Agiliti Targets Surgical Injuries with New Low-Profile Overlay

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – April 07, 2026 – Medical technology provider Agiliti has introduced a new device aimed at combating one of the most persistent and costly complications in modern surgery: pressure injuries. The company announced the launch of Capillaire™, a low-profile alternating air pressure overlay clinically proven to prevent tissue damage for patients undergoing lengthy surgical procedures.

This new support surface is designed to fit most operating room tables and stretchers, providing a dynamic layer of protection for patients who are immobilized for hours at a time. The launch addresses a critical patient safety issue that, while often unseen, carries significant consequences for both patient well-being and healthcare system finances.

The Hidden Epidemic in the Operating Room

While surgical teams focus on the intricate task at hand, a patient's body can be engaged in a silent battle against gravity and pressure. When a patient lies motionless on a standard operating table for an extended period, the constant pressure on skin and underlying tissue can restrict blood flow, leading to cell death and the formation of a pressure injury, also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer. These injuries are a major subset of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), a problem that costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $26.8 billion annually.

According to clinical data, the operating room is a significant source of this problem. Approximately 23% of all HAPIs originate during surgery, particularly in procedures lasting more than three hours. The risk is compounding; studies show that for every 30 minutes a patient spends in the OR beyond four hours, the likelihood of developing a pressure injury increases by about 33%. These injuries are not minor inconveniences. They can cause severe pain, lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis, and increase a patient's hospital stay by an average of 5 to 11 days. Tragically, an estimated 60,000 patients die each year as a direct result of complications from pressure ulcers.

Recognizing this risk, leading clinical bodies like the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) have established guidelines recommending that patients undergoing surgeries longer than two hours be placed on an advanced support surface, such as one providing alternating air pressure.

A New Line of Defense Against Pressure

Agiliti's Capillaire™ is engineered to be that line of defense. The company states it is the “industry’s only low-profile alternating air pressure support surface,” designed specifically for the perioperative environment. Its key innovation lies in its ability to deliver dynamic pressure redistribution without adding significant bulk to the operating table, a critical feature for maintaining surgical access and patient positioning.

“Pressure injuries remain a significant challenge for healthcare providers, particularly during extended surgeries or prolonged emergency department stays,” said Tim McCarty, General Manager of Beds and Therapeutic Surfaces at Agiliti, in the company's announcement. He explained that the device is “designed to deliver continuous micro-offloading and enhanced skin perfusion for patients where repositioning is limited or not possible.”

The overlay, which is less than an inch thick, contains a geometric series of air-filled nodes. A compact and quiet controller alternates the inflation and deflation of these nodes in five-minute cycles. This continuous, subtle movement effectively offloads pressure from any single point on the body, promoting blood flow to the skin and preventing the cellular damage that initiates an injury.

The clinical data cited by Agiliti is striking. In studies involving the technology, OR-related HAPI rates in complex cardiovascular patients reportedly dropped from 11% to 0%. A separate study in neurosurgical patients saw a similar reduction, with perioperative pressure injury rates falling from 6% to 0% after implementation.

Carving a Niche in a Competitive Market

The therapeutic support surface market, valued at over $5.5 billion, is a competitive landscape dominated by major players like Stryker, Arjo, and Baxter International, which acquired Hill-Rom. These companies offer a wide array of advanced mattresses and overlays. However, Agiliti's claim of having the “industry's only” solution appears to hinge on the specific combination of three key features: alternating air pressure, a low-profile design, and a specific focus on the perioperative environment.

While competitors offer sophisticated alternating pressure mattress systems, these are often full-size replacements for hospital beds. Other solutions for the OR, like the WAFFLE® pad from EHOB, Inc., provide a low-profile cushion but use static air rather than the dynamic, alternating pressure delivered by Capillaire. This targeted approach allows Agiliti to address a specific, unmet need highlighted by clinical guidelines, potentially giving it a strong foothold in operating rooms and emergency departments.

By focusing on a niche where standard solutions are either too bulky or not dynamic enough, Agiliti is making a strategic play to differentiate itself. Success for Capillaire could come from its ability to seamlessly integrate into existing surgical workflows without disruption, a key consideration for adoption in the fast-paced OR setting.

The Economic Case for Prevention

For hospital administrators, the decision to adopt new technology often comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. With a single severe pressure injury costing a hospital upwards of $100,000 to treat, the financial argument for prevention is powerful. Investing in preventative technologies like Capillaire is not just about improving patient safety; it's about mitigating significant financial risk.

Preventing even a handful of HAPIs can result in substantial savings, covering the cost of the preventative equipment many times over. Furthermore, under current healthcare policies, hospitals may not receive reimbursement for the costs associated with treating certain hospital-acquired conditions, making prevention an economic imperative. The reduction in extended hospital stays, readmissions, and potential litigation further strengthens the financial case.

By providing a solution that directly aligns with the recommendations of influential professional bodies like AORN and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN), Agiliti is positioning Capillaire not as an optional upgrade, but as an essential tool for meeting the standard of care. This alignment can simplify purchasing decisions for healthcare facilities looking to improve outcomes and protect their bottom line. By addressing a persistent clinical challenge with a financially sound solution, such innovations represent a critical step forward in enhancing the safety and efficiency of modern surgical care.