This is a steep head-down tilt so that the patient’s pelvis and legs lie above the heart. It is used to improve access, and to limit blood loss, during surgery to the pelvis. It has been used to treat shocked patients, but, as the position increases pressure on the diaphragm and embarrasses breathing, raising the legs by themselves is better.
The term “Trendelenburg position” refers to a specific bodily orientation where the patient lies with their head and upper body positioned lower than the hips.