Tourniquet: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:52, 22 February 2025

A tourniquet is a device that applies pressure to a limb or extremity in order to limit – but not stop – the flow of blood. It can be used in emergencies, surgery, or in post-operative rehabilitation. Tourniquets are widely used in both medical and military settings.

History[edit]

The use of tourniquets dates back to antiquity. They were used by the Romans and were described in the works of Galen. The modern tourniquet was developed in the 18th century.

In 1785, Sir Gilbert Blane introduced the use of the tourniquet in the British Navy, which significantly reduced the mortality rate from amputations.

Types of Tourniquets[edit]

Surgical Tourniquets[edit]

Surgical tourniquets are used to create a bloodless field during surgery. They are typically pneumatic devices that can be precisely controlled.

Emergency Tourniquets[edit]

Emergency tourniquets are used in trauma situations to control severe bleeding. They are often used in military settings and by emergency medical services.

Phlebotomy Tourniquets[edit]

Phlebotomy tourniquets are used to make veins more visible and easier to access during blood draws.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Tourniquets work by applying circumferential pressure to a limb, which compresses the underlying tissues and blood vessels. This compression reduces blood flow to the area beyond the tourniquet.

Risks and Complications[edit]

While tourniquets are effective in controlling bleeding, they can also cause complications if used improperly. Prolonged use can lead to tissue damage, nerve injury, and compartment syndrome.

Modern Developments[edit]

Recent advancements in tourniquet technology include the development of limb protection sleeves and improved cuff designs to minimize complications.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Tourniquet ==
+A '''tourniquet''' is a device that applies pressure to a limb or extremity in order to limit – but not stop – the flow of blood. It can be used in emergencies, surgery, or in post-operative rehabilitation. Tourniquets are widely used in both medical and military settings.
-A '''tourniquet''' is a device that applies pressure to a limb or extremity in the flow of blood. It can be used in emergencies, surgery, or in post-operative rehabilitation. Tourniquets are widely used in both medical and military settings.
+== History ==
+The use of tourniquets dates back to antiquity. They were used by the Romans and were described in the works of [[Galen]]. The modern tourniquet was developed in the 18th century.
+[[File:Petit_tourniquet_-_Savigny_1798.jpg|thumb|left|A Petit tourniquet from 1798]]
+In 1785, Sir [[Gilbert Blane]] introduced the use of the tourniquet in the British Navy, which significantly reduced the mortality rate from amputations.
-== History ==
+[[File:17850000-Tourniquet_Use-GILBERT-BLANE.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of tourniquet use by Gilbert Blane]]
+== Types of Tourniquets ==
-The use of tourniquets dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded use was by the Romans, who used them to control bleeding during amputations. In the 18th century, the French surgeon [[Jean-Louis Petit]] developed a screw device that could be tightened to control bleeding, which became known as the "Petit tourniquet".
+=== Surgical Tourniquets ===
-[[File:Petit_tourniquet_-_Savigny_1798.jpg|thumb|right|A Petit tourniquet from 1798]]
+Surgical tourniquets are used to create a bloodless field during surgery. They are typically pneumatic devices that can be precisely controlled.
-In the 19th century, the use of tourniquets became more widespread, particularly in military medicine. During the [[American Civil War]], tourniquets were used extensively to prevent soldiers from bleeding to death on the battlefield.
+[[File:Cuff_Technology_-_Application_Handle_Cuff.jpg|thumb|left|Application of a surgical tourniquet]]
-== Modern Use ==
+=== Emergency Tourniquets ===
-Today, tourniquets are used in a variety of medical settings. They are commonly used in [[surgery]] to create a bloodless field, which allows surgeons to see more clearly and operate more effectively. Tourniquets are also used in [[emergency medicine]] to control severe bleeding from traumatic injuries.
+Emergency tourniquets are used in trauma situations to control severe bleeding. They are often used in military settings and by emergency medical services.
-[[File:Defense.gov_photo_essay_081106-D-1852B-012.jpg|thumb|right|A soldier applying a tourniquet during a training exercise]]
+[[File:Defense.gov_photo_essay_081106-D-1852B-012.jpg|thumb|right|Application of an emergency tourniquet in a military setting]]
-In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of tourniquets in civilian emergency medicine, particularly in the context of mass casualty events. The "Stop the Bleed" campaign, for example, encourages bystanders to use tourniquets to control bleeding in emergency situations.
+=== Phlebotomy Tourniquets ===
-== Types of Tourniquets ==
+Phlebotomy tourniquets are used to make veins more visible and easier to access during blood draws.
-There are several different types of tourniquets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:
+[[File:Phlebotomy-practice-university-of-delaware.jpg|thumb|left|Phlebotomy practice using a tourniquet]]
-* '''Elastic band tourniquets''': These are simple bands of elastic material that are wrapped around the limb and tightened to control bleeding.
+== Mechanism of Action ==
-* '''Windlass tourniquets''': These use a stick or rod to twist the band tighter, providing more pressure than elastic band tourniquets.
-* '''Pneumatic tourniquets''': These use air pressure to apply even pressure around the limb. They are often used in surgical settings.
-[[File:Cuff_Technology_-_Application_Handle_Cuff.jpg|thumb|right|A pneumatic tourniquet being applied]]
+Tourniquets work by applying circumferential pressure to a limb, which compresses the underlying tissues and blood vessels. This compression reduces blood flow to the area beyond the tourniquet.
 == Risks and Complications ==
-While tourniquets can be life-saving, they also carry risks. If applied too tightly or left on for too long, they can cause tissue damage or even lead to the loss of the limb. It is important that tourniquets are used correctly and that they are removed as soon as possible once bleeding is controlled.
+While tourniquets are effective in controlling bleeding, they can also cause complications if used improperly. Prolonged use can lead to tissue damage, nerve injury, and [[compartment syndrome]].
+== Modern Developments ==
+Recent advancements in tourniquet technology include the development of limb protection sleeves and improved cuff designs to minimize complications.
 == Related Pages ==
@@ Line 37: / Line 47: @@
 * [[Hemorrhage]]
 * [[First aid]]
-* [[Emergency medical services]]
+* [[Surgery]]
+* [[Military medicine]]
-== References ==
-* Kragh, J. F., et al. (2008). "Survival with emergency tourniquet use to stop bleeding in major limb trauma." Annals of Surgery, 249(1), 1-7.
-* Walters, T. J., et al. (2005). "The effectiveness of emergency tourniquet use in a combat setting: a review of the current literature." Journal of Trauma, 59(3), 676-681.
-[[Category:Medical equipment]]
+[[Category:Medical devices]]
-[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
+[[Category:Emergency medical equipment]]