1 0 3
M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
stockinette
as protection,
and while
these are
effective,
studies have
revealed that
the limb pro-
tection
sleeves that
have been
developed to
specifically match to the limb and tourniquet cuff size provide more effec-
tive protection. Furthermore, there is evidence that the greatest safety is
achieved through the use of limb protection sleeves consisting of 2-layer
material specifically matched to the limb and cuff size.
4. Personalized tourniquets. A recent introduction of personal-
ized tourniquet cuffs has also resulted in safer and more effective tourni-
quet use. Personalized cuffs are designed to better match patient limb size
and shape. This delivers a more efficient application of cuff pressure to the
limb, letting you use lower and safer tourniquet pressures. Personalization
of tourniquets is critical for addressing the needs of different patient popu-
lations. For example, there are pediatric populations and bariatric popula-
tions, and there are patients with tapered limbs and patients with cylindri-
cal limbs. The 2 aspects focused on here speak to the different sizes of
patients and different shape of their limbs.
When you're looking at size, there are innovations in pediatric and
bariatric cuffs that will let you meet the needs of younger and older
patients with smaller and larger limb sizes. That's one aspect of personal-
T O U R N I Q U E T S
LIMB OCCLUSION PRESSURE Some tourniquet systems can deliver
the minimum amount of tourniquet pressure for each patient.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
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