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anesthetized.) At $25 to $30 each, the disposable gowns are a real expense. We could conceivably spend less on warming, but our surgeons are committed to convective warming and patient comfort. They know we keep the ORs cold and they know how much patients appreciate warmth, and would rather not pinch pennies on that front. Still, don't take the first price the warming vendor offers. Work with your GPO and fight for a good deal. OSM
Ms. DeChesser (ldechesser@mcaos.com) is the administrator of the Middlesex Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery in Middletown, Conn.
Convective (Forced-Air) Warmers
3M
Bair Paws Flex Gown
bairpaws.com
(800) 733-7775
Pricing: not disclosed
FYI: 3M's Bair Paws Flex Gown combines the comfort and convenience of a Bair Paws gown with the proven warming ability of Bair Hugger upper- and lower-body blankets. Patients can arrive in the OR pre-warmed by the gown, then 2 separate inserts let you activate warming where you want it while gaining surgical access.
