#USA #Nashville #Guardian System #TurnCare #ECMO Patients

Innovative Approach to Pressure Injury Prevention in ECMO Patients

TurnCare, Inc., a pioneering medical device company focused on patient-first solutions, presented groundbreaking clinical data during the 37th Annual Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) 2026 Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee. This significant study highlights the efficacy of the company's Guardian™ System, particularly in reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

The Guardian System, which comprises a high-precision pressure controller and anatomically designed support surfaces for beds and chairs, was evaluated in a single-center retrospective study. The analysis aimed to assess the incidence of pressure injuries before and after the Guardian System's implementation among ECMO patients. Presenting the findings, Chris Linke from M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center revealed important statistics that underscore the Guardian System's impact.

Key Findings from the Study:

• - Reduction in Sacral-Region HAPI Incidence: The study reported a remarkable decrease of 40.8% in sacral-region HAPI incidence, dropping from 14.2 to 8.4 events per 1,000 ECMO days.
• - Total HAPI Incidence Decline: There was also a substantial 36.2% reduction in total HAPI incidence, with figures decreasing from 55.4 to 35.3 events per 1,000 ECMO days.
• - Stage 2 HAPI Reduction: The incidence of sacral-region Stage 2 HAPIs saw a massive drop of 72.7%, with an overall 45.4% reduction across all Stage 2 HAPIs.
• - ECMO Survival Rates Increase: Post-implementation of the Guardian System, ECMO survival rates improved from 53.2% to 57.8%.

Insights on Challenges in Pressure Injury Prevention

The complexities associated with care for ECMO patients, who often face critical illnesses and prolonged immobility, make traditional pressure injury prevention strategies challenging. Linke emphasized how conventional methods can fall short due to the specific needs of these patients. "Pressure injury prevention is particularly challenging for patients on ECMO, where critical illness and prolonged immobility complicate care," he stated.

Linda Seaman, VP of Clinical Affairs at TurnCare, echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the necessity of adopting a more dynamic approach to pressure injury prevention. The findings point to how enhancing blood flow—a pivotal factor in preventing pressure injuries—can fundamentally alter outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

The Guardian System's Potential

By restoring blood flow with the Guardian System's innovative features, TurnCare aims to offer caregivers and healthcare providers enhanced tools to safeguard their patients from preventable injuries. As they advance their clinical evidence, the company looks forward to demonstrating the Guardian System's broader implications on patient care in ECMO settings and beyond.

At TurnCare, there is a strong commitment to improve patient outcomes through innovative technology. The publication of this study at ELSO 2026 is a testament to their dedication to elevating the standard of care for patients who are at high risk of pressure injuries. The focus remains on empowering caregivers with technology that ensures safety, enhances mobility, and fosters a dignified recovery for patients under their care.

In conclusion, the results of TurnCare's Guardian System study are not just numbers; they represent a tangible improvement in quality care for ECMO patients and can serve as a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at minimizing hospital-acquired injuries. TurnCare is poised to set new benchmarks for patient care outcomes as they continue to innovate and explore new frontiers in medical technology.