Effectiveness of Polyurethane Foam (Pink Pad) Compared With Mepilex Dressing for Pressure Ulcer Prevention During Cardiac Surgery in the Operating Room

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two types of dressings to prevent pressure ulcers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at King Abdullah Medical City's cardiac center. This randomized control clinical trial compares polyurethane foam (Pink Pad) and Mepilex Border Sacrum dressings to see which is more effective during surgical procedures, especially in patients positioned in the Trendelenburg position. Both dressings are used alongside standard pressure ulcer prevention care based on international guidelines and risk assessments using the Braden Scale at hospital admission. Patients receive one of the two dressings during surgery in the operating room. The polyurethane foam system includes a pink foam pad, lift sheet, body straps, head rests, and boot liners, while the Mepilex dressing is a multilayer foam designed for the sacrum area. After surgery, patients are examined by the head nurse of the wound management team immediately, and then again on day 3 and day 7 post-operation. Dressings are removed after 7 days or earlier if clinically needed. If a patient is discharged before day 7, examination occurs before discharge. Follow-up lasts up to 7 days post-operation for each participant. Participants will be monitored for pressure ulcer development during the 7-day follow-up period. Assessments include clinical examinations by nursing staff to detect any skin changes or pressure ulcers. Patients unable to continue due to death or change in care setting are excluded from continuing. The main outcome measured is the incidence of pressure ulcers within 7 days after surgery. This study aims to provide evidence on which dressing better supports pressure ulcer prevention in cardiac surgery patients.

Polyurethane Foam-Pink Pad (RCT) Use in OR