Tourniquet Type Research Articles

Comparative clinical trials of tourniquets and elastic bandages for emergency hemostasis at the pre-hospital stage

Comparative clinical trials of tourniquets and elastic bandages for emergency hemostasis at the pre-hospital stage

Widening Access: Sterile Tourniquets for Surgery to the Distal Humerus.

Purpose of the study The use of tourniquets during surgery of the distal humerus can improve visibility and reduce surgical time. However, the available operating field can be limited due to the size and placement of the tourniquet. This proof-of-concept study aimed to determine if sterile tourniquets can provide a wider surgical field compared to non-sterile tourniquets for procedures around the distal humerus. Methods Volunteers (n = 5) were positioned to simulate access to the distal humerus. The distance from the posterior corner of the acromion to the tip of the olecranon was measured. Participants were draped according to the standard protocol for the use of a non-sterile or sterile tourniquet for distal humerus and humeral shaft fractures. Two non-sterile pneumatic tourniquets (standard and narrow) and two sterile tourniquets (pneumatic and elastic exsanguination) were tested. The surgical field was measured from the sterile drape or tourniquet proximallyto the tip of the olecranon. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to examine the effect of each tourniquet on the surgical field. Results The sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet had the largest available field with a mean of 24.4 cm (71% of arm available for incision after application), followed by the sterile pneumatic tourniquet of 20.0 cm (58%), narrow non-sterile pneumatic of 19.2 cm (55%), and standard non-sterile pneumatic of 17.0 cm (49%). Repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean surgical field length is statistically significant between tourniquet devices (F (1.729, 6.914) = 21.783, p = .001). The surgical field length was statistically significantly increased from a non-sterile standard tourniquet to a sterile elastic tourniquet (7.4 (95% CI, 2.9-11.9) cm, p = .008)but not the other two tourniquet devices tested. Conclusion The use of certain types of sterile tourniquets can provide a wider surgical field compared to non-sterile tourniquets for procedures around the distal humerus, specifically the sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet providing a statistically significant mean gain of 7.4 cmfrom the non-sterile tourniquets. These findings suggest that the use of sterile tourniquets should be considered more frequently in surgery of the distal humerus, and a sterile exsanguinating tourniquet could be considered for midshaft humeral fractures, facilitating safer exposure of the radial nerve and reduced blood loss.

104 Audit on Adherence to the BOAST Guidelines on the Safe Use of Intraoperative Tourniquets

Abstract Aim Tourniquets can prevent blood loss and improve the surgical viewing field however incorrect use leads to local tissue damage and production of harmful metabolites, causing further damage. The aim of this audit was to investigate the usage of correct tourniquet techniques during intraoperative procedures, comparing them to updated BOA guidelines. Method Conducted a retrospective clinical audit documenting discrepancies between operation notes/data against BOA standard guidelines. All procedures, both elective and emergency, during the period of November 2021 to February 2022 which required the use of tourniquets were included. Results A total 291 procedures were carried out, 90% were limb and the remaining 10% were finger/toe tourniquets. In the former pressure was recorded in 230 (87.8%) procedures and the mean pressure in upper limbs was 248 (+-14)mmHg and 270 (+-27) in lower limbs. 95.2% of patients in the study were >16 years old and the mean tourniquet time was 61.5 (+-36.4) mins, exceeding 120 minutes in only 13 cases. The Tourniquet type was documented for only 8.2% of procedures and the method of exsanguination for 34.7%. There was no record of skin isolation methods and skin condition. Conclusions Adherence to guidelines was not sufficient for some components of the procedures, including site information, method of isolation and method of exsanguination. Possible interventions include educational tutorials for staff and setting up visual aids within the OT. Results were presented in a local meeting and a re-audit is planned for 3-4 months’ time.

