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BACKGROUND Civilians are often first-line responders in hemorrhage control; however, windlass tourniquets are not intuitive. Untrained users reading enclosed instructions failed in 38.2% of tourniquet applications. This prospective follow-up study replicated testing following Stop the Bleed (STB) training. MATERIALS AND METHODS One and six months following STB, first-year medical students were randomly assigned a windlass tourniquet with enclosed instructions. Each was given one minute to read instructions and two minutes to apply the windlass tourniquet on the TraumaFX HEMO trainer. Demographics, time to read instructions and stop bleeding, blood loss, and simulation success were analyzed. RESULTS 100 students received STB training. 31 and 34 students completed tourniquet testing at one month and six months, respectively. At both intervals, 38% of students were unable to control hemorrhage (P = 0.97). When compared to the pilot study without STB training (median 48 sec, IQR 33-60 sec), the time taken to read the instructions was shorter one month following STB (P

The American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control Course (B-Con) empowers bystanders with hemorrhage control skills to manage prehospital emergencies, but demonstrates poor skill retention. The point of care use of a free Stop the Bleed mobile phone application on the retention of hemorrhage control skills from the B-Con Course was explored.Convenience sample of college students previously trained in B-Con were randomized into mobile application (MA) or control groups. The use of a mobile application during a simulated emergency scenario with tourniquet and situational awareness skills was assessed. Wound packing skill retention without intervention was also assessed. Survey data allowed for comparison of participant perceptions of skills with actual performances.MA (n = 30) was superior to control (n = 32) in correct tourniquet application (62.5% versus 30.0%; P = 0.01) with longer placement times (163 sec versus 95 sec; P0.001) and in calling 911 (31.3% versus 3.3%, P = 0.004). Participants maintain inflated perceptions of their skills, but generally feel underprepared for a future bleeding emergency.Mobile apps improve tourniquet and situational awareness skills and may serve as potential aids to improve bystander hemorrhage control skills in real-time, but require further prospective investigation into its use.

Background and purpose - Tourniquet is widely used in orthopedic surgery to reduce intraoperative bleeding and improve visualization. We evaluated the effect of tourniquet application on peri- and postoperative cefuroxime concentrations in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, calcaneal cancellous bone, and plasma. The primary endpoint was the time for which the free cefuroxime concentration was maintained above the clinical breakpoint minimal inhibitory concentration (T > MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus (4 mu g/mL). Patients and methods - 10 patients scheduled for hallux valgus or hallux rigidus surgery were included. Microdialysis catheters were placed for sampling of cefuroxime concentrations bilaterally in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone. A tourniquet was applied on the thigh of the leg scheduled for surgery (tourniquet duration time [range]: 65 minutes [58-77]). Cefuroxime (1.5 g) was administered intravenously 15 minutes prior to tourniquet inflation, followed by a second dose 6 hours later. Dialysates and venous blood samples were collected for 12 hours. Results - A cefuroxime concentration of 4 mu g/mL was reached within 23 minutes in all compartments and patients. For cefuroxime the T > MIC (4 mu g/mL) ranged between 4.8 and 5.4 hours across compartments, with similar results for the tourniquet and non-tourniquet leg. Comparable T > MIC and penetration ratios were found for the first and second dosing intervals. Interpretation - Administration of cefuroxime (1.5 g) 15 minutes prior to tourniquet inflation is safe in order to achieve tissue concentrations above 4 mu g/mL throughout surgery. A tourniquet application time of approximately 1 hour did not affect the cefuroxime tissue penetration in the following dosing interval.

Introduction: Uncontrolled bleeding is a preventable cause of death in rural trauma. Herein, we examined the appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety of tourniquet application for bleeding contro...

