"Constant Force Technology" vs. Low-Air-Loss Therapy in the Treatment of Pressure Ulcers
Raquel Branom, RN, BSN, CWOCN, and Laurie M. Rappl, PT, CWS: Ostomy/Wound Management 2001;47(9):38-46.

 

This study compares the effects of the PressureGuard CFT (Constant Force Technology) with low-air-loss surfaces on wound healing rates and patient outcomes. 20 patients with Stage III or IV pressure ulcers were randomized to either the CFT or low-air-loss, and followed over a maximum of 8 weeks. Ulcers in the CFT group closed at an average rate per week of 9.0% ± 4.8 versus 5.0% ± 3.7 in the low-air-loss mattress group. This study indicates that the CFT can provide benefits to the wound healing process similar to or better than low-air-loss mattresses at a substantially reduced cost.

 

 

 

"Effectiveness of the PressureGuard CFT Bariatric Model for the Obese Patient"
Valerie Barnes, RN, CETN, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA; in Clinical Reports: Series on Skin and Wound Care Management, Oct. 1997.

 

This article documents the results of using the PressureGuard CFT Bariatric Model for six patients between 350 and 700 lbs. All achieved their goals for skin management (prevention of ulcers) or wound management.

 

 

 

PressureGuard CFT in Acute Care, ICU, and Post-Graft: Performance and Cost-Savings
Karen Ross, RN, MA, CETN, Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA; in Clinical Reports: Series on Skin and Wound Care Management, Dec 1998.

 

The CFT gave us similar patient outcomes to low-air-loss for those patients requiring a treatment surface - those who are at high risk for breakdown, who have existing pressure ulcers, or who are immediately post-flap or post-graft. As a result of replacing our 35 ICU beds with the CFT in January 1997, our incidence rate in ICU's on our yearly audit went from 14.25% to 0%, and hospital-wide incidence rate went from 9.4% to 6.2%. The CFT replaced so many rental low-air-loss surfaces that we saved $54,200 the first year.

 

 

 

A Dynamic, Non-Powered Surface vs. Air-Fluidized Therapy
Laurie M. Rappl, PT, CWS, in Clinical Reports: Series on Skin and Wound Care Management, March 1998.

 

Documents pressure mappings on a thin, bony man with recent complete high cervical spinal cord lesion, and halo bracing. Pressure mappings were done both in supine and in 13 degree head-of-bed-elevated on the PressureGuard CFT and on the Clinitron by Hill-Rom. With head flat, maximum pressures on the CFT were only 8 mm Hg. Higher than on Clinitron. With HOB elevated 13 degrees, max pressures on CFT were 6 mm Hg. higher than on Clinitron. CFT pressure readings were considered well within safe limits, and improved with head of bed elevated.