4 6 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
I
f you haven't shopped
for tourniquets lately,
you're in for a pleasant
surprise. As these 10
features show, today's
tourniquets are safer and more
efficient than ever, fitting limbs
of all shapes and sizes and let-
ting you treat every patient with
precise, personalized pressure.
1. Single-use personal-
ized cuffs.
Disposable
tourniquets provide both uniform pressure and the minimum amount of pres-
sure required to stop the flow of arterial blood into the limb. They also fit limbs
of all different sizes and tapered shapes. A mismatched fit prevents pressure
from being applied efficiently, increasing the possibility of nerve injury, swelling
and pain. A pivoting fastener lets the cuff adapt to and match a variety of limb
shapes and sizes, facilitating close contact with the limb across the entire width
of the cuff. In addition, a releasable application handle allows for easier and
more consistent cuff application, faster removal and improved stability. Cuffs
that don't fit a patient's limb often migrate and roll toward the surgical site. That
Shopping for Safer Tourniquets
These features help prevent
pressure-related injuries
and other potentially
serious complications.
Jim McEwen, PhD
Vancouver, Canada
• CUSTOM MADE Personalized cuffs provide more consistent application of
pressure and fit all shapes and sizes of limbs.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