BACKGROUND Life-threatening hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable mortality in trauma. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of commercial tourniquets when used by adult civilians. However, there are no data about tourniquet application by children.This study's goal is to determine which of three commercially available tourniquets is most effective when used by children. METHODS A randomized crossover study was conducted in four elementary schools in Montreal to compare three commercially available tourniquets. The study population is primary school children aged 10 to 12 years (5th-6th grade). A total of 181 students were invited to participate; 96 obtained parental approval and were recruited. Participants underwent a short 7-minute video training on the use of three commercial tourniquets and were subsequently given a 2-minute practice period. Students were evaluated on their ability to successfully apply the tourniquet and the time to complete application. After applying all three tourniquets, the students selected their favorite model. The primary outcome is the proportion of successful applications per tourniquet model. Secondary outcomes include time to successful application for each tourniquet model and tourniquet model preference. RESULTS The mechanical advantage tourniquet (MAT) outperformed the combat application tourniquet (CAT) and the stretch wrap and tuck tourniquet (SWATT) in terms of success rate (MAT, 67%; CAT, 44%; SWATT, 24%; p < 0.0001), time to application (MAT, 57 seconds; CAT, 80 seconds; SWATT, 90 seconds; p < 0.0001), and preference (MAT, 64%; CAT, 30%; SWATT, 6%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In this study, the MAT performs better in terms of success rate, time to application, and preference when used by school-aged children. This study can be helpful when facilities are purchasing tourniquets for use by students.

Background Life-threatening hemorrhage from extremity injuries can be effectively controlled in the prehospital environment through direct pressure, wound packing, and the use of tourniquets. Early tourniquet application has been prioritized for rapid control of severe extremity hemorrhage and is a cornerstone of prehospital trauma resuscitation guidelines. Emergency physicians must be knowledgeable regarding the initial assessment and appropriate management of patients who present with a prehospital tourniquet in place. Discussion An interdisciplinary group of experts including emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, and tactical and Emergency Medical Services physicians collaborated to develop a stepwise approach to the assessment and removal (discontinuation) of an extremity tourniquet in the emergency department after being placed in the prehospital setting. We have developed a best-practices guideline to serve as a resource to aid the emergency physician in how to safely remove a tourniquet. The guideline contains five steps that include: 1) Determine how long the tourniquet has been in place; 2) Evaluate for contraindications to tourniquet removal; 3) Prepare for tourniquet removal; 4) Release the tourniquet; and 5) Monitor and reassess the patient. Conclusion These steps outlined will help emergency medicine clinicians appropriately evaluate and manage patients presenting with tourniquets in place. Tourniquet removal should be performed in a systematic manner with plans in place to immediately address complications.

IntroductionHemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield, and hemostasis is particularly challenging to achieve at junctional sites such as the axillary or inguinal regions. Mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear, as worn most recently in Syria to guard against chemical weapons, can make the performance of technical skills more challenging still. The objective of this study was to evaluate how wearing MOPP gear affects the application time of the SAM Medical Junctional Tourniquet (SJT) by U.S. Army combat medics.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized control trial evaluating time for SJT application between participants wearing MOPP versus those not wearing MOPP. Secondary outcomes included SJT application success rate and participant appraisal of SJT application difficulty assessed with five-point Likert items, between groups. Participants placed SJTs on robotic simulation mannequins with a penetrating inguinal injury.ResultsIn April 2019, we enrolled 49 combat medics. Most participants were male (77.5%), had a median age of 25 (interquartile range 23–28), and in the grade of E4 or less (63.3%). Mean SJT application times in seconds were higher among those wearing MOPP versus those who were not (223.1 versus 167.2; 95% confidence interval for difference in means 5.293, 106.374; P = 0.03). Participants wearing MOPP had a less successful application rate overall, but this difference was not statistically significant (64.3% versus 81.0%, P = 0.34). Compared to participants not wearing MOPP, those wearing MOPP agreed that SJT application was difficult (4 versus 3, P = 0.03), what they were wearing affected SJT application (4 versus 2, P = 0.01), and it was difficult to use their hands during SJT application (4 versus 1, P ConclusionsWearing military MOPP gear significantly prolongs the amount of time required for combat medics to apply an SJT on a simulated casualty with a penetrating inguinal injury. This study highlights the importance of incorporating MOPP gear into medical training scenarios to improve skills competency while wearing these protective garments.

Early application of tourniquets has reduced injury death rates. At the end of 2013, the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps completed a military-wide introduction of the Combat Application Tourniquet as the standard-issued tourniquet. The accompanying clinical practice guideline encouraged combat soldiers and medical teams towards a liberal use of tourniquets for extremity injuries, even when in doubt.This study aimed to assess the effects of the wide introduction of advanced tourniquets on the rate of tourniquet applications, the type of tourniquet applied, and the differences in hospitalisation outcomes following the introduction.The study population was composed of hospitalised military casualties with an extremity injury treated by military medical teams between 2006 and 2015. Prehospital data were extracted from the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry and matched to corresponding hospital data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry. Two periods were compared: 2006-2013 "pre-intervention period" and 2014-2015 "post-intervention period".A total of 1,578 casualties were recorded during the study period. Of these, 320 (20.3%) occurred between 2014-2015. Characteristics of casualties in the post-intervention period were similar to those in the pre-intervention period including the rate of traumatic amputations (2.5% vs 2.2%, p = 0.93) and Injury Severity Score of 16 or above (12.8% vs 14.9%, p = 0.40). The rate of tourniquet application was more than four-fold in the post-intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period (22.8% vs 5.5%, p 0.001). Nevertheless, rates of in-hospital amputations (1.6% vs 1.6%, p = 1.00) and death (0.9% vs 1.3%, p = 0.53) were similar in the two periods.Following the IDF military-wide introduction of advanced tourniquets, the tourniquet application rate rose sharply, the use of old tourniquets ceased over time, and in-hospital amputation rate did not increase. These findings suggest that the awareness for haemorrhage control using advanced tourniquets rose.

Introduction The American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed program has trained more than 1 million individuals to recognize and treat external hemorrhage. Central to this training is tourniquet application. No published studies review the retention of this skill after initial class participation. Methods One hundred fourteen volunteers agreed to participate. A random sample of 57 was selected and 46 participated. Upon return 6 months later, each participant demonstrated tourniquet application. An observer compared the application process with steps on a checklist. Each step completed correctly was tallied, and the total score for all 10 steps was computed as a percentage correct between 0% and 100%. Results The baseline score on the tourniquet skill test was 100% following initial training. At 6 months, mean scores were lower, 69% (SD = 31%) (χ2 = 52.09, df = 1, P Discussion At 6 months, 39% of participants were unable to successfully apply a tourniquet, and 26% were unable to control life-threatening bleeding. This study demonstrates that refresher training is needed within 6 months of initial training.

Background: Pneumatic tourniquet is an effective tool to achieve hemostatic control of the surgical field in upper extremity (UE) operations. Elevated pressures have been associated with adverse effects despite various methods of pressure determination. We aim to demonstrate the usage of reduced tourniquet pressures and examine factors associated with achieving reduced pressures. Methods: A prospective study was conducted (2016–2018) at a Level 1 Trauma Center and an Outpatient Surgical Center, totaling 226 operations, involving a reduction of cuff pressures over time from a standard baseline of limb occlusion pressure for UE operations. Results: A gradual reduction of pressures was successfully achieved with a mean pressure of 187 mmHg and average time of tourniquet application being 25 minutes. We found chronological surgical number and patient BMI to be significantly associated with tourniquet pressure (p < 0.05). 4.5% of cases resulted in breakthrough bleeding, but did not reliably occur with any pressure thresholds, patient demographics, or operative factors (p > 0.05, for all). Conclusions: Reduced tourniquet pressures can mitigate complications associated with tourniquet use. Our research shows reduced pressures are successful in maintaining field visibility and we encourage an adoption of pressures below 200 mm Hg in most procedures that require a tourniquet.

Objective The American College of Surgeons (ACS) encourages clinicians to provide training to laypeople on tourniquet application. It is unclear whether clinicians are confident in their abilities and equipped with adequate knowledge, skills, and resources. This study aimed to determine surgical trainee knowledge and attitudes regarding tourniquet application and compare the effectiveness of instructions. Methods Thirty surgical trainees performed a tourniquet application simulation using a Combat Application Tourniquet and one of the three instructions sets developed by ACS, Department of Homeland Security, and the tourniquet manufacturer. Participants reported tourniquet knowledge, attitudes, and confidence and discussed the instructions. One instruction set was updated and compared to the original set with 20 new trainees. Results Participants with ACS instructions passed the greatest number of steps (p < 0.01) and completed the task significantly faster compared to those with manufacturer instructions (p < 0.01). Participants (80%) reported favorable views toward tourniquets but 30–60% did not align with to ACS tourniquet guidelines. Focus group participants suggested revisions to the ACS instructions. Comparing the original and revised version of these instructions resulted in no significant improvements. Conclusions ACS instructions provide guidance; however, improvements to tourniquet instruction are needed for success in controlling exsanguinating hemorrhage.

BackgroundCurrent military recommendations include the use of tourniquets (TQ) in appropriate pediatric trauma patients. Although the utility of TQs has been well documented in adult patients, the efficacy of TQ application in pediatric patients is less clear. The current study attempted to identify physical constraints for TQ use in two simulated pediatric limb models.MethodsFive different TQ (Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) Generation 6 and Generation 7, SOFTT (SOF Tactical Tourniquet), SOFTT-W (SOF Tactical Tourniquet – Wide), SWAT-T (Stretch Wrap and Tuck – Tourniquet) and a trauma dressing were evaluated in two simulated pediatric limb models. Model one employed four cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manikins simulating infant (Simulaids SaniBaby), 1 year (Gaumard HAL S3004), and 5 years (Laerdal Resusci Junior, Gaumard HAL S3005). Model two utilized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping with circumferences ranging from 4.25” to 16.5”. Specific end-points included tightness of the TQ and ability to secure the windlass (where applicable).ResultsIn both models, the ability to successfully apply and secure the TQ depended upon the simulated limb circumference. In the 1-year-old CPR manikin, all windlass TQs failed to tighten on the upper extremity, while all TQs successfully tightened at the high leg and mid-thigh. With the exception of the CAT7 and the SOFTT-W at the mid-thigh, no windlass TQ was successfully tightened at any extremity location on the infant. The SWAT-T was successfully tightened over all sites of all CPR manikins except the infant. No windlass TQ was able to tighten on PVC pipe 5.75” circumference or smaller (age < 24 months upper extremity). All windlass TQs were tightened and secured on the 13.25” and 15.5” circumference PVC pipes (age 7–12 years lower extremity, age >13 years upper extremity). The SWAT-T was tightened on all PVC pipes.DiscussionThe current study suggests that commercial windlass TQs can be applied to upper and lower extremities of children aged 5 years and older at the 50%th percentile for limb circumference. In younger children, windlass TQ efficacy is variable. Further study is required to better understand the limitations of TQs in the youngest children, and to determine actual hemorrhage control efficacy.

Background This project involved the development and evaluation of a new visual bleeding feedback (VBF) system for tourniquet training. We hypothesized that dynamic VBF during junctional tourniquet training would be helpful and well received by trainees. Materials and Methods We designed the VBF to simulate femoral bleeding. Medical students (n = 15) and emergency medical service (EMS) members (n = 4) were randomized in a single-blind, crossover study to the VBF or without feedback groups. Poststudy surveys assessing VBF usefulness and recommendations were conducted along with participants' reported confidence using a 7-point Likert scale. Data from the different groups were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests. Results Participants rated the helpfulness of the VBF highly (6.53/7.00) and indicated they were very likely to recommend the VBF simulator to others (6.80/7.00). Pre- and post-VBF confidence were not statistically different (P = 0.59). Likewise, tourniquet application times for VBF and without feedback before crossover were not statistically different (P = 0.63). Although participant confidence did not change significantly from beginning to end of the study (P = 0.46), application time was significantly reduced (P = 0.001). Conclusions New tourniquet learners liked our VBF prototype and found it useful. Although confidence did not change over the course of the study for any group, application times improved. Future studies using outcomes of this study will allow us to continue VBF development as well as incorporate other quantitative measures of task performance to elucidate VBF's true benefit and help trainees achieve mastery in junctional tourniquet skills.

Application of extremity tourniquets is a central tenet of multiple national initiatives to empower laypersons to provide hemorrhage control (HC). However, the efficacy of the general population who self-report prior first-aid (FA) or HC training on individual's ability to control bleeding with a tourniquet remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of laypeople with self-reported prior FA or HC training to control bleeding with a tourniquet.Employees of a stadium were assessed via simulation in their ability to apply a Combat Application Tourniquet. As a subgroup analysis of a larger study, participants who self-reported: 1) No prior training, 2) FA training only or 2) FA + HC training were compared. Logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, education, willingness-to-assist, and comfort level in HC was performed.317 participants were included. Compared to participants with no prior training (14.4%,n = 16/111), those with FA training only (25.2%,n = 35/139) had a 2.12-higher odds (95%CI:1.07-4.18) of correct tourniquet application while those with FA + HC (35.8%,n = 24/67) had a 3.50-higher odds (95%CI:1.59-7.72) of correct application. Participants with prior FA + HC were more willing-to-assist and comfortable performing HC than those without prior training (p 0.05). However, reporting being very willing-to-assist [OR0.83,95%CI:0.43-1.60] or very comfortable [OR1.11,95%CI:0.55-2.25] was not associated with correct tourniquet application.Self-reported prior FA + HC training, while associated with increased likelihood to correctly apply a tourniquet, results in only 1/3 of individuals correctly performing the skill. As work continues in empowering and training laypeople to act as immediate responders, these findings highlight the importance of effective layperson education techniques.

Purpose: Pneumatic tourniquets are used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for surgical field visualization and improved cementation; however, their use is controversial. This study aimed to assess the effects of tourniquet application on enhanced recovery post-TKA. Methods: A prospective randomized single-blinded trial assessed tourniquet’s effects on postoperative pain, swelling, and early outcome in TKA. One-hundred and two patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to full-course (FC) and second half-course (SHC) application ( n = 51/group). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2(CCL-2), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and myoglobin (Mb) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), and thigh circumference growth rate were recorded. Results: Average tourniquet duration significantly differed between the SHC (37.5 ± 5.1 min) and FC (66.4 ± 7.2 min) groups ( p < 0.01); VAS and thigh circumference growth rate in the SHC group were much lower compared with the FC group, while ROM was higher within 48 h of tourniquet removal ( p < 0.01). Blood TNF-α, PTX3, CCL2, PGE2, SOD-1, and Mb were lower in the SHC group than the FC group ( p < 0.01). Additionally, intraoperative blood loss was significantly elevated in the SHC group than the FC group ( p < 0.01), with lower postoperative blood loss in the drain ( p = 0.001). Postoperative drainage volume was reduced in the SHC group compared with the FC group ( p < 0.01); five and two patients in the FC and SHC groups required blood transfusion, respectively ( p = 0.025). Hospital stay tended to be shorter in the SHC group ( p = 0.023), and no tourniquet-related complications were recorded. Conclusion: Improved therapeutic outcome was observed in the SHC group, indicating patients should routinely undergo TKA with SHC tourniquet application.

BACKGROUND Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of tourniquet use in civilian and military settings. Several key challenges include assessment of limb perfusion and adequacy of tourniquet placement, particularly in the austere or prehospital environments. We investigated the utility of thermal imaging to assess adequacy of tourniquet placement. METHODS The FLIR ONE smartphone-based thermal imager was utilized. Ten swine underwent tourniquet placement with no associated hemorrhage (n = 5) or with 40% hemorrhage (n = 5). Experiment 1 simulated proper tourniquet application, experiment 2 had one of two tourniquets inadequately tightened, and experiment 3 had one of two tourniquets inadequately tightened while simulating blackout-combat conditions. Static images were taken at multiple time points up to 30 minutes. Thermal images were then presented to blinded evaluators who assessed adequacy of tourniquet placement. RESULTS The mean core temperature was 38.3 °C in non-hemorrhaged animals versus 38.2 °C in hemorrhaged animals. Hemorrhaged animals were more hypotensive (p = 0.001), anemic (p < 0.001), vasodilated (p = 0.008), and had a lower cardiac output (p = 0.007) compared to non-hemorrhaged animals. The thermal imaging temperature reading decreased significantly after proper tourniquet placement in all animals, with no difference between hemorrhaged and non-hemorrhaged groups at 30 minutes (p = 0.23). Qualitative thermal image analysis showed clearly visible perfusion differences in all animals between baseline, adequate tourniquet, and inadequate tourniquet in both hemorrhaged and non-hemorrhaged groups. Ninety-eight percent of blinded evaluators (n = 62) correctly identified adequate and inadequate tourniquet placement at 5 minutes. Images in blackout conditions showed no adverse impact on thermal measurements or in the ability to accurately characterize perfusion and tourniquet adequacy. CONCLUSIONS A simple handheld smartphone-based forward looking infrared radiometry device demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, reliability, and ease of use for assessing limb perfusion. Forward looking infrared radiometry also allowed for rapid and reliable identification of adequate tourniquet placement that was not affected by major hemorrhage or blackout conditions.

The accuracy of the identification of anatomical landmarks with versus without tourniquet application and its effect on implant positioning remained unknown. Therefore, the hypothesis of the present study was that tourniquet application did not affect the accuracy of the reconstruction of the mechanical leg alignment, the joint line level, and the patellar height. The prospective randomized monocentric trial (Clinical-Trials.gov NCT02475603) included a total of 86 patients scheduled to undergo primary TKA. The patients were allocated to receive TKA with (Group A, n = 43) or without tourniquet (Group B, n = 43). The mechanical leg alignment, the joint line level (modified Kawamura), and the patellar height (Plateau-patella angle, Insall Salvati index, and modified Insall Salvati index) were measured pre- and postoperatively on standardized calibrated digital radiographs. Mean, SEM, median, range, and p value were calculated for each parameter. There was no statistical difference between the groups with regard to demographics, preoperative deformity, implant design, and surgical technique (n.s.). The mechanical leg alignment, the joint line level, and the patellar height revealed, in both groups, similar results pre- and postoperatively (n.s.). The mechanical leg alignment, the joint line level, and the patellar height could be accurately reconstructed with and without tourniquet use. With respect to clinically relevant surrogate parameters of implant positioning, TKA can safely be performed without a tourniquet. Available data do not support a routine use of tourniquet during TKA and might justify a change of the clinical pathway. Level I.

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Timely tourniquet application to massively bleeding extremity wounds is critical for casualty survival albeit with reported adverse effects to extremity integrity. The aim of this study was to describe the immediate- and short-term outcomes of point of injury (POI) tourniquet applications during "Operation Protective Edge" (OPE).A case series study regarding tourniquet application at the POI during OPE was collected. The data gathered included reports by medical providers at the POI, aerial and land evacuation vehicles, and receiving hospitals. Variables collected included, the number of tourniquet applications, caregiver level, tourniquet type, limