Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Air Fluidized Bed
Technical/Medical Term: Air Fluidized Therapy Bed (HCPCS E0194)

Summary

An air fluidized bed is a highly specialized hospital bed that uses a fluid-like medium of air to support patients. This advanced bed is often used for patients with severe wounds or those who are immobile, minimizing pressure points and improving healing.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed:

• Severe pressure ulcers
• Burns
• Grafts
• Certain respiratory or circulation conditions

Goals and Outcomes:

• Reduce pressure on the skin to prevent or treat pressure sores
• Improve healing of existing wounds
• Enhance patient comfort by distributing body weight more evenly

Indications

Specific Symptoms or Conditions:

• Stage III or IV pressure ulcers
• Chronic, non-healing wounds
• Recent skin grafts or burns

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with poor mobility
• Patients who have not responded to other wound care treatments

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Clean the area where the bed will be placed
• Ensure electric and pneumatic connections are available
• Positioning and patient transfer plan

Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:

• Clinical assessment of wounds
• Overall health evaluation

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Setting up the air fluidized bed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Carefully transferring the patient onto the bed using appropriate lifting techniques.
3. Adjusting the bed settings to optimize airflow and pressure distribution for the patient's needs.
4. Regularly monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting the bed settings as necessary.

Tools, Equipment, Technology:

• Air fluidized bed
• Electric and pneumatic supplies
• Transfer aids like a hoist or sliding sheets

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable. The procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

The initial setup may take about 30–60 minutes. The patient will use the bed for an extended period depending on the healing process which may range from weeks to months.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital or specialized care facility.

Personnel

Healthcare Professionals Involved:

• Nurses
• Wound care specialists
• Physical therapists
• Hospital technicians

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Device malfunction
• Patient not benefitting from reduced pressure points

Possible Complications:

• Respiratory issues due to too much airflow
• Allergic reaction to bed materials (rare)
• Overheating or chills

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Significant reduction in pressure ulcers
• Enhanced wound healing
• Increased patient comfort and reduced pain Benefits are typically observed within a few days to weeks of use.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Regular repositioning and skin assessments
• Monitoring of wound healing and adjustment of care plans

Recovery Time: Varies depending on the patient’s condition, ranging from weeks to months.

Restrictions/Follow-Up:

• Limited movement; primarily bed rest
• Scheduled follow-ups with wound care specialists and physiotherapists

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Standard hospital beds with specialized mattresses
• Foam composite or gel overlays
• Low air loss mattresses

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Standard Beds: Less expensive but may not provide adequate pressure relief.
• Foam Composite Overlays: Cost-efficient but less effective for severe wounds.
• Low Air Loss Mattresses: Good for pressure relief but not as effective in wound healing as air fluidized beds.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• The patient may feel a sensation of floating or being gently supported by air.
• No pain due to the non-invasive nature of the bed.

Post-Procedure:

• Noticeable comfort and relief from pressure points.
• Regular monitoring and repositioning to optimize healing.

Pain Management:

• The air fluidized bed itself helps alleviate pain associated with pressure ulcers and wounds.
• Additional analgesics or comfort measures may be provided based on patient needs.