Pressure-relieving properties of a intra-operative warming device.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to determine differences in interface pressure between four mattress combinations: a standard operating table mattress, a pressure-relieving gel pad and an under-patient warming device set at 38 degrees C (Pegasus Inditherm System) and at ambient temperature. The secondary objective was to determine whether the warming device remains stable in extreme surgical positions.


METHODS
Interface pressures obtained with all four combinations were measured in 10 healthy volunteers using force sensing array technology.


RESULTS
The warming device demonstrated better or equivalent pressure relief when compared with the standard gel pad. There was no significant difference in subject position 'shift' between the mattress, the gel pad and the warming device for either the Trendelenberg or reverse Trendelenberg positions.


CONCLUSIONS
Both pressure-relieving mattresses and warming reduce intra-operative pressure damage. A mattress with both properties may further reduce pressure damage postoperatively. The warming device used in this study appears stable--subject 'slippage' was minimal in extreme positions. Research needs to be conducted among real anaesthetised patients to support these conclusions.
Baker
E A
EA
Unit of Surgery, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, UK. drlizbaker@yahoo.co.uk
Leaper
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards*; D001827:Body Height; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D018475:Head-Down Tilt; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors