A NEW TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH TO RADIANT-HEAT WHOLE-BODY HYPERTHERMIA

A new methodology for administering radiant heat whole body hypertherm ia (WBH) in humans is described. The technology utilized circulates ho t water in a cylinder constructed from copper tubing; the design incor porates a counter current distribution system to maintain thermal cons tancy. The tubing is coated with a temperature resistant high emissivi ty finish. Other features include a humidification system to eliminate evaporative heat losses. Data accrued from initial evaluation of this apparatus with a canine model shows that there was no detectable WBH- related hematological, biochemical or physiological toxicity. The perc eived advantages of this WBH-system are discussed.