This page introduces the tourniquet, and provides a brief history on tourniquet technology: from primitive designs used during the time of the Roman Empire to modern, state-of-the-art tourniquet systems. Here you will learn about the best tourniquet systems, based on personalization, which provide individualized, safe and effective care for the patient. The Best Tourniquet Systems [...]
A recent US patent for an ‘internal tourniquet for surgery’ [1] described innovation that opens the door to extending tourniquet-related concepts to surgical procedures not previously amenable to conventional tourniquets, especially procedures near truncal-extremity junctions, including hip and shoulder regions, and in the deep abdomen. Synergies exist by integrating this internal tourniquet innovation with related [...]
Overview: A current overview of the use of tourniquets in surgery and traumatic injury is provided elsewhere [1]. Open fractures: The use of a tourniquet is contraindicated in the surgical treatment of open limb injuries because it is necessary to make an assessment of the devascularized zone of injury for the purpose of wound management [...]
What is the purpose of a surgical tourniquet instrument? The purpose of a surgical tourniquet instrument is to safely and accurately supply and regulate the pressure in a tourniquet cuff. Personalized surgical tourniquet instruments: Personalized tourniquet instruments are state-of-the-art, modern pneumatic tourniquet instruments. Click here to learn about the history of tourniquets. They include automatic [...]
To improve tourniquet safety for patients, it is important to know the mechanisms and prevention of tourniquet injuries. Surgical Tourniquet Safety It is reliably estimated that pneumatic tourniquets are used in more than one million surgical procedures annually in North America. The potential for injury is significant, although the use of lower, personalized tourniquet pressure [...]
Tourniquet Cuff Technology: What is the purpose of a tourniquet cuff? The purpose of a tourniquet cuff is to safely stop or restrict arterial blood flow into a portion of an extremity by applying a uniform circumferential pressure around the extremity at a desired location. Pneumatic tourniquet cuffs In general, a pneumatic tourniquet cuff is [...]
Are you selecting a tourniquet cuff that meets all FDA requirements as a Class I medical device? In the United States, pneumatic tourniquet cuffs are regulated as Class I medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Risks of injuries to patients and legal liability for users arise from use of a pneumatic tourniquet [...]
Proper Tourniquet Cuff Application: After the patient is brought into the OR, apply the tourniquet cuff at the desired location on the limb, pressurized within the appropriate pressure range for an appropriate period of time. The following sections provide a general sequence of events for preparation, cuff application and setting up the tourniquet instrument (Note: [...]
The following should be considered during tourniquet use to reduce the risk of tourniquet-related complications: Intraoperative monitoring Tourniquet deflation Bilateral procedures Intravenous Regional Anesthesia procedures Documentation Troubleshooting Intraoperative monitoring Intraoperative monitoring of tourniquet safety parameters reduces the risk of complications. During the procedure, it is important to monitor the patient's blood pressure, tourniquet pressure, and [...]
Patient Assessment The perioperative staff should assess the patient preoperatively for potential contraindications and risks [1]. The final decision on whether or not to use a tourniquet rests with the attending physician. Potential contraindications for tourniquet use Perioperative staff should screen the patient preoperatively for the following potential contraindications [1]: Venous thromboembolism, Impaired circulation or [...]