PRESSURE RELIEF AND PATIENT POSITIONING
Updated: 14/07/2015
The incidence of pressure ulcers produced in the operating room can be significantly reduced by using the most effective positioners and pressure reducers, as well as applying basic concepts in positioning care. Operating room staff education is fundamental.
The Trulife product range for pressure care is due to our commitment to patients and the health system in the development and continuous improvement of products for pressure care. Numerous studies have been carried out in the development of each product range. Our products today offer the best and widest selection of products for pressure reduction in the operating room, for patients in all surgical specialties.
Pressure care
Prevention of peri-operative pressure injury
Definition: Pressure ulcer
A pressure ulcer is a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or a combination of pressure and shear.
Definition: Pressure neuropathy
In pressure neuropathy, there is excessive pressure on the root of a nerve or a peripheral nerve that leads to ischemia (not enough oxygen due to poor blood supply). If the pressure continues, fibrosis tends to develop.
Who is at risk?
All operating room patients due to the level of mobility limitation. Surgical patients still account for between 20% and 30% of all pressure injuries. General statistics on the prevalence of PUs in Germany (21.1%), Australia (28.2%), Italy (27%), USA (11.5%) and Canada (16.5%).
Areas at greatest risk
Bony prominences
Head, elbows, sacrum, heels, shoulders, hips, buttocks, knees
Etiology: What happens?
Prolonged pressure - Pressure on capillaries/blood nerves - Ischemia and lack of oxygen - Capillary rupture or nerve compression - Pressure ulcer/Neuropathy
Principles of safe positioning
- Level of prolonged pressure on bony prominences and nerve endings.
- Avoid respiratory and circulatory failure
- Safely achieve the optimal surgical position
- Facilitate the role of the anesthetist
Intervention - Pressure injuries can be prevented!
Use of preventive measures! Staff training!
Trulife offers an extensive range of pressure care equipment.
The prevention of pressure injuries plays a fundamental role in the economy and direction of health services.
"In the United Kingdom, pressure ulcers absorb about 4% of public health expenditure"
"2.5 million patients are treated for pressure ulcers in the USA."
