Randomized controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of a multi-cell pulsating dynamic mattress system in the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a multi-cell pulsating dynamic mattress system in comparison with conventional management for the prevention of pressure ulcers in the operative and postoperative period in patients having cardiovascular surgery. The study was a single center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients who were having cardiovascular surgery for a duration of at least 4 hours were randomly assigned, prior to surgery, to dynamic mattress system or conventional management--both of which were initiated in the operating room and continued for up to 7 days postoperatively. Patients were assessed daily using a standardized scoring system. The results of the study showed that 198 patients in the dynamic pressure system (n = 98) or conventional management group (n = 100) were similar at baseline. A strong trend of decreased pressure ulcers existed in the dynamic pressure system group (n = 2) compared to the conventional management group (n = 7). The study concluded that a multi-cell pulsating dynamic mattress system is safe and mitigates risks for and decreases incidence of pressure ulcers in patients who undergo cardiovascular surgery.