Revision as of 14:12, 21 February 2025

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.

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.

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

Surgical Tourniquets

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

Emergency Tourniquets

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

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

Mechanism of Action

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 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.

File:LimbProtectionSleeve.jpg

Limb protection sleeve for use with a tourniquet

Related Pages

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-{{Short description|A device used to apply pressure to a limb or extremity to limit blood flow}}
+= 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, in 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 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==
+== History ==
-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 the screw tourniquet, which allowed for more controlled application of pressure.
-==Types of Tourniquets==
+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.
-Tourniquets can be broadly classified into two types: emergency tourniquets and surgical tourniquets.
-===Emergency Tourniquets===
+[[File:Petit_tourniquet_-_Savigny_1798.jpg|thumb|left|A Petit tourniquet from 1798]]
-Emergency tourniquets are used in situations where there is severe bleeding from a limb, such as in traumatic injuries. They are designed to be applied quickly and effectively to control hemorrhage until further medical treatment can be administered. Common types include:
-* '''Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT):''' Used by military personnel, it is a one-handed tourniquet that can be applied quickly in the field.
+In 1785, Sir [[Gilbert Blane]] introduced the use of the tourniquet in the British Navy, which significantly reduced the mortality rate from amputations.
-* '''SOF Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT):''' Another military-grade tourniquet, known for its durability and ease of use.
-===Surgical Tourniquets===
+[[File:17850000-Tourniquet_Use-GILBERT-BLANE.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of tourniquet use by Gilbert Blane]]
-Surgical tourniquets are used in operating rooms to create a bloodless field for surgery. They are typically pneumatic devices that can be precisely controlled to apply the desired amount of pressure. These tourniquets are used in procedures such as knee arthroscopy and limb surgeries.
-==Mechanism of Action==
+== Types of Tourniquets ==
-A tourniquet works by applying circumferential pressure to a limb, compressing the underlying tissues and occluding blood vessels. This stops the flow of blood to the distal part of the limb, which can be crucial in preventing exsanguination in cases of severe trauma.
-==Application Technique==
+=== Surgical Tourniquets ===
-The proper application of a tourniquet is critical to its effectiveness. The general steps include:
-. '''Placement:''' The tourniquet should be placed 2-3 inches above the wound, avoiding joints.
+Surgical tourniquets are used to create a bloodless field during surgery. They are typically pneumatic devices that can be precisely controlled.
-. '''Tightening:''' The tourniquet should be tightened until the bleeding stops. This may require significant force.
-. '''Securing:''' Once tightened, the tourniquet must be secured to prevent it from loosening.
-. '''Time Recording:''' The time of application should be noted, as prolonged use can lead to tissue damage.
-==Risks and Complications==
+[[File:Cuff_Technology_-_Application_Handle_Cuff.jpg|thumb|left|Application of a surgical tourniquet]]
-While tourniquets are life-saving devices, they can also cause complications if used improperly. Potential risks include:
-* '''Nerve Damage:''' Prolonged pressure can damage nerves, leading to numbness or paralysis.
+=== Emergency Tourniquets ===
-* '''Tissue Necrosis:''' Extended use can lead to tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
-* '''Compartment Syndrome:''' Improper application can cause increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to further complications.
-==Images==
+Emergency tourniquets are used in trauma situations to control severe bleeding. They are often used in military settings and by emergency medical services.
-[[File:Tourniquet application.jpg|thumb|right|A tourniquet being applied to a limb.]]
-[[File:Combat Application Tourniquet.jpg|thumb|left|A Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) used in military settings.]]
+[[File:Defense.gov_photo_essay_081106-D-1852B-012.jpg|thumb|right|Application of an emergency tourniquet in a military setting]]
+=== Phlebotomy Tourniquets ===
+Phlebotomy tourniquets are used to make veins more visible and easier to access during blood draws.
+[[File:Phlebotomy-practice-university-of-delaware.jpg|thumb|left|Phlebotomy practice using a tourniquet]]
+== Mechanism of Action ==
+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 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.
+[[File:LimbProtectionSleeve.jpg|thumb|right|Limb protection sleeve for use with a tourniquet]]
+== Related Pages ==
-==Related Pages==
 * [[Hemorrhage]]
 * [[First aid]]
-* [[Trauma surgery]]
+* [[Surgery]]
-* [[Emergency medicine]]
+* [[Military medicine]]
 [[Category:Medical devices]]
-[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
+[[Category:Emergency medical equipment]]
-[[Category:Military medicine]]

Tourniquet: Difference between revisions