|
Theruptic Surfaces (Huntleigh)
The Huntleigh Dynamic Flotation System is recommended for the prevention & treatment of pressure ulcers up to and including stage IV ulcers. It is an advanced mattress replacement system for acute, sub-acute and home care needs.
Huntleigh Healthcare - Pressure Reliever
by Grace M. Hukushi, RN, BSN, Cinda L. Miller, RN, BSN, MS, WOCN, and Sandra Higelin, MSN, RN, CS, CWCN, CLNC
Grace M. Hukushi is clinical applications specialist, Cinda L. Miller is clinical support associate, and Sandra Higelin is clinical support associate at Huntleigh Healthcare.
Support Options
Based upon literature findings, two support surface technologies exist: constant low pressure and alternating pressure.
Constant low pressure works by spreading the skin surface pressure over a large surface area. This design allows the body to sink into the support surface, which may be filled with water, foam, air or silicone beads, so that the support surface takes on the shape of the body. This increases the surface area where the skin is in contact with the support surface and reduces localized pressure, thereby promoting blood flow.
An example of constant low pressure is the Huntleigh Breeze® low-air-loss mattress replacement system, which combines continuous low pressure support with optimum user comfort.
Alternating pressure support surfaces promote pressure redistribution, blood flow and tissue oxygenation by inflating and deflating alternating air cells at regular intervals.
Early studies demonstrated that the capillary blood pressure of healthy humans ranges from an average of 32 mmHg at the arterial end of the capillary bed, to 12 mmHg at the venous end.1 Today, clinicians use these measurements as a standard to determine capillary closing pressure-the point at which blood flow is occluded. These measurements are used as a clinical indicator of the pressure relieving performance of a support surface.
DFS3 System
The Huntleigh DFS®3 (Advanced Dynamic Flotation System) system effectively relieves pressure below clinically relevant thresholds for longer periods of time to enable blood vessel diameters to remain as large as possible for as long as possible. This system maintains tissue oxygenation and nutrition, and removes toxins, to help prevent and treat pressure ulcers. The system has been incorporated with an Auto-Matt® sensor, which automatically adjusts the pressure to the patients' weight, size and position, ensuring optimum pressure relief and patient comfort at all times.
Laboratory studies have shown that during the 10-minute cycle time of the DFS3 system, interface pressures remain below 32 mmHg 100 percent of the time, under 20 mmHg 60 percent of the time, and below 12 mmHg for an average of 40 percent of the cycle time.2,3
Heel Protection
One of the innovations of the DFS3 system is the HeelguardT section, a special "powered-down" five-cell design at the foot end of the mattress that provides significant pressure relief to the heelsone of the most vulnerable areas of skin breakdown in the body.
In addition, the DFS3 system gives the clinician the best of both worlds by providing a choice of two systems in one: dynamic mode, which provides fully effective pressure relief, and static mode, which provides constant low-pressure reduction. Static mode is ideal when mobilizing patients, when a moving surface is contraindicated and during nursing procedures when a non-alternating support surface is required.
Huntleigh Healthcare's support surfaces have been clinically proven to prevent pressure ulcer development, promote wound healing and reduce healing times in numerous clinical trials.4,5,6 Also, in a number of case studies involving patients with extensive burns, graft/flap repair and necrotizing fascitis, the DFS3 has been shown to be a highly effective alternative to more costly modalities.7,8,9,10
With many features and benefits for patients and caregivers, Huntleigh's DFS3 pressure-relieving mattress replacement system and range of support surfaces have achieved a new standard in pressure area management.
References
1. Landis EM. Micro-injection studies of capillary blood pressure in human skin. Heart 1930;15: 209-28.
2. Data available by contacting Huntleigh Healthcare.
3. Rithalia SV, Gonsalkorale M. Quantification of pressure relief using interface pressure and tissue perfusion in alternating pressure air mattresses. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2000;81(10):1364-9.
4. Russell L, Reynolds TM, Carr J, Evans A, Holmes M. Randomised controlled trial of two pressure-relieving systems. Journal of Wound Care 2000;9(2):52-5.
5. Land L, Evans D, Geary A, Taylor C. A clinical evaluation of an alternating-pressure mattress replacement system in hospital and residential care settings. Journal of Tissue Viability 2000;10(1):6-11.
6. Evans D, Land L and Geary A. A clinical evaluation of the Nimbus 3 alternating pressure mattress replacement system. Journal of Wound Care 2000;9(4):181-6.
7. Mathews J. Evaluation of an alternating pressure support surface for burn treatment. Poster Presentation, SAWC 2003.
8. Harwood, J. Necrotizing fasciitis: a complex wound problem. Poster presentation, WOCN 2002. 9. Schaffer, J. Successful healing and cost-effective care for post-operative flap repair of a pressure ulcer. Poster presentation, SAWC 2002. 10. Doubleman J. Alternating support surface effectiveness with a muscle flap closure of a pressure sore. Poster presentation, SAWC 2001.
