Prototype of a Thermal Blanket with Advanced Temperature Control Proposed for Treatment of Perioperative Hypothermia in Burn Patients

This paper presents the development of a prototype of a thermal blanket proposed to aim at addressing perioperative hypothermia in burn patients. The system integrates proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control with fuzzy logic and state space controllers to achieve robust and adaptable temperature regulation. Via a PIC18F66K80 microcontroller, the blanket processes data from K-type thermocouples. Through pulse width modulation (PWM) for heating control, the prototype ensures a stable temperature until manually reset or a preset time elapses. The blanket performance is evaluated setting it up to 40^∘C in a room at 20^∘C, emulating the temperature conditions of an operating room. After fifty tests, an average stabilization time of 44.4 s is achieved, similar to simulations (44 s). In addition, the design complies with IEC 60601 standards for electromedical equipment, emphasizing patient safety and risk management through adherence to ISO 14971 guidelines. In order to validate the blanket’s performance, two groups of participants are interviewed. On the one hand, a survey via a four-item questionnaire on the thermal sensation, temperature stability and comfort was carried out to a group of 10 volunteers. On the other, a four-item questionnaire, designed to evaluate the user interface, ease of use, and operational challenges, was applied to three doctors from the Meritorious Ladies’ Charity Society of Guayaquil. Based on volunteers’ and doctors’ answers, it can be said that the blanket delivers a proper performance. Despite the promising design and initial testing results, the study acknowledges significant limitations, including the lack of clinical trials to validate the blanket’s effectiveness in real hospital settings. Future research directions are suggested, focusing on comprehensive clinical validation, scalability, and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance the device’s utility. Overall, the thermal blanket demonstrates potential for improving patient care in burn units by providing effective temperature management, crucial for successful surgical outcomes and recovery.