CAERvest® – a novel endothermic hypothermic device for core temperature cooling: safety and efficacy testing

Abstract

Introduction. Cooling of the body is used to treat hyperthermic individuals with heatstroke or to depress core temperature below normal for neuroprotection. A novel, chemically activated, unpowered cooling device, CAERvest®, was investigated for safety and efficacy. Methods. Eight healthy male participants (body mass 79.9 ± 1.9 kg and body fat percentage 16.1 ± 3.8%) visited the laboratory (20 °C, 40% relative humidity) on four occasions. Following 30-min rest, physiological and perceptual measures were recorded. Participants were then fitted with the CAERvest® proof of concept (PoC) or prototype 1 (P1), 2 (P2) or 3 (P3) for 60 min. Temperature, cardiovascular and perceptual measures were recorded every 5 min. After cooling, the CAERvest® was removed and the torso checked for cold-related injuries. Results. Temperature measures significantly (p < 0.05) reduced pre to post in all trials. Larger reductions in core and skin temperatures were observed for PoC (−0.36 ± 0.18 and −1.55 ± 0.97 °C) and P3 (−0.36 ± 0.22 and −2.47 ± 0.82 °C), compared with P1 and P2. No signs of cold-related injury were observed at any stage. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the CAERvest® is an effective device for reducing body temperature in healthy normothermic individuals without presence of cold injury. Further research in healthy and clinical populations is warranted.

Keywords:

• thermoregulation
• hyperthermia
• heat-related illness
• cooling
• targeted temperature management

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants for volunteering for this study. Special thanks also go to Tom Howes, senior technician, for his technical support throughout.

Disclosure statement

Steve Tocker, Dr Rowland Cottingham and William Simpson, listed as co-authors, are associated with the company that commissioned the product testing, BodyChillz. These individuals were not involved in the data collection or statistical analyses, and their involvement was limited to demonstration of CAERvest® prototypes, familiarization of the study team and the review of this manuscript.