Use of the HemaClear™ elastic tourniquet reduces blood loss in operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures

BackgroundTo determine if the use of a narrower elastic tourniquet compared to a standard pneumatic tourniquet reduces operative blood loss in the operative fixation of humeral shaft fractures. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed at a level I trauma center and included 134 patients, aged 18 to 90 years, with a humeral shaft fracture treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) from January 2007 through June 2018. The primary variable of interest was the application of a HemaClear™ elastic tourniquet versus a standard pneumatic tourniquet during the fixation of a humeral shaft fracture. The primary outcome was estimated blood loss (EBL) during the humerus ORIF surgery as recorded in the operative record. The secondary outcomes were total tourniquet time and operative time. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the above outcomes between the two tourniquet types. ResultsEstimated blood loss was 42% lower (95% CI: 11% to 73%, p < 0.01) in the elastic tourniquet group when compared to the standard pneumatic tourniquet group. The use of the elastic tourniquet was also associated with a 67% increase (95% CI: 35% to 100%, p < 0.01) in tourniquet time compared to the standard pneumatic tourniquet. No difference in the total operative time between the two groups (difference, -3%; 95% CI: -21 to 14, p = 0.72) was observed. ConclusionElastic tourniquet use was associated with 42% less blood loss in the fixation of humeral shaft fractures compared to use of a traditional pneumatic tourniquet, although this may be of unclear clinical importance given the relatively low estimated blood loss in this cohort. The potential benefit of reduced blood loss associated with the narrower elastic tourniquet is likely caused by the increased tourniquet time, without a change in overall operative time.

Effects of regional limb perfusion technique on concentrations of antibiotic achieved at the target site: A meta-analysis.

Intravenous regional limb perfusions (RLP) are widely used in equine medicine to treat distal limb infections, including synovial sepsis. RLPs are generally deemed successful if the peak antibiotic concentration (Cmax) in the sampled synovial structure is at least 8-10 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the bacteria of interest. Despite extensive experimentation and widespread clinical use, the optimal technique for performing a successful perfusion remains unclear. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the effect of technique on synovial concentrations of antibiotic and to assess under which conditions Cmax:MIC ≥ 10. A literature search including the terms "horse", "equine", and "regional limb perfusion" between 1990 and 2021 was performed. Cmax (μg/ml) and measures of dispersion were extracted from studies and Cmax:MIC was calculated for sensitive and resistant bacteria. Variables included in the analysis included synovial structure sampled, antibiotic dose, tourniquet location, tourniquet duration, general anesthesia versus standing sedation, perfusate volume, tourniquet type, and the concurrent use of local analgesia. Mixed effects meta-regression was performed, and variables significantly associated with the outcome on univariable analysis were added to a multivariable meta-regression model in a step-wise manner. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our findings. Thirty-six studies with 123 arms (permutations of dose, route, location and timing) were included. Cmax:MIC ranged from 1 to 348 for sensitive bacteria and 0.25 to 87 for resistant bacteria, with mean (SD) time to peak concentration (Tmax) of 29.0 (8.8) minutes. Meta-analyses generated summary values (θ) of 42.8 x MIC and 10.7 x MIC for susceptible and resistant bacteria, respectively, though because of high heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 98.8), these summary variables were not considered reliable. Meta-regression showed that the only variables for which there were statistically significant differences in outcome were the type of tourniquet and the concurrent use of local analgesia: perfusions performed with a wide rubber tourniquet and perfusions performed with the addition of local analgesia achieved significantly greater concentrations of antibiotic. The majority of arms achieved Cmax:MIC ≥ 10 for sensitive bacteria but not resistant bacteria. Our results suggest that wide rubber tourniquets and concurrent local analgesia should be strongly considered for use in RLP and that adequate therapeutic concentrations (Cmax:MIC ≥ 10) are often achieved across a variety of techniques for susceptible but not resistant pathogens.

The tight rope act: A multicenter regional experience of tourniquets in acute trauma resuscitation.

As tourniquets have become more prevalent, device use has been questioned. This study sought to characterize the incidence, indication, and efficacy of tourniquet placement in acute trauma resuscitation. Nine regional level 1 trauma centers prospectively enrolled for 12 months adult patients (18 years or older) who had a tourniquet placed. Age, sex, mechanism, tourniquet type, indication, applying personnel, location placed, level of occlusion, and degree of hemostasis were collected. Major vascular injury, imaging and operations performed, and outcomes were assessed. Analyses were performed with significance at p < 0.05. A total of 216 tourniquet applications were reported on 209 patients. There were significantly more male patients (183 [88%]) and penetrating injuries (186 [89%]) with gunshots being most common (127 [61%]). Commercial tourniquets were most often used (205 [95%]). Ninety-two percent were placed in the prehospital setting (by fire/paramedics, 56%; police, 33%; bystanders, 2%). The most common indications were pooling (47%) and pulsatile (32%) hemorrhage. Only 2% were for amputation. The most frequent location was high proximal extremity (70%). Four percent were placed over the wound, and 0.5% were distal to the wound. Only 61% of applications were arterial occlusive. Median application time was 30 minutes (interquartile range, 20-40 minutes). Imaging was performed in 54% of patients. Overall, 36% had a named arterial injury. Tourniquet application failed to achieve hemostasis in 22% of patients with a named vascular injury. There was no difference in hemostasis between those with and without vascular injury (p = 0.12) or between who placed the tourniquet (p = 0.07). Seventy patients (34%) required vascular operations. Thirty-four percent of patients were discharged home without admission. Discerning which injuries require tourniquets over pressure dressings remains elusive. Trained responders had high rates of superfluous and inadequate deployments. As tourniquets continue to be disseminated, emphasis should be placed on improving education, device development, and quality control. Prognostic/Epidemiologic, Level III.

Tourniquets as a haemorrhage control measure in military and civilian care settings: An integrative review.

The aim of review was to describe and synthesise the evidence on the use of tourniquets to control haemorrhages, summarising both civilian and military use. Trauma-related haemorrhage constitutes one of the most preventable deaths among injured patients, particularly in multi-casualty incidents and disasters. In this context, safe instruments such as tourniquets are essential to help healthcare professionals to minimise loss of life and maximise patient recovery. An integrative review was conducted in Medline, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, and Health & Medical Collection, using published data until March 2021 and following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 25 articles were included. Evidence has been synthesised to understand the use of different types of tourniquets, environment of application, indication for their placement and potential complications associated with tourniquet placement. Commercial tourniquets such as Combat Application Tourniquet or Emergency Tourniquet models are a valuable and safe instrument for haemorrhage control in both military and civilian out-of-hospital care settings. Nurses, as part of emergency teams, and other professionals should be aware that there is a possibility of adverse complications, but they are directly proportional to the time of tourniquet placement and generally temporary. In addition, national and international guidelines ensure the need for all civilian emergency services to be equipped with these devices, as well as for the training of healthcare professionals and first responders in their use. Despite the lack of complications in the use of tourniquets in these cases, their use has been a matter of debate for decades. In this sense, this review yields up-to-date guidelines in the use of tourniquets, their recommendations and their significance among professionals to manage complicated situations.

Appropriate Tourniquet Types in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in those aged 1-19, with hemorrhage accounting for up to 40% of all trauma deaths. Manufactured tourniquets are recommended for the control of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage in adults but their use in the pediatric population requires further investigation. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the most appropriate tourniquet design for use in the pediatric population. A literature search of Embase and the Cochran databases of trials and systematic reviews on October 1, 2020 identified 454 unique references, of which 15 were included for full-text screening. Two single-arm observational studies with a high risk of bias evaluated the use of windlass tourniquets in the pediatric population (73 patients, age 2-16 years). The certainty of the evidence was very low. In both studies, conducted on uninjured extremities, the use of a manufactured windlass tourniquet, specifically the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T®) Generation 7, led to the cessation of Doppler detected pulses in 71/71 (100%) of upper extremities and 69/73 (94.5%) of lower extremities. Of the four failures, one participant withdrew due to pain and three tourniquet applications failed to occlude pulses after three turns of the windlass. No controls were used for comparison. In conclusion, two observational studies demonstrated that windlass tourniquets were able to abolish distal pulses in children as young as two years of age and with a minimum limb circumference of 13 cm. These preliminary findings may be helpful for organizations in the creation of guidelines for the management of life-threatening extremity bleeding in children.

Evaluation of the efficacy of commercial and noncommercial tourniquets for extremity hemorrhage control in a perfused cadaver model.

Tourniquets are a critical tool in the immediate response to life-threatening extremity hemorrhage; however, the optimal tourniquet type and effectiveness of noncommercial devices remain unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of five tourniquets in a perfused-cadaver model. This prospective study used a perfused-cadaver model with standardized superficial femoral artery injury bleeding at 700 mL/min. Five tourniquets were tested: combat application tourniquet; rapid application tourniquet system; Stretch, Wrap, And Tuck Tourniquet; an improvised triangle bandage windlass; and a leather belt. Forty-eight medical students underwent a practical hands-on demonstration of each tourniquet. Using a random number generator, they placed the tourniquets on the bleeding cadaver in random order. Time to hemostasis, time to secure devices, estimated blood loss, and difficulty rating were assessed. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare efficacy between the tourniquets in achieving the outcomes. The mean ± SD participant age was 25 ± 2.6 years, and 29 (60%) were male. All but one tourniquet was able to stop bleeding, but the rapid application tourniquet system had a 4% failure rate. Time to hemostasis and estimated blood loss did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Stretch, Wrap, And Tuck Tourniquet required the longest time to be secured (47.8 ± 17.0 seconds), whereas the belt was the fastest (15.2 ± 6.5 seconds; p < 0.001). The improvised windlass was rated easiest to learn and apply, with 22 participants (46%) assigning a score of 1. Four of five tourniquets evaluated, including both noncommercial devices, effectively achieved hemostasis. A standard leather belt was the fastest to place and was able to stop the bleeding. However, it required continuous pressure to maintain hemostasis. The improvised windlass was as effective as the commercial devices and was the easiest to apply. In an emergency setting where commercial devices are not available, improvised tourniquets may be an effective bridge to definitive care.

Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine

BackgroundTourniquets used for peripheral venous vascular access such as blood sampling are regularly contaminated in clinical routine. Although most contaminations are harmless, some pose a possible risk for infection. To improve peripheral venous access infection control standards, tourniquets with no or as few as possible bacterial burden should be used. Conventional tourniquets can be reprocessed by autoclaving or by incubating in disinfectants. However, both methods are time-consuming and not suitable for immediate use between patients. In contrast, silicone tourniquets can be quickly and simply reprocessed with wipe disinfection. In vitro studies from the manufacturer have demonstrated reduced bacterial contamination on silicone tourniquets after usage compared to conventional tourniquets. This study aims to independently investigate the bacterial load on both types of tourniquets in clinical routine.MethodsIn a first trial, new conventional and silicon tourniquets were used for blood sampling in one facility with strict guidelines for reprocessing (after each patient or not at all) for 1 day and tested for bacterial contamination. In a second trial, new tourniquets were used in four facilities while the mode and frequency of tourniquets’ reprocessing was defined individually by each facility. The number of treated patients, mode and frequency of reprocessing and other relevant handling measures were documented.ResultsUnder controlled conditions, with strictly specified reprocessing, slightly fewer bacteria were found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets. In routine clinical practice the reprocessing frequency was not higher for silicone tourniquets in practice. Yet, in all four facilities, there were significantly fewer bacteria found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets.ConclusionAlthough tourniquets are classified as non-critical medical devices, results show – together with benefits of faster and easier reprocessing – that silicone tourniquets can improve infection control of venous vascular access.

Application of Different Commercial Tourniquets by Laypersons: Would Public-access Tourniquets Work Without Training?

The White House "Stop the Bleed" campaign has renewed interest in public-access bleeding kits and the use of tourniquets by the lay public. The objective of this study was to determine which type of tourniquet could be applied most effectively by the lay public using only manufacturer instructions included with each tourniquet. This prospective study randomized participants to one of four different tourniquets (SOFTT-W, CAT, RMT, SWAT-T). Participants were all over 18years of age. Individuals with prior military, EMS, or patient-care medical experience were excluded. Using only the manufacturer's packaging instructions, participants were asked to apply a tourniquet on a simulated bleeding arm. A trained observer noted if tourniquet application by the participant was effective, partially effective, or ineffective based on reduction or cessation of simulated blood flow. Participant's application of the tourniquet was also timed (in seconds) by the observer. The primary outcome of our study was the effectiveness of application for each of the four tourniquets. Secondary outcome was time to effective application. A total of 176 participants were enrolled. For untrained laypersons the RMT had the highest effective application rate of 64.4% and was also the most rapidly applied at 100.9±8.8seconds (95% confidence interval [CI]= 83.1 to 118.6). The SWAT-T had the highest ineffective application rate (55.5%) than any other tourniquet type (p=0.002). There was no effect of age or education on time to application for any tourniquet type. Effective applications were performed significantly faster than partially effective or ineffective applications (93.4±5.8 [95% CI= 81.7 to 104.9] vs. 136.7±8.7 [95% CI= 118.8 to 154.7] vs. 151.9±8.3 [95% CI= 135.2 to 168.6]; p≤0.001). There was no difference in time between partial and ineffective applications (p=0.261). Our study suggests that laypersons could benefit from prior training to effectively apply tourniquets in emergency situations. Of the tourniquets studied, the RMT was the most effectively and most rapidly applied.

Review of digital anatomy, infectious causes of lameness, and regional intravenous perfusion in cattle

Digital disorders in cattle constitute the majority of lameness issues that bovine practitioners will encounter. Treatment of many digital infections in cattle can be facilitated in part by regional limb perfusions of either local anesthetics, antibiotics, or both. This article reviews infectious causes of digital disease, relevant clinical anatomy, use of various perfusates and tourniquet types in regional intravenous perfusions in cattle, and potential complications associated with the procedure.

The effects of military-wide introduction of advanced tourniquets in the Israel Defense Forces

BackgroundEarly application of tourniquets has reduced injury death rates. At the end of 2013, the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps completed a military-wide introduction of the Combat Application Tourniquet as the standard-issued tourniquet. The accompanying clinical practice guideline encouraged combat soldiers and medical teams towards a liberal use of tourniquets for extremity injuries, even when in doubt. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effects of the wide introduction of advanced tourniquets on the rate of tourniquet applications, the type of tourniquet applied, and the differences in hospitalisation outcomes following the introduction. MethodsThe study population was composed of hospitalised military casualties with an extremity injury treated by military medical teams between 2006 and 2015. Prehospital data were extracted from the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry and matched to corresponding hospital data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry. Two periods were compared: 2006–2013 "pre-intervention period" and 2014–2015 "post-intervention period". ResultsA total of 1,578 casualties were recorded during the study period. Of these, 320 (20.3%) occurred between 2014–2015. Characteristics of casualties in the post-intervention period were similar to those in the pre-intervention period including the rate of traumatic amputations (2.5% vs 2.2%, p = 0.93) and Injury Severity Score of 16 or above (12.8% vs 14.9%, p = 0.40). The rate of tourniquet application was more than four-fold in the post-intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period (22.8% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, rates of in-hospital amputations (1.6% vs 1.6%, p = 1.00) and death (0.9% vs 1.3%, p = 0.53) were similar in the two periods. ConclusionFollowing the IDF military-wide introduction of advanced tourniquets, the tourniquet application rate rose sharply, the use of old tourniquets ceased over time, and in-hospital amputation rate did not increase. These findings suggest that the awareness for haemorrhage control using advanced tourniquets rose.

Effectiveness of the American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control Basic Training Among Laypeople Applying Different Tourniquet Types

More than 500 000 laypeople in the United States have been trained in hemorrhage control, including tourniquet application, under the Stop the Bleed campaign. However, it is unclear whether after hemorrhage control training participants become proficient in a specific type of tourniquet or can also use other tourniquets effectively. To assess whether participants completing the American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control Basic (B-Con) training with Combat Application Tourniquets (CATs) can effectively apply bleeding control principles using other tourniquet types (commercial and improvised). This nonblinded, crossover, sequential randomized clinical trial with internal control assessed a volunteer sample of laypeople who attended a B-Con course at Gillette Stadium and the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, Massachusetts, for correct application of each of 5 different tourniquet types immediately after B-Con training from April 4, 2018, to October 9, 2018. The order of application varied for each participant using randomly generated permutated blocks. Full B-Con course, including cognitive and skill sessions, that taught bleeding care, wound pressure and packing, and CAT application. Correct tourniquet application (applied pressure of ≥250 mm Hg with a 2-minute time cap) in a simulated scenario for 3 commercial tourniquets (Special Operation Forces Tactical Tourniquet, Stretch-Wrap-and-Tuck Tourniquet, and Rapid Application Tourniquet System) and improvised tourniquet compared with correct CAT application as an internal control using 4 pairwise Bonferroni-corrected comparisons with the McNemar test. A total of 102 participants (50 [49.0%] male; median [interquartile range] age, 37.5 [27.0-53.0] years) were included in the study. Participants correctly applied the CAT at a significantly higher rate (92.2%) than all other commercial tourniquet types (Special Operation Forces Tactical Tourniquet, 68.6%; Stretch-Wrap-and-Tuck Tourniquet, 11.8%; Rapid Application Tourniquet System, 11.8%) and the improvised tourniquet (32.4%) (P < .001 for each pairwise comparison). When comparing tourniquets applied correctly, all tourniquet types had higher estimated blood loss, had longer application time, and applied less pressure than the CAT. The B-Con principles for correct CAT application are not fully translatable to other commercial or improvised tourniquet types. This study demonstrates a disconnect between the B-Con course and tourniquet designs available for bystander first aid, potentially stemming from the lack of consensus guidelines. These results suggest that current B-Con trainees may not be prepared to care for bleeding patients as tourniquet design evolves. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03538379.

Effect of two tourniquet techniques on peripheral intravenous cannulation success: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesPeripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation is the most common procedure performed in the emergency department (ED). Elastic tourniquets (ETs) and blood pressure cuffs (BPCs) are frequently used for venodilation. Although BPCs lead to increased venodilation and decreased compressibility, it is unclear whether this translates into a meaningful patient-centered outcome. This study aimed to determine whether one method is superior for success on the first attempt. MethodsThis was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial in the ED of a tertiary care center. A convenience sample of adult patients was randomly assigned to an ET or BPC with a cover concealing the type of tourniquet. The primary outcome was success rate on the first attempt. Secondary outcomes were number of attempts, number of providers, and rate of rescue techniques. ResultsOf the 121 patients enrolled, 119 qualified for analysis. In the ET group, 42 of 59 patients (71%) had successful IV cannulation on first attempt compared with 43 of 60 (72%) in the BPC group (P = .95). The number of attempts (P = .87), number of nurses (P = .67), and use of rescue techniques (P = .32) did not differ significantly. A history of difficult IV access and site other than the antecubital vein were associated with decreased success. ConclusionsETs and BPCs performed similarly in providing venodilation for successful peripheral IV cannulation. History of difficult IV access and IV site are important factors in determining the likelihood of success.

The effect of tourniquet type and thigh conicity on the length of hamstring autograft.

We studied the effect of using wide contoured pneumatic tourniquet (PT) versus ultra-narrow sterile exsanguination tourniquet (SET) on the length of hamstring autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with tubular and conical thighs. Fifty-eight patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2013 were assigned to either SET or PT groups. We measured the tendon graft length and width as well as the patients' height, weight, and thigh circumference of 10 cm proximal to the patella and the distance from the anterior-superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus (ASIS-MM). We defined the ratio between the ASIS-MM and the thigh circumference as the conicity index (CI). All grafts were measured after folding into half, and the found value was recorded as functional graft length (FGL). Tendon graft dimensions were correlated with the individual anthropometric data and with CI in each of the groups. PT was used in 34 patients and SET on 24 patients. FGL was 12.7 ± 0.84 mean + standard deviation for the SET group versus 11.5 ± 1.61 for the PT group ( p = 0.0011) with a strong positive correlation between FGL and CI for the PT group ( R2 = 0.625; p = 2.6 × 10-8) but nonsignificant correlation for the SET ( R2 = 0.222). Graft thickness was correlated with the patient age ( R2 = 0.450) but not with CI or type of tourniquet used. We found the CI to be a better measure of thigh conicity than thigh circumference, length, height, weight, or body mass index individually. We conclude that using the SET which occupies less space on the thigh yielded significantly longer hamstring autologous ACL graft compared to the PT and the FGL became essentially independent from the CI when the SET was used.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is transmitted through direct contact or fomites. The most important means of nosocomial spread is by hospital personnel. However, fomites are being increasingly recognized as sources of nosocomial infection. Our aim was to describe the MRSA contamination rate of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets in a tertiary care hospital and to compare the contamination of plastic tourniquets with that of fabric tourniquets. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the general wards of a tertiary care hospital in the Colombo District. Two hundred tourniquets were collected and 100 faucets were swabbed and cultured on CHROMagar™ MRSA medium (CHROMagar Microbiology). Contamination rates of 50 plastic tourniquets and 50 fabric tourniquets were compared. MRSA grew in 26% of tourniquets. Majority were plastic tubes. MRSA contamination of tourniquets did not significantly differ by ward (p>0.4). MRSA was found on 26% of faucets. Contamination rate was highest in the common wards for dermatology, dental, rheumatology, and neurology (55.6%), followed by gynaecology (45.2%), cardiology (33.3%), surgery (18.8%), psychiatry (11.1%), and medicine (5.6%). There was a significant difference in rates of contamination of faucets in the different wards (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the colony count per surface area of the two types of tourniquets after a single use. MRSA contamination rates of tourniquets and faucets were high. Single-use plastic tourniquets were much less contaminated with MRSA than reused tourniquets.

The Tourniquet Gap: A Pilot Study of the Intuitive Placement of Three Tourniquet Types by Laypersons

BackgroundThe “Stop the Bleed” campaign in the United States advocates for nonmedical personnel to be trained in basic hemorrhage control and that “bleeding control kits” be available in high-risk areas. However, it is not clear which tourniquets are most effective in the hands of laypersons. ObjectivesThe objective of this pilot study was to determine which tourniquet type was the most intuitive for a layperson to apply correctly. MethodsThis project is a randomized study derived from a “Stop the Bleed” education initiative conducted between September 2016 and March 2017. Novice tourniquet users were randomized to apply one of three commercially available tourniquets (Combat Action Tourniquet [CAT; North American Rescue, LLC, Greer, SC], Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet [RMT; m2 Inc., Winooski, VT], or Stretch Wrap and Tuck Tourniquet [SWAT-T; TEMS Solutions, LLC, Salida, CO]) in a controlled setting. Individuals with formal medical certification, prior military service, or prior training with tourniquets were excluded. The primary outcome of this study was successful tourniquet placement. ResultsOf 236 possible participants, 198 met the eligibility criteria. Demographics were similar across groups. The rates of successful tourniquet application for the CAT, RMT, and SWAT-T were 16.9%, 23.4%, and 10.6%, respectively (p = 0.149). The most common causes of application failure were: inadequate tightness (74.1%), improper placement technique (44.4%), and incorrect positioning (16.7%). ConclusionOur pilot study on the intuitive nature of applying commercially available tourniquets found unacceptably high rates of failure. Large-scale community education efforts and manufacturer improvements of tourniquet usability by the lay public must be made before the widespread dissemination of tourniquets will have a significant public health effect.

Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin administered via intravenous regional limb perfusion in dairy cows: evaluation of two different tourniquets

ObjectivesThis study evaluated synovial and systemic plasma pharmacokinetic variables of marbofloxacin after a single intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) performed using two different tourniquets in clinically healthy, standing, non-sedated dairy...

Significant Pressure Loss Occurs Under Tourniquets Within Minutes of Application.

Pressure decreases occur after tourniquet application, risking arterial occlusion loss. Our hypothesis was that the decreases could be mathematically described, allowing creation of evidence-based, tourniquet-reassessment- time recommendations. Four tourniquets with width (3.8cm, 3.8cm, 13.7cm, 10.4cm), elasticity (none, none, mixed elastic/nonelastic, elastic), and mechanical advantage differences (windlass, ratchet, inflation, recoil) were applied to 57.5cm-circumference 10% and 20% ballistic gels for 600 seconds and a 57.5cmcircumference thigh and 31.5cm-circumference arm for 300 seconds. Time 0 target completion-pressures were 262mmHg and 362mmHg. Two-phase decay equations fit the pressure-loss curves. Tourniquet type, gel or limb composition, circumference, and completionpressure affected the curves. Curves were clinically significant with the nonelastic Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), nonelastic Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (RMT), and mixed elastic/nonelastic blood pressure cuff (BPC), and much less with the elastic Stretch Wrap And Tuck-Tourniquet (SWATT). At both completion-pressures, pressure loss was faster on 10% than 20% gel, and even faster and greater on the thigh. The 362mmHg completion-pressure had the most pressure loss. Arm curves were different from thigh but still approached plateau pressure losses (maximal calculated losses at infinity) in similar times. With the 362mmHg completion-pressure, thigh curve plateaus were -68mmHg C-A-T, -62mmHg RMT, -34mmHg BPC, and -13mmHg SWATT. The losses would be within 5mmHg of plateau by 4.67 minutes C-A-T, 6.00 minutes RMT, 4.98 minutes BPC, and 6.40 minutes SWATT and within 1mmHg of plateau by 8.18 minutes C-A-T, 10.52 minutes RMT, 10.07 minutes BPC, and 17.68 minutes SWATT. Timesequenced images did not show visual changes during the completion to 300 or 600 seconds pressure-drop interval. Proper initial tourniquet application does not guarantee maintenance of arterial occlusion. Tourniquet applications should be reassessed for arterial occlusion 5 or 10 minutes after application to be within 5mmHg or 1mmHg of maximal pressure loss. Elastic tourniquets have the least pressure loss.