Superior Pressure Distribution

Pressure

Click to Expand Common Sites for Pressure Points

Surgical patients may have compromised mobility and sensory deficits attributed to the use of specific types of anaesthesia care that include general, regional, monitored anaesthesia care, and moderate sedation/analgesia. The administration of sedative medications results in levels of sedation that range from consciousness to unconsciousness (Odom & Watson, ,2005¹).

As a surgical patient advances on the sedation continuum toward the level of general anaesthesia, there are a loss of protective mechanisms that include decreased pain sensation, loss of mobility and consciousness. Positioning injuries may occur if there is a failure to implement risk reduction strategies to avoid direct pressure, friction, and/or shear forces to a dependent body part.

The understanding of pressure is essential for the prevention of a patient positioning injury during surgery. Pressure occurs when the skin is compressed between a bony prominence and a hard surface such as the procedure bed. When external pressure exceeds normal capillary pressure of 32mm Hg, the patient is placed at an increase risk for impaired tissue perfusion. (Walton-Geer, 2009²; AORN, 2010³). It is the effect of direct pressure exceeding capillary pressure of 32mm Hg that may cause restriction of adequate circulation, resulting in ischemia of the underlying tissue.

Pressure combined with friction and shear that occurs on body areas with bony prominences create an opportunity for tissue damage. It is this type of tissue damage that may progress to a pressure ulcer attributed to improper patient positioning during surgical procedures. An understanding and knowledge of common pressure sites allow perioperative team members to select appropriate positioning devices and apply positioning techniques that will limit exposure to capillary pressure greater than 32mm Hg on tissue where possible.

Devon™ foam positioners have been proven to reduce pressure distribution by 48% at levels above 32mm Hg (Independent study⁴⁾

1. Odom-Forren J, Watson DS. History of moderate sedation. In: Odom-Forren J, Watson DS, eds. Practical Guide to Moderate Sedation/Analgesia. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elevier; 2005.
2. Walton-Geer PS. Prevention of pressure uscers in the surgical patient. AORN Journal. 2009.
3. Association of Perioperative Register Nurses. Recommended practices for positioning the patient in the perioperative practice setting. In: Blanchard J, Burlingame B, Chard R, Denholm B, Giarrizzo-Wilson S, Maxwell-Downing D, Mitchell S, Ogg M, Petersen M, eds. Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. 2010 Edition. Denver, CO: 2010.
4. Principal Investigator Morris V. Shelanski, M.D., C.M.

The Devon™ positioning products offer a reliable, efficient and economical solution for the safe alignment and support of surgical patients during surgery. The non toxic, firm density foam reduces the pressure and provides the ideal combination of exceptional stability and cushioning to common pressure sites.

Devon™ Head Positioners

• High density foam head positioners for maintaining normal head and body alignment
• Redistributes pressure to minimize the risk of postoperative occipital alopecia
• Designed to suit sensitive facial features
• Slotted head positioners designed to accommodate tubing
• Whole in one positioner can also be used for legs, heels, knees or other extremities

Devon™ Body Positioners

• Cushioning and protection for arms, shoulders, elbows, ulnar nerves, bony prominences and other pressure points
• Maximum support of legs, knees, heels, ankles and feet
• Redistribute pressure while maintaining proper circulation
• Designed to provide optimum exposure to operative site
• Stabilizes patient torso comfortably and safely
• Provides protection, correct alignment, and comfort for a variety of procedures

Devon™ Upper Extremity Body Positioners

• Variety of positioners provide support, stability and protection for shoulders, elbows, ulnar nerve, and bony prominences
• Designed to help maintain proper alignment
• Aids in pressure distribution of critical pressure points during the surgical procedure

Devon™ Lower Body Positioners

• Variety of positioners to provide support stability and protection for legs, ankles heels and feet during surgical procedures
• Reduce risk of pressure sores and nerve damage while maintaining proper circulation
• Designed to provide maximum exposure to operative site
• Reduce friction and shear

Please call our Customer Care Team to discuss your requirements on 01707 333164 or email welcome@henleysmed.com.