Use Of Pneumatic Tourniquet Research Articles

Summary of the best evidence for the safe use of pneumatic tourniquet in limb surgery

PurposeTo retrieve, evaluate, and summarize the best available evidence regarding the safe use of pneumatic tourniquet in patients undergoing Limb surgery, providing guidance for preoperative assessment, operation methods and precautions, complication prevention and treatment in clinical practice.MethodsUsing the PIPOST tool, we formulated an evidence-based question, conducted searches in relevant Chinese and international databases and websites for clinical decisions, guidelines, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, and expert consensus on the use of limb surgical tourniquets. The search was limited to literature published until September 30, 2023. Quality assessment and evidence extraction were performed on eligible documents.ResultsThis study included a total of 13 articles, including 2 clinical decision-making articles, 3 guidelines, 5 expert consensus articles, 1 standard and 2 systematic reviews. A total of 34 best pieces of evidence recommendations were summarized across 10 aspects, including indications and contraindications for the use of pneumatic tourniquets, preoperative evaluation of operators, selection and placement of tourniquet cuffs, tourniquet inflation, monitoring during inflation, tourniquet deflation, common complications and prevention, equipment safety, documentation, and training and education.ConclusionThe best evidence summarized in this study can provide reference for clinical medical staff to safely use pneumatic tourniquets, but in clinical practice, targeted selection and application of evidence should be combined with specific situations to improve the safety and hemostatic effect of pneumatic tourniquet use.

Comparing the risk of reoperation between pneumatic tourniquet and non-tourniquet use in surgical treatment of ankle fractures.

Pneumatic tourniquets are often used during the surgical treatment of unstable traumatic ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets. This was a population-based cohort study using data from the Danish Fracture Database with a follow-up period of 24 months. Data were linked to the Danish National Patient Registry to ensure complete information regarding reoperations due to complications, which were divided into major and minor. The relative risk of reoperations for the tourniquet group compared with the non-tourniquet group was estimated using Cox proportional hazards modelling. A total of 4,050 ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 15 March 2012 and 31 December 2016 were included, with 669 (16.5%) undergoing surgery with a tourniquet and 3,381 (83.5%) without a tourniquet. The overall reoperation risk was 28.2% with an adjusted relative risk of 1.46 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.32) for group comparison. The reoperation risk due to major complications was 3.1% with a tourniquet and 4.4% without a tourniquet, resulting in an adjusted relative risk of 1.45 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.32). For minor complications, there were 24.7% and 23.9% reoperations, resulting in an adjusted relative risk of 0.99 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.17). We found no significant difference in the reoperation rate when comparing ankle fractures treated surgically with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a pneumatic tourniquet work standards scale

ObjectivePneumatic tourniquets are among the most essential equipment for controlling bleeding in orthopedic surgeries. However, incorrect application of pneumatic tourniquets is accompanied by many hazards and complications for patients. Evaluation of surgical teams’ use of pneumatic tourniquets and establishment of protocols can play an important role in improving patient safety, minimizing risks, and increasing the lifetime of this equipment. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a pneumatic tourniquet work standards scale.MethodsThe present study is a methodological work carried out in two stages. In the first stage, an initial version of the scale was developed based on existing research and panel reviews. In the second stage, the psychometric properties of the scale were tested in terms of face validity (measured qualitatively and quantitatively), content validity (measured qualitatively and quantitatively), item analysis, construct validity, and reliability (internal consistency and stability).ResultsThe initial version of the scale consisted of 91 items. After several meetings of the research team, the number of items decreased to 81. In the course of face and content validity testing, 40 items were eliminated, leaving 41 items on the scale when it entered the construct validity testing stage. For evaluation of construct validity, a sample of 300 operating room nurses was recruited. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) results showed a structure supported by seven factors and 41 items. The reliability of the scale was confirmed by internal consistency analysis, with a good Cronbach’s alpha (0.85), and test–retest analysis, with good values of ICC (0.95).ConclusionThe present instrument is a reliable and valid scale which fills the gap in assessment of surgical team members’ use of pneumatic tourniquets. The developed scale can be employed by researchers and managers of medical centers to identify hazards in applying pneumatic tourniquets and devise educational programs to eliminate or reduce the existing issues.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of orthopedic operating room personnel regarding the use of pneumatic tourniquets.

Pneumatic tourniquets (PTs) play a crucial role in hemostasis during orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to investigate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of orthopedic operating room personnel concerning the use of PTs. This cross-sectional study was conducted from Jul. 2023 to Aug. 2023. An online questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and KAP score data of the orthopedic operating room personnel from Hangzhou Regional Hospitals. A total of 336 participants included orthopedic physicians (37.8%), orthopedic nurses (31.5%), anesthesiologists (8.9%), operating room nurses (19.9%) and medical students (1.8%). The median knowledge score was 28.5 (24, 32), with a maximum score of 38; the median attitude score was 31 (28, 35), of a maximum of 35; the median practice score was 41 (36, 44), of a maximum of 45. Correlation analysis showed links between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.388, p<0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.401, p<0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.485, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that female gender (OR = 0.294, 95% CI: 0.167-0.520; p<0.001), working in a specialized hospital (OR = 0.420, 95% CI: 0.219-0.803; p = 0.009), and occupation as a surgical anesthesiologist (OR = 3.358, 95% CI: 1.466-7.694; p = 0.004) were associated with better knowledge scores. A higher educational degree (OR = 0.237, 95% CI: 0.093-0.608; p = 0.003) was associated with better practice scores. No previous training was associated with lower knowledge (OR = 0.312, 95% CI: 0.187-0.520; p<0.001) and practice (OR = 0.325, 95% CI: 0.203-0.521; p<0.001) scores. Orthopedic personnel in this study had acceptable knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning the use of PTs; additional training and guidance might enhance proficiency.

The effects of tourniquet use in elbow surgery: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundPneumatic tourniquets are frequently employed in extremity surgeries, aiming to enhance intraoperative visibility and minimize blood loss. While their benefits and drawbacks have been extensively studied in lower limb operations, their impact on upper limb procedures, particularly elbow surgery, remains poorly understood. This study investigates the advantages and risks associated with pneumatic tourniquet utilization in elbow surgery. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 183 patients who underwent elbow surgery for fractures between January 2019 and September 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who underwent surgery with a tourniquet (WT) and those without a tourniquet (NT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on fracture complexity. Data collected included patient characteristics, tourniquet usage, surgical duration, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, C-reactive protein levels, pain assessments, opioid administration, hospital stay duration, follow-up, complications, and revisions. Statistical analyses were used to identify significant differences and correlations. ResultsThe use of a tourniquet in elbow surgery yielded several notable outcomes. Patients in the WT group experienced significantly shorter surgical durations and hospital stays. Hemoglobin drop was lower in the WT group, indicating reduced blood loss. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative pain, opioid consumption, or complications between the WT and NT groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that the recorded differences, particularly shorter surgical durations, were more pronounced in complex fractures. ConclusionsThis study shows promising results in the use of pneumatic tourniquets in elbow surgery in terms of enhanced efficiency, reduced blood loss, and overall safety, without compromising patient outcomes. However, the potential influence of perioperative decision-making on tourniquet usage underscores the need for further research to elucidate its role and optimize its application, especially in complex elbow fractures.

Introducing a new proforma for the safe use of intraoperative tourniquets in orthopaedic surgery.

The routine use of pneumatic tourniquets in orthopaedic surgery is widely adopted in current practice; however, practice varies considerably based mainly on anecdotal and cultural traditions. This Quality Improvement Project evaluated current service as per the newly published British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma & Orthopaedics guideline on 'The Safe Use of Intraoperative Tourniquets'. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively for all patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery in September 2021 at one NHS hospital trust. Simultaneously, a nine-question survey was distributed to the orthopaedic teams allowing assessment of non-quantifiable aspects of the guidelines. The results were delivered as a local presentation, and trust-wide dissemination of posters using the mnemonic 'PRESSURE' was used to educate staff. The quantitative audit was repeated twice, after this intervention (March 2022) and after the advent of a new electronic patient record system with an online proforma (January 2023). There was significant improvement (p<0.05) in all aspects of tourniquet documentation between the audit cycles. Maximum advised tourniquet duration was exceeded in <2% of cases regardless of guideline publication. Recommended pressures were used in less than one-third of cases in all audit cycles, with no significant change throughout. More than 50% of respondents sized their tourniquet on 'whatever looked best fit'. Despite tourniquet usage being part of the UK Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery curriculum, this study is the first to highlight a lack of compliance with 'gold standard' guidelines and the need for increased training for staff to ensure patients are exposed to the safest possible environment. Although electronic proformas can aid recording of information, the limitation to change is cultural tradition and anecdotal experience.

Tourniquet-related nerve injuries resulted from a short period of pneumatic tourniquet use: A rare case report

Tourniquet-related nerve injuries resulted from a short period of pneumatic tourniquet use: A rare case report

Effect of Tourniquet Deflation on Intracranial Pressure Measured by Ultrasound of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery Under Spinal Anesthesia: An Observational Study.

Background Orthopedic surgeries of the lower extremities frequently require exsanguination and the use of pneumatic tourniquets. However, the deflation of the tourniquet is accompanied by predominant metabolic changes such as an increase in PaCO2. Prior studies have reported the existence of a correlation between tourniquet deflation and an increase in intracranial pressure in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. However, there is a dearth of literature demonstrating such relationships among patients undergoing surgery under subarachnoid block in the Indian setting. The present research was conducted to study the variations in intracranial pressure after the deflation of the tourniquet by measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasound among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery of the lower limb under spinal anesthesia at a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Methodology After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee, this prospective observational study was conducted among 45 patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries of the lower limb using a pneumatic tourniquet. Changes in intracranial pressure following tourniquet deflation were recorded by measuring ONSD by ultrasound in these patients. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), SpO2, EtCO2, and ONSD were noted 15 minutes before administration of subarachnoid block (T0), just before tourniquet deflation (T1) and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after tourniquet deflation (T5, T10, and T15, respectively). Results The ONSD varied significantlyat each point of observation (p < 0.05). The ONSDs at 5 and 10 minutes after the deflation of the tourniquet were significantly greater than that at T0 (p = 0.002). EtCO2 showed a significant increase compared to baseline values at every point of observation intraoperatively whereas MAP showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05).For all parameters (ONSD, HR, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, MAP, and EtCO2), the most significant change in observation was noted at T10, i.e., 10 minutes after the deflation of the tourniquet. Conclusions The significant findingin thisstudy was that the ONSD measurements recorded by ultrasound were increased after the deflation of the tourniquet and that this change can be attributed to an increase in EtCO2. However, the results obtained cannot be validated outside the present research owing to the observational nature of the study and limited sample size. Thus, it is difficult to arrive at a definitive conclusion. Further large-scale multicentric studiesmaybe needed to substantiate the findings of thisstudy.

Use of tranexamic acid may reduce the need for routine tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on bleeding control and to compare its utilization with and without simultaneous use of conventional pneumatic tourniquets during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Between January 2017 and December 2017, a total of 204 patients (23 males, 181 females; mean age: 66±6.9 years; range, 45 to 86 years) who underwent TKA for Stage 4 gonarthrosis were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as those with (n=110) and without (n=94) pneumatic tourniquet use. Tranexamic acid (1 g) was administered intravenously to all patients in both study groups. Intra- and postoperative blood loss were calculated, and postoperative pain was evaluated by a Visual Analog Scale. Demographic and clinical data were compared between the study groups. The amount of total blood loss and postoperative blood loss were significantly higher in the tourniquet group than that in the no-tourniquet group (589.4±69.5 mL vs. 490.8±55.2 mL and 326±56 mL vs. 164±35.5 mL, respectively; p<0.001 for both). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the no-tourniquet group (326.9±42.9 mL vs. 263.5±53.8 mL, respectively; p<0.001). The pain score at 24 h was significantly higher in the tourniquet group (p<0.001). Total blood loss and postoperative pain were significantly higher among patients in whom a tourniquet was used during TKA. Therefore, the routine use of tourniquets with TXA should be reconsidered.

903 Improving Documentation of Tourniquet Use in a Trauma Unit in Line with New BOAST Guidelines

Abstract Aim Local tissue damage is a significant potential consequence of intraoperative pneumatic tourniquet use, via pressure-related damage or chemical injury. The British Orthopaedic Association released a guideline relating to the safe intraoperative tourniquet use in October 2021, dictating standards for documentation in operative records. Initial audit suggested that only 15% of the required information was documented. With updated operative record paperwork and electronic templates, we aimed to improve adherence to updated BOAST guidance. Method Following analysis of 14 days' worth of trauma operation records, results of local documentation of tourniquet use were presented at a departmental audit meeting. With departmental permission, changes were made to the operation notes template, to include tickboxes relating to the use of tourniquets, skin condition pre/post-operatively, method of isolation, method of exsanguination, and the pressure of tourniquet and duration of use in line with new guidelines. Additionally, a new, time-efficient template was designed for those using electronic records. Results were re-audited over a 14-day period following dissemination of the relevant templates. Results Initial results suggested that only 15% of required data surrounding tourniquet use was being documented, with none recording information relating to skin condition pre/post-operatively, method of isolation or exsanguination. Following aforementioned interventions led to an improvement in documentation from 15% compliance to 64% compliance. Conclusions Further efforts are required in order to further improve documentation of tourniquet use, particularly when in electronic format, initial re-audit results are encouraging for improved adherence to new BOAST guidance in a local trauma unit.

Effect of Protective Padding in Pneumatic Tourniquet Applications on the Prevention of Skin Complications.

The use of pneumatic tourniquets in orthopaedic surgery has become essential as they create a bloodless surgical field in lower and upper limb applications and allow the anatomical structures to be better visualized. This aim of this study, which was conducted on 60 patients, was to determine the effect of protective padding on preventing skin complications in pneumatic tourniquet applications. Patients were divided into 3 groups of cotton-cast padding, protection sleeve, or no/without protective padding underneath the tourniquet cuff. Mean values were as follows: age: 27.7 ± 6.9 years, tourniquet pressure: 307.5 ± 31.7 mmHg, and tourniquet duration: 87.8 ± 15.3 minutes. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the rate of skin complications (p < .05) immediately after survey, 30 minutes after surgery, and 180 minutes after surgery. Protective padding underneath pneumatic tourniquet cuff can be recommended during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The Effect of Upper Extremity Tourniquet Time on Postoperative Pain and Opiate Consumption.

There is widespread use of pneumatic tourniquet for both upper and lower extremity orthopedic surgeries. Tourniquet use improves visualization, decreases blood loss, and as a result, decreases operative time. Exceeding a certain amount of tourniquet time can cause lasting neuromuscular damage. Orthopedic procedures cause significant pain, and the perioperative narcotic prescriptions after orthopedic surgery have been identified as one of the major contributors to the opioid epidemic. Our aim was to determine whether increasing tourniquet time had a negative impact on immediate postoperative opiate usage in the upper extremity, and to determine other factors associated with increased immediate postoperative opiate usage. A retrospective medical record review was performed on patients who underwent volar pleading for fracture fixation between January 2014 and December 2019 at a single institution. Postoperative pain, morphine equivalent dose (MED) usage, and demographic variables were collected. Multivariable analysis was performed, with P < .05 considered significant. Immediate postoperative MED consumed was not correlated with operative time, tourniquet time, preoperative substance usage, or sex. However, postoperative MED consumed was correlated with preoperative narcotic use, high body mass index (BMI), and fracture surgery complexity. Tourniquet usage under current guidelines does not appear to have an effect on postoperative pain and narcotic usage. Preoperative narcotic usage, BMI, and surgery complexity are significant factors for postoperative opiate consumption.

Tourniquet Use for Short Hand Surgery Procedures Done Under Local Anesthesia Without Epinephrine

Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) is an increasingly popular surgical technique. However, owing to surgeon preference, patient factors, or hospital guidelines, it may not be feasible to inject patients with solutions containing epinephrine the recommended 25 minutes prior to incision. The purpose of this study was to assess pain and patient experience after short hand surgeries done under local anesthesia using a tourniquet rather than epinephrine for hemostasis. Ninety-six consecutive patients undergoing short hand procedures using only local anesthesia and a tourniquet (LA-T) were assessed before and after surgery. A high arm pneumatic tourniquet was used in 73 patients and a forearm pneumatic tourniquet was used in 23. All patients received a local, unbuffered plain lidocaine injection. No patients received sedation. Pain related to local anesthesia, pneumatic tourniquet, and the procedure was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Patient experience was assessed using a study-specific questionnaire based on previous WALANT studies. Tourniquet times were recorded. Mean pain related to anesthetic injection was rated 3.9 out of 10. Mean tourniquet related pain was 2.9 out of 10 for high arm pneumatic tourniquets and 2.3 out of 10 for forearm pneumatic tourniquets. Patients rated their experience with LA-T favorably and 95 of 96 patients (99%) reported that they would choose LA-T again for an equivalent procedure. Mean tourniquet time was 9.6 minutes and only 1 patient had a tourniquet inflated for more than 20 minutes. Tourniquet times less than 10 minutes were associated with less pain than tourniquet times greater than 10 minutes (P < .05); however, both groups reported the tourniquet to be on average less painful than the local anesthetic injection. Short wide-awake procedures using a tourniquet are feasible and well accepted. Local anesthetic injection was reported to be more painful than pneumatic tourniquet use. Tourniquets for short wide-awake procedures can be used in settings in which preprocedure epinephrine injections are logistically difficult or based on surgeon preference. Therapeutic IV.

Assessment of complications following use of pneumatic tourniquet for elective orthopedic procedures at National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; A pneumatic tourniquet is a constricting or compressing device with an inflatable cuff used to control venous or arterial circulation to an extremity for a period of time. Tourniquet safety is related to the cuff pressure and duration of application. The objective of this study was to determine the common complications that follow the use of pneumatic tourniquet in elective orthopaedic surgical procedures at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a prospective study over 18 month period (June 2014 – November 2015) at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. Following ethical approval and written informed consent, patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited. The study was conducted using the ‘intelligent pneumatic tourniquet’&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;with single bladder reusable cylindrical cuff. The cuff pressure was determined in each case by addition of 100mmHg to the baseline systolic BP for the upper limbs and 150 mmHg to the baseline systolic BP for the lower limbs. The data collected included patients’ demographics, cuff pressure, cuff location, tourniquet duration and complication encountered among other parameters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 160 procedures in 152 patients were included and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The prevalence rate of 1.9% for nerve palsy, 1.3% for tourniquet pain, 1.9% for surgical site infection and 5.6% for pressure sore were found in the study. No other complication was encountered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; From the results of this study, it is concluded that the use of pneumatic tourniquet under the prescribed conditions is associated with low prevalence of complications.&lt;/p&gt;

Pneumatic tourniquets in maxillofacial surgery: do we need to change practice? A national study

The use of pneumatic tourniquets during the harvest of free flaps is an established practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Their use can be associated with severe but preventable complications, for which operating surgeons are ultimately responsible. The aim of this study was to find any pitfalls concerning the safe use of tourniquets by maxillofacial surgeons. An electronic questionnaire based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines was distributed to maxillofacial surgeons nationally. A total of 37 questionnaires were completed and analysed. The mean (range) score for the knowledge-based questions for all respondents was 72.8% (47.3%–94.7%). The number of clinicians who answered correctly on topics relating to cuff position, reperfusion time and contraindications for the use of tourniquets were 15, 10 and 6, respectively. A total of 35 clinicians had had no formal training on the application of a tourniquet. Our study shows that knowledge about their use by maxillofacial surgeons is poor, and it highlights the importance of formal education during basic and higher surgical training.

Blood flow restriction training as a prehabilitation concept in total knee arthroplasty: A narrative review about current preoperative interventions and the potential impact of BFR

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most commonly diagnosed joint ailments and responsible for increased rates of total knee arthroplasty surgeries worldwide. Whereas the surgical approach is able to diminish the perceived knee pain of concerned patients’, the postoperative recovery is often accompanied by persistent skeletal muscle dysfunctions and atrophy, which is responsible for functional deficits for up to several years. Recent findings indicate that surgery induced adverse effects on skeletal muscles are largely associated with the use of pneumatic tourniquets, wherefore several studies try to reduce tourniquet use in orthopedic surgery. However, due to comparable incidence of muscle impairment and increased surgical challenge, the most frequently applied surgical technique in TKA is still associated with the use of tourniquets. When attenuating TKA induced adverse effects, the preoperative preparation of patients by specific exercises (called prehabilitation) was able to enhance preoperative overall fitness through associated accelerated recovery. Based on patients’ limited functional activity, prehabilitation techniques have to be particularly designed to allow regular adherence. The present paper is based on a narrative review of current literature, and provides a novel hypothesis by which blood flow restriction exercises (BFR) are able to improve patients’ compliance to prehabilitation. BFR training is characterized by the application of low-resistance exercise with similar intensities as daily living tasks in association with a suppression of venous blood flow in an extremity, achieving significant morphological and neuromuscular adaptations in skeletal muscles. In addition, preoperative enhancements in muscle health with corresponding benefits in overall fitness, BFR induced molecular alterations could also be able to interfere with TKA induced pathological signaling. Therefore, based on the known major impact of BFR on skeletal muscle physiology, the present paper aims to illustrate the potential beneficial impact of BFR training as a prehabilitation concept to promote patients regular adherence to preoperative exercises and thus achieve an accelerated recovery and increases in patients’ satisfaction.

A clinical study of the safe use of pneumatic tourniquet in orthopaedic surgery

Specific objective: A study was undertaken to evaluate the superiority of Lowest occlusion pressure method of using the pneumatic tourniquet verus the other routine ways of usage of Pneumatic Tourniquets in Orthopaedics surgery which include the Fixed and Systolic Blood Pressure variants. Materials and methods: This study included 120 patients of both upper and lower limbs trauma. These patients were randomly included any of the three categories of study after fullfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three modalities of application of toruniquet were included in this study. They were Fixed, Systolic Blood pressure (SBP) and Lowest Occlusion Pressure methods (LOP). Each category included 40 patients and the results were analysed according to final outcome using Ishii et al. grading, VAS Score criteria. Results: In our study 120 cases managed by LOP had better results compared to fixed variant and Systolic BP variant in terms of less pressure needed to keep tourniquet, good operative field, pain score (VAS) at tourniquet application region and skin injury (reddening). But no complications like compartment syndrome, deep vein disorder, paresis, nerve injury has occurred before and after surgery Conclusion: LOP method of using the pneuamtic tourniquet is superior to the other methods of using Tourniquet in terms of less pressure needed for elevating tourniquet, Good operative (blood less) field, no skin abrasions.

Perioperative Implications of Pneumatic Tourniquets Used During Orthopedic Surgery

Objectives: The use of pneumatic tourniquets to prevent major bleeding is well established for orthopedic surgery; however, it is not without complications. The goal of this study was to evaluate the possible perioperative consequences among patients with use of such tourniquets during orthopedic surgery. Method: This prospective cohort included: patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and were over 18. Patients with diabetes, cardiac disease and those with renal or hepatic insufficiency were excluded. Before beginning the surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2) and 12 hours later (T3) after tourniquet de-insufflations, clinical and laboratory data from the patients were collected. Results: Forty patients were included. The outcome assessment showed that the clinical and laboratory data collected at: T1, T2 and T3 showed statistically significant differences, mainly in T2, for mean arterial pressure, base deficits, PaCO 2 , lactate, potassium and CPK. The tourniquet time showed a direct correlation with the length of hospital stay (R2 = 0.76; P < 0.001); a longer tourniquet time was correlated with a

The use of pneumatic tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

Pneumatic tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is always a controversial issue. The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of its use in patients receiving primary unilateral TKA, and to explore the most safe and effective protocols. This review was based on cochrane methodology for conducting meta-analysis. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for this study. The participants were adults who had undergone primary unilateral TKA. The Review Manager Database (RevMan version 5.0, The Cochrane Collaboration 2008) was used to analyze the dates of the selected studies. Thirteen RCTs involving 859 patients were included in this analysis. The use of tourniquet could significantly reduce operation time (mean difference -5.01 min, P = 0.003), intraoperative blood loss (mean difference -201.85 ml, P < 0.00001) and total blood loss volumes (mean difference -125.03 ml, P = 0.61). But postoperative (mean difference 45.99 ml, P = 0.68) were slightly increased in that situation. With respect to surgical complications, a tendency of increasing risk ratio was observed for tourniquet group. Our results indicate that tourniquet application could reduce surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and total blood loss, but increases postoperative total blood loss. With respect to postoperative complications, DVT and surgical site infection rates are relatively augmented in the tourniquet group.

Pneumatic Tourniquet for Surgical Procedures of Hemodialysis Vascular Access

Pneumatic tourniquet has been frequently utilized in various surgical specialties to facilitate surgical procedures on the extremities. However, its use for surgical procedures of hemodialysis access has been limited to some surgeons in the United States and often confined to the hospital settings under general anesthesia or regional nerve block. We have successfully employed a pneumatic tourniquet system for surgical procedures of hemodialysis access under conscious sedation and local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Because prolonged tourniquet inflation is associated with ischemic pain and other potential complications, we have limited the continuous inflation time to <30minutes. Our recent data from 550 surgical procedures of hemodialysis access have emphasized that pneumatic tourniquet use is well tolerated under conscious sedation and not associated with significant adverse events. These and other reported data suggest that pneumatic tourniquet can reduce procedure time, minimize required dissection, reduce vascular trauma by eliminating vascular clamps and potentially improve the outcomes of surgical procedures of hemodialysis access. These advantages may be translated into cost savings for hemodialysis access care. This review discusses practical issues of pneumatic tourniquet use and its applications in surgical procedures of hemodialysis access.