SPECIAL HANDLING A growing number of your patients are either overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI of 30 or higher).

As the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide, more and more overweight and morbidly obese patients — more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight — will present to your facility for surgery. Here are some products specifically designed to help you safely care for today's heavier patients.

LONG REACH Stryker's bariatric-length instruments are long enough to reach almost any target.

1 Stryker's 5mm 45cm laparoscopic instruments are designed for bariatric procedures. Pictured are the company's rotating and non-rotating slide lock graspers, which offer an ergonomic and precise ratcheting system. Additionally, by allowing for the offsetting of instrumentation during single-incision surgery, the instruments help create optimal workspace.

CLEARING THE AIR Airways of obese patients are easier to align with Mercury Medical's Troop Elevation Pillow.

2 There's no need to stack blankets with the Troop Elevation Pillow (seen here with the company's Reusable Head Cradle), which was designed by an anesthesiologist to align upper airway axes in the head-elevated laryngoscopy position, the position recommended for obese patients, says the company.

HIP CHECK Heavier patients stay put, thanks to the Large De Mayo Hip Positioner.

3 The Large De Mayo Hip Positioner from Innovative Medical keeps obese patients stable throughout the surgical procedure without putting pressure on the patient's abdomen. It can be built up around the patient, so nurses and other OR personnel don't have to lift patients on the operating table. There's also a bariatric extension plate to provide additional lumbar support.

RIGHT ANGLES MTI's bariatric table can help you perfectly position the heaviest patients.

4 MTI's 450W Quad-Power Bariatric Table has an industry-leading 800-pound lift function capacity, says the company. With a minimum seat height of 20 inches, it's easy for patients to get into, and with a seat section that's 30 inches wide and 21.5 inches deep, it comfortably accommodates larger patients. Meanwhile, its four synchronous power motors allow you to precisely position patients for all types of procedures.

PERFECT ALIGNMENT With the HT-WEDGE, head and chest height are adjusted separately, making ear to sternal notch positioning that much easier.

5 The reusable HT-Wedge is an inflatable positioning device that helps in the endotracheal intubation of obese patients. The dual chamber design lets you raise or lower the patient's chest and head appropriately to improve visualization. It can also be re-inflated post-op for extubation, patient comfort, or to ease breathing.

BUCKLE UP AliMed's Bariatric VeriClean is large enough to keep larger patients securely fastened.

6 The AliMed bariatric strap stretches to 140 inches from end to end, with a mid-panel that's 11 by 30 inches, making it suitable for larger patients. It fits all surgical tables that have side rails or strap hooks and it's made from welded urethane, so there's no stitching. That means there are fewer of the punctures and perforations that tend to be popular hiding spots for bacteria. To clean it, you submerge it completely in any approved disinfectant.

STRAIN REDUCTION Reducing the force needed to move heavier patients helps prevent staff injuries.

7 The HoverMatt reduces the force needed to move patients by 80-90%, says the company, making it both easier and safer to transfer bariatric patients. You can also easily reposition patients by inflating or deflating the device, which can handle up to 1,200 pounds. There are also straps to help secure limbs and heads.

Patient safety
Studies have shown that obese patients have a higher risk of complications following surgery. Hopefully, these and other products designed for heavier patients will help you minimize those risks.