Why Is Hypothermia Induced During Surgery

During anesthesia and surgery, hypothermia occurs mainly because of a combination of anesthesia-induced impairment of thermoregulatory control, a cool operating room environment, and surgical factors that promote excessive heat loss.

Why is induced hypothermia used for patients who are undergoing certain surgeries?

Induced hypothermia aims to avoid the complications associated with hypothermia. It is principally used in comatose cardiac arrest survivors, head injury, and neonatal encephalopathy. The mechanism of action is thought to be mediated by prevention of cerebral reperfusion injury.

Why does medically induced hypothermia said to be useful during heart surgery?

Hypothermia is usually used during cardiac surgery because it is believed to give additional protection against cardiac and cerebral ischaemia [7].