Icon Custom Aircraft Stretcher Mattresses

SLOPED HEEL REGION

The heels are one of the most susceptible sites for pressure injuries, due to factors such as heel anatomy, disease burden, comorbid conditions, and the aging process. Heel Pressure Injuries (HPI) has been found to be one of the most prevalent sites for pressure injuries to occur, with a study in Europe identifying that 38.5% of stage IV pressure injuries were found at the heels. Pressure upon the Calcaneus can be reduced and redistributed by elevating the lower leg and calf 2. There are three primary designs of heel elevation discussed in this article: the Heel Slope (Surface Modification), Heel elevator (external device) and the elevated Heel slope (Hybrid Model).

Though essential in the clinical setting, and particularly with those that are medically complex, elevating the heel and redistributing the pressure towards the calf is a difficult task. There are several implementation considerations such as ensuring the knee is at a slight flexion (5-10°) while the heel is elevated can help avoid vein compression and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), adapting a plan of care to the individuals’ needs and avoiding causing harm to other ‘at-risk’ areas of the body (such as the Achilles tendon).

With patients on a traditional support surface with a completely horizontal fascia (no heel slope) and no additional aid from an external heel device, pressure injuries upon the heel region are more common than with heels that have elevated heels, with differences being from an 8% to 54.2% incidence on heel injury respectively.

Forté has conducted studies to illustrate the basic principles of heel offloading using a Tekscan Pressure Measurement System which utilises a thin and flexible sensor. We use this system to measure the pressure distribution of a human body on the surface of our mattresses with minimal interference.

The image demonstrates the pressure distribution of the NPIAP/RESNA 50th Percentile male mannequin (81.2kg, 1775mm tall) over a 6-hour period, shown in a variety of heel positions. The Support surface used is a Single Sovereign S3 High-Care Mattress.

Such a decrease in pressure, therefore, signifies the importance of heel offloading, and indirectly the importance of utilising a support surface modified with a heel slope as a means of offloading such pressure and reducing risk of an HPI. Furthermore, the heel slope was identified to encourage a slight bend in the knee of approximately 8-10°, in comparison to a flat surface which evidence has suggested reduces popliteal vein compression.

VERSATILITY

The Icon IPT mattress is a specialist stretcher mattress designed to suit patient transport vehicles. The Icon IPT mattress has a therapeutic weight limit of 200kg.

The Icon IPT can be customised in size and shape to suit any stretcher, such as the Stryker M1, Stryker XPS, Aerolite, and Clavia.

The cover of the Icon IPT is made from the Forté Double Coated Premiflex material. Double coated material has been selected specifically for the operating/emergency/transport application which is typically more demanding and rougher than a general ward scenario. The cover is constructed with high frequency sealed and welded seams (as opposed to sewn) to meet infection control requirements and prevent seepage of fluid through open sewn seams. These electromagnetically fused seams protect against risk of penetration fluid as they 100% seal off to prevent ingress of fluid or infection. Forté’s covers are reinforced with additional heavy duty stitching at stress points within the cover. Infection control is of utmost importance in the operating and emergency environment so every cover must have high frequency welded seams. The Icon IPT is easy and quick to wipe down and clean following use.

To prevent any slippage or movement of the mattress on the stretcher support surface, Forté stretchers have non-slip patches welded to the base of the cover. Historically velcro has been used for this purpose, but velcro does not meet infection control recommendations for facilities.