About the HotDog Patient Warming System

The HotDog Patient Warming System, manufactured by Augustine Temperature Management of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a clinically proven conductive warming platform designed to prevent unintended perioperative hypothermia. At its core is the WC5X Controller — a microprocessor-controlled unit that delivers low-voltage current to up to five connected warming devices simultaneously. Compatible HotDog Warming Blankets (Ports A and B) can be set between 37°C and 43°C, while the underbody Warming Mattress (Port C) operates between 35°C and 39°C, allowing clinicians to warm patients from above and below at the same time. This simultaneous dual-surface capability is unique among patient warming platforms and can be particularly effective for longer surgical procedures or patients who arrive hypothermic.

Air-Free, Water-Free Conductive Warming Technology

Unlike forced-air warming systems that generate convection currents by blowing heated air, the HotDog system uses resistive conductive warming through its patented ThermAssure® semi-conductive polymer fabric. The fabric converts low-voltage electrical current into uniform, consistent heat that is delivered directly to the patient through physical contact — with no airflow, no waste heat rising toward the sterile surgical field, and no water circulation. Augustine Temperature Management and supporting researchers have highlighted forced-air warming’s potential to generate convection currents that may carry particulates toward the surgical site; the HotDog air-free approach is designed to eliminate this mechanism of risk, particularly in orthopedic implant and cardiac procedures. The warming devices are also reusable, wipeable with standard hospital-grade low-to-intermediate disinfectants, and latex/DEHP-free.

Safety Systems and Alarms

The WC5X Controller incorporates a layered safety architecture. A primary over-temperature alarm activates and removes power from a warming device port if the sensor reads more than 1°C above the selected setpoint. An independent secondary circuit acts as a backup shutoff — triggering at 46°C for blanket ports and 41.5°C for the mattress port — operating entirely independently of the primary alarm pathway. A time-to-temperature alarm sounds if a connected warming device fails to reach the selected setpoint within 10 minutes, alerting staff to a potential device or connection issue. A six-hour continuous-use timer automatically removes power from any warming device that has been running without a setpoint adjustment for six hours, providing an additional safeguard against unmonitored prolonged use. All alarm conditions are classified as Medium Priority Technical Alarms with a minimum audible level of 65 dB(A) at 3 meters.

Setup, Mounting, and Clinical Use

The WC5X Controller is designed for fast and flexible deployment. It can be clamped to a standard IV pole (recommended mounting height no higher than 44 inches from the floor to prevent tipping), suspended from an OR table or gurney rail via optional hooks, or placed directly on a flat surface. At 11 lbs, it is portable enough to travel with the patient from the OR to recovery when the patient line needs to be reconnected to a different controller unit. Setup is straightforward: connect the mains power cord to a properly grounded hospital-grade outlet, mount the controller, connect the warming device cable to the appropriate port, and set the desired temperature using the Temperature Adjust Button. A confirming audible beep sounds when a warming device is detected, indicating that both the control sensor and over-temperature sensor are present and functional. The unit displays a software version on startup and illuminates only the Mains Power ON indicator when idle.

Maintenance and Cleaning

The WC5X Controller requires annual testing of indicator light function and electrical safety checks (ground continuity and leakage current), per the service manual — or more frequently if required by institutional protocol. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the controller; biomedical engineering or an authorized service center must perform any internal repairs. The controller exterior can be cleaned with a moistened soft cloth and mild detergent or antimicrobial spray; avoid pushing liquid into openings. HotDog Warming Blankets and Mattresses should be cleaned between every patient use with alcohol-based or quaternary ammonium disinfectants; hydrogen peroxide-based and high-level disinfectants are not recommended. Warming devices must never be placed in an autoclave, sterilizer, or high-temperature system. Blankets and Mattresses carry labeled expiration dates and must not be used past that date.

FDA Device Corrections and Safety Bulletins

The FDA’s medical device database lists two Class 2 device recalls on record for the HotDog Patient Warming product line by Augustine Temperature Management / Augustine Surgical Inc. (FDA recall IDs 212147 and 211102). Class 2 recalls indicate situations in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. IPR Medical recommends that facilities review the full recall details directly via the FDA’s resources below to understand which specific products, lot numbers, and actions apply to their inventory.

In general, clinicians using HotDog warming devices should ensure that temperature sensors are in direct contact with the patient (not obstructed by IV bags, gel pads, or other objects), that warming devices are not used beyond their labeled expiration date, that warming blankets are not placed under the patient (only the Warming Mattress and Disposable Sheets are designed for underbody use), and that the controller is not operated adjacent to or stacked with other equipment without verifying normal operation.

Because FDA device corrections and safety communications may be updated or expanded after the date of this listing, IPR Medical recommends that facilities also check the FDA’s official resources directly to ensure they have the most current information.

IPR Medical — Service, Parts, and Sales

IPR Medical buys, sells, and repairs HotDog Patient Warming System controllers and stocks compatible parts and accessories. Whether your facility needs a replacement WC5X controller, warming device cables, or service support for an existing unit, IPR Medical’s biomedical team is equipped to help. Contact us to discuss availability, condition options, or to arrange an evaluation of your existing equipment.

IPR Medical buys, sells, repairs, and stocks parts for the HotDog Patient Warming System. Contact us at 855-477-8866 or cs@iprmed.com.

Trademark Notice: Augustine Temperature Management, and all other brand names, model names, and part numbers shown are trademarks of their respective owners and are used on this page only to identify the original manufacturer’s equipment offered here, consistent with nominative fair use. This listing is offered by IPR Medical, an ISO 9001:2015-certified independent service organization, and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Augustine Temperature Management.