Evaluating Automated Lateral Rotation Therapy to Reduce Pressure Injury Risk and Improve Lung and Heart Function in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

What this Trial Is About

Pressure injuries occur when sustained pressure damages the skin and underlying tissues, commonly affecting critically ill patients. This research evaluates the use of automated lateral rotation therapy to reduce pressure between the patient and their support surface, aiming to prevent these injuries. The study also looks at how different head-of-bed elevations impact pressure, respiratory function, heart stability, and gastroesophageal safety in mechanically ventilated patients. Participants will experience automated lateral tilting using a special bed system that can tilt up to 30 degrees sideways. The study compares two lateral tilt angles, 15 and 30 degrees, combined with head-of-bed elevations of 10 and 30 degrees, against a standard supine position with a 30-degree elevation. Each position is held for 10 minutes with washout periods in between, and a subgroup will have longer monitoring at 30 degrees lateral tilt to observe pressure changes over two hours. Advanced monitoring devices track pressure, lung function, blood flow, and esophageal pH during the interventions. Throughout the study, patients will be closely monitored using sensors embedded in the mattress, electrical impedance tomography for lung ventilation, continuous cardiac output measurement, and esophageal pH probes. Researchers will measure peak and mean pressure at key body areas and assess respiratory and cardiovascular parameters along with gastric pH changes. Safety events like low blood pressure or reflux will be recorded. The total participation involves multiple position changes and monitoring sequences in an ICU setting to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this therapy in preventing pressure injuries.

Effectiveness of Platform-Based Lateralization Therapy in Reducing Interface Pressure Between The Patient And The Support Surface