.

  • Imaging-Heavy Workflows: Procedures requiring frequent X-ray or fluoroscopy due to the radiolucent pad design.


Key Advantages: HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 vs. Standard Units

Feature HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 Standard Warming Units
Temp Range 15 °C – 39 °C (Cooling & Warming) 30 °C – 41 °C (Warming Only)
Technology Peltier (Vibration-free/Low-noise) Traditional Compressor or Air-based
Imaging Fully Radiolucent Honeycomb Pads Often requires pad removal for X-ray
Safety Auto-shutdown at 41.5 °C Manual monitoring required
Infection Control Closed-loop + Single-use pad options Open-loop or Air-dispersal risks

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Temperature Range 15 °C to 39 °C
Safety Shutdown Automatic at 41.5 °C
Control System Microprocessor-controlled with visual/acoustic alarms
Pad Compatibility Reusable honeycomb pads or single-use Soft-Temp pads
Noise Level Ultra-low decibel (optimized for neonatal use)
Portability Integrated stand with locking castors

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary benefits of using Peltier technology in the HICO-VARIOTHERM 550?

Peltier technology allows the unit to be significantly more compact and quieter than traditional compressor units. Because it has no moving parts for cooling, it creates a vibration-free environment. This is especially beneficial in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where noise and vibration can be detrimental to infant recovery.

Are the HICO water pads safe for use during X-rays or intraoperative imaging?

Yes. The HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 uses specialized honeycomb water pads that are radiolucent. This means they do not interfere with X-ray or fluoroscopic imaging. Surgeons and radiologists can maintain active temperature management without having to move the patient or remove the thermal pads during the procedure.

How does the system handle patient safety during hyperthermia (warming) treatments?

Safety is a core priority of the HICO system. The unit features an automatic safety shutdown mechanism that triggers if the water temperature reaches 41.5 °C. Additionally, the intuitive interface provides visual and acoustic alarms to alert clinical staff immediately if there is a deviation from the set temperature.

Can this unit be used for both adult and pediatric patients?

While the HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 is highly regarded for neonatology and pediatrics due to its precision and low noise, it is a versatile unit capable of managing temperature for adult patients in surgical or critical care settings. The range of compatible pads allows for flexible use across various patient sizes.

What options are available for infection control and prevention?

The system employs a closed-loop water circuit to prevent the aerosolization of contaminants. For high-risk patients, PFM Medical offers optional “Soft-Temp” single-use pads. These allow for effective thermal transfer while ensuring a sterile barrier and eliminating the need for complex reprocessing between patients.

What is the difference between the HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 and the HICO-AQUATHERM 660?

The HICO-VARIOTHERM 550 is a dual-function unit providing both cooling (hypothermia) and warming (hyperthermia) across a wide range of 15–39 °C. The HICO-AQUATHERM 660 is a companion model primarily focused on warming, making it suitable for standard surgical applications where cooling is not required.

Listing Terms & Conditions

We ship worldwide, please inquire the shipping rate to your country before placing an order.

We carry all products of this brand in the listing, please let me know if you have any other inquires which is not listed in our store.

All purchases over $1,000 must be paid by wire transfer. We cannot accept international credit card payments for orders over $1,000.

Due to worldwide shipping delays, it is possible that items listed could be on backorder. If the item is unavailable for an extended period, we sincerely apologize for the delay. In this case, we will refund you as soon as we are notified of the backorder and contact you with the confirmation of refund.