Heelift® Bariatric Suspension Boot

Heelift Bariatric Suspension Boot boasts all of the same qualities as Heelift Standard, but is designed specifically for bariatric patients (patients who weigh up to 600 pounds). Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognizing obesity as a risk factor for diabetes and associated complications, including heel pressure ulcers.

Diabetic Heel Pressure Ulcers
Are Preventable

According to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetes prevalence from 1980 through 2005 tripled, from 5.6 million in 1980 to 15.8 million in 2005¹. Not surprisingly, the prevalence of obesity parallels this increase². One of the most critical complications associated with diabetes is lower extremity amputations (LEAs) caused by pressure ulcers.

The good news, as has been indicated in multiple clinical studies, is that heel pressure ulcers, the second most common location of pressure ulcers, can be prevented. One of the key components in any pressure relief regimen is a heel pressure relief device like Heelift which floats the heel in protective space.

The most high-risk patients require the most dedicated pressure ulcer prevention regimen. These patients include those with:

• Diabetes: Manifest neuropathy (loss of sensation
  in feet) or manifest peripheral  vascular disease
  (poor or absent foot pulses)
  (Preventive Foot Care for Diabetics)
• Poor or very limited mobility and absence of
  foot pulses: Result of hip   fracture, stroke with
  paralysis, unconsciousness, or limited mobility
  that requires wheelchair assistance
• Requirement for multihour surgery
• Severe peripheral vascular disease
• A history of pressure ulcers
• A Braden Score of 15 or less³

Heelift Bariatric, designed for patients who are particularly susceptible to these
complications and others, can play an essential role in preventing painful and expensive
heel pressure ulcers.

Indications

Heelift Bariatric Suspension Boot helps prevent heel pressure ulcers in patients who are particularly prone to suffer from the condition. Specifically, Heelift Bariatric was developed
for patients weighing up to 600 pounds who have a calf circumference of between
12 to 23 inches.

Like Heelift Standard, Heelift Bariatric offloads the heel by redistributing pressure
from the heel to the patient's calf. The design of Heelift Bariatric minimizes contact
between the patient's leg and objects that can cause pressure at the heel or at folds in
the skin. Rounded, adjustable straps and a smooth, friction-free tricot backing also ensure
that the Heelift will not rub against or cause impressions on the patient's other leg.

Together with diligent care and monitoring, Heelift Bariatric can help even the most
at-risk patients prevent heel pressure ulcers.

Features

• More thickness and length: Heelift Bariatric offers additional length to offer protection for larger patients, and added thickness aids in supporting additional weight.

• Extended stitching: Located along the top rim, the added stitching narrows the forefoot and increases support to provide improved protection against foot drop, equines deformity, or heel cord contracture.

• "Easy-on, easy-off" rounded straps and D-ring closures: Padded Velcro® straps are easy for the patient and/or healthcare professional to use and can easily be adjusted to accommodate specific patient needs.

• Friction-free tricot backing: Unlike other suspension products, which can have sharp edges on the back that can rub against the patient's other leg, Heelift is manufactured with a smooth tricot backing that aids in patient mobility and helps ensure patient safety.

• Smooth foam: Heelift Bariatric is available in Smooth foam only. Smooth foam is ideal for patients with edematous legs as it will not create "impressions" on the leg.

• Ventilation holes: Ventilation holes provide additional air circulation to promote increased patient comfort.

• Tricot covered stiffener: This feature prevents Heelift from buckling for

  added patient comfort and safety.

 

• The Heelift features forefoot support using a spring back technology to keep the foot upright.

 

•The Heelift can be autoclaved for sterilization. Close the straps and place in a normal autoclave wrapper.

 

• The Heelift can be machine-washed and dried. Simply tighten the straps and enclose in a net laundry bag or a pillow case.

¹ Available at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics/prev/national/figpersons.htm

² Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/

³ Drennan, Dr. Denis B. "Heel Ulcers are Preventable!" Extended Care Product News 87:3
(May 2003)