Item Brochure

Invacar e
®
Therapeutic Support Sur f aces
Invacare
®
Therapeutic Support Surfaces
3
There is a national focus on pressure ulcer prevention. In fact, the
goal of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is to reduce
incidence by December 2008 and focus on “getting to zero.”
The goal of the government’s Healthy People 2010 Initiative is to
cut the incidence of pressure ulcers in nursing home residents 50%
by 2010.
The statistics are worth noting: There are 1.8 million new pressure
ulcer cases each year, with 70% of those occurring in persons age
70 or older at an overall treatment cost of $1.3 billion. 24% of skilled
nursing residents develop pressure ulcers at some time. That number
increases to 60% in individuals with hip fractures.
More than 17,000 lawsuits linked to pressure ulcers are filed annually.
The focus on more effective prevention and quicker healing is driven,
and even mandated, by many government and medical associations.
But age, obesity, diabetes and other illnesses can all lead to pressure
ulcers…and Americans are increasing in age, weight, and diabetes oc-
currences. The goal of pressure ulcer reduction sounds like an
impossible feat.
Six key interventions aimed at reducing pressure ulcer incidence are:
1. Assess pressure ulcer risk upon admission for all patients in all
care environments: acute care, long term care and home care
2. Reassess risk daily through skin inspection
3. Manage moisture by keeping the patient dry
4. Optimize nutrition
5. Minimize pressure through use of pressure-relieving surfaces
6. Turning every 2 hours
Now, Invacare has joined the effort with a full range of comfort
solutions designed to prevent and remediate pressure ulcers.
The microAIR and Solace innovative technology solutions offer the
patient increased relief and comfort while providing the caregiver a
product that is easy to setup, use and maintain.
It’s what you’d expect from the number one provider of medical
equipment in the world – Invacare.
This information is not medical advice. Each individual should
always consult with his/her physician.
Joining the Effort in Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Understanding Pressure Ulcers
What are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers, sometimes called bed sores or decubitus (lying
in bed) ulcers, are typically located in the areas where the body
has less protective covering on weight bearing points. Those
areas are typically heels, elbows, shoulders, and the sacral
regions in the supine, semi-recumbent, and seated positions.
Ankles, knees, hips and ears are additional areas of concern
in the lateral position. (See Fig. A) When blood pressure inside
the dermis is blocked or above 32mm/Hg, capillaries begin to
close. (See Fig. B)
Without the nutrients in the blood and the removal of waste
products the area begins to break down. The first sign is
redness and warmth to the touch. In severe stages, extensive
tissue destruction can lead to tissue necrosis (death), and
damage to supporting muscle and bone.
Fig. A
Seated
Position
Lateral Position
Supine Position
Semi-Recumbent
Position
Shoulder Blades
Occiput
Shoulder Blades
Elbows
Sacrum
Ischial Tuberosity
Back
of Head
Ankle
Shoulder
Blades
Sacrum
Heels
Toes
Elbows
SURFACE OF BED
S
H
E
AR
I
NG FO
RC
E
FRICTION
Heel
Toes
Spinal Protrusion
Elbows
Sacrum
Ischial Tuberosity
Heels
Knee Hip Shoulder Ear