Measuring interface pressure and temperature in the operating room

BACKGROUND: There is a high incidence of pressure ulcers (PrUs) during long hours of surgery. Interface pressure and temperature are considered risk factors for PrU development. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine a methodology to measure interface pressure and temperature during long hours of surgery consistently. SAMPLE: Five patients undergoing liver transplants were recruited from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: Interface pressure and temperature were measured with pressure mapping and temperature mapping for the duration of the surgery. After the surgery, an 8-hour skin check over 48 hours was performed. RESULTS: Pressure mapping and temperature mapping are appropriate to quantify interface pressure and temperature during surgery. CONCLUSION: This study shows that measuring interface pressure and temperature using pressure and temperature mats is feasible. Further studies are necessary in order to validate the methodology in other types of surgery.