Device-related atypical pressure ulcer after cardiac surgery

Medical devices must be closely monitored to prevent harm to patients. Pressure ulcers secondary to medical devices present a significant health burden in terms of length of stay in hospital and cost. Intensivists, anaesthetists and other professionals involved in managing critically ill patients following cardiac surgery need to be aware that pressure ulcers may develop in atypical sites and present at a later stage of the hospital stay. This case report highlights the important issue of device-related pressure ulcers in the cardiac surgical intensive care setting, particularly when the clinical status of the patient may preclude routine assessment and prophylaxis. An algorithm for preventing such pressure ulcers is suggested.