Heel and Calf Capillary‐Support Pressure in Lithotomy Positions

Abstract

A three-part analysis was undertaken to increase understanding of the occurrence of pressure ulcers in lithotomy positions. An innovative measuring device was used to determine capillary pressure. Ankle blood pressure was measured compared to ankle height in 11 participants. Ankle systolic and diastolic pressure decreased approximately 20 mmHg per foot of elevation. Calf and heel capillary-support pressures were measured in 15 participants in the standard lithotomy position. Capillary-support pressure for the calf was substantially less than for the heel. Heel capillary-support pressures were measured in 16 participants in the high lithotomy position. As heel height increased, capillary-support pressure also increased.

Assessing changes in flow velocimetry and clinical outcome following use of an external aortic compression device in women with postpartum hemorrhage

“…This may be because we excluded patients with a history of neurologic disorders. Investigators have attributed ischemic changes in the lower limbs of women treated on gynecologic tables (used in the previous study) to the compression of the legs produced by the stirrups [16][17][18]. We used regular hospital beds in this study to avoid this factor, and the absence of serious ischemic complications even in our first study supports their assumption.…”

Surgical Positioning: Evidence for Nursing Care

“…All studies assessed (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29) appointed that the opinion, this will imply the consolidation of EvidenceBased Practice.…”

Positioning and transferring your patient safely

“…1,5 As circulating nurse, you should make the anesthesia provider aware of the movement of the patient's legs into the lithotomy position. 1,5 As circulating nurse, you should make the anesthesia provider aware of the movement of the patient's legs into the lithotomy position.…”

“…Are the extremities positioned properly to reduce the patient's risk of nerve damage? 5 You also should be aware of limbs that might begin to slide out of position or off the table once manipulated, as this can cause nerve damage, overextension, and other injuries. Is the patient secure, or might the patient's body or extremities shift when the surgeons angle the bed?…”