General Description

Southwest Technologies is proud to help in the fight against cancer through its products that provide care specific to the needs of the cancer patient and their caretakers. Our products support ease of use and palliative care. They are very effective for pain manangement, infection and odor control, scarring, padding against shear, friction and pressure. Southwest Technologies products have also been shown to reduce the loss of hair (alopecia) and nails (onycholysis) associated with chemotherapies. Elasto-gel Padding is recommended for use in high energy radiation to reduce tissue trauma.

General Information

The Elasto-Gel Hypothermia Cap, Gloves and Slippers are made of a glycerine-based hydrogel which maintains its suppleness even when deep-frozen. The cover material is a water resistant   stretchable fabric.

When using the cap in combination with other treatments such as Chemotherapy: Docetaxel, Taxotere Epirubicin-Based, Mitozantrone, Vinorelbine, etc….(Various Chemotherapy Drugs). Studies have proven that hair loss may be reduced by using the cap 15 minutes before the chemotherapy treatment is initiated and continued use up to 30-40 minutes after therapy is completed. The cap should be replaced with another cold cap every 30 minutes throughout the chemo therapy application for best results. The cap should be held firmly against the head. Gauze or elastic wrap may be advantageous. Protect the ears and forehead with gauze or cotton to prevent frostbite. This procedure will provide continuous vasoconstriction with a reduced blood flow to the scalp, leading to a reduction in the quantity of drugs reaching the hair follicles and reduces the loss of hair.  This means that the drug is present at high concentrations in the capillary circulation for a duration which is shorter than that of hypothermia. The reduction of the cellular uptake of the treatment drugs by the hair follicles may also be attributed to the lower temperature. Some research scientists have concluded that, a reduction in the metabolism  of  local tissue, in response to low temperature rather than reduced blood flow, is the most significant factor in preventing alopecia.

Note: Most physicians recommend that the cold cap should not be used in hematological malignancies or solid tumors which could spread to the scalp.

Note: Hair should be styled as short as acceptable to the patient. Thinning the hair may also be helpful if hair is thick or full. The cold cap is safe and well accepted by patients. No significant side effects other than the discomfort of the cold have been reported.

Helpful Guidelines:

1. Keep Elasto-Gel Hypothermia products in freezer 12 hours  minimum in the sealed plastic bags prior to use.
2. Transporting your Elasto-Gel products:  we recommend a cooler and dry ice packing. Dry ice is usually obtainable from grocery stores or ice manufactures. Dry ice  may come in sheets, blocks or pellets.  Dry ice can  be  broken into usable sections to fit your cooler capacity. We suggest packing dry ice around, into and between products for best results. Dry ice should be handled with care and should not come in contact with skin.
3. Product use: All Elasto-Gel Hypothermia products included with a liner for skin protection. Protect exposed skin, the ears in particular when using cold therapy.
4. For additional insulation, we suggest a “towel like” wrap over the outside of product for extended cold therapy.
5. After care consideration for hair care: Hair may become dry & brittle after receiving chemotherapy.

• When possible, do not wash, comb or process hair for the first 72 hours after therapy.
• Avoid use of hair dryers. Dry hair naturally.

Do not perm or color hair.{/tab}

Products

Downloads

 

Cranial Helmet Directions For Use

Hypothermia Mitts Directions For Use

Hypothermia Slippers Directions For Use

Product Brochure

Material Safety Data Sheet