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The effect of a dynamic pressure-redistributing bed support surface upon systemic lymph flow and composition
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2221 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, California 95817-2214, USA.
Journal of Tissue Viability
|April 13, 2001
Summary
The Airwave mattress significantly increased lymphatic circulation and protein transport in sheep compared to standard hospital mattresses. This dynamic action may help prevent pressure ulcers by improving lymph flow.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Lymphatic insufficiency is implicated in pressure ulcer development.
- Conventional hospital mattresses may impede lymphatic circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the Airwave mattress on lymphatic circulation.
- To compare lymphatic flow on the Airwave mattress versus a standard hospital mattress.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized sheep with chronic lymph fistulas were used.
- Lymph flow and vascular pressures were measured on standard and Airwave mattresses.
- The study involved sequential switching between mattress types.
Main Results:
- Lymph flow increased over threefold on the Airwave mattress compared to the standard mattress.
- Lymphatic protein transport also significantly increased on the Airwave mattress.
- Hemodynamic variables and blood gases remained constant during the study.
Conclusions:
- The Airwave mattress's dynamic action enhances lymphatic circulation.
- This improvement may reduce pressure-induced lymphatic compression, edema, and tissue swelling.
- Findings support the Airwave mattress's potential role in preventing pressure ulcers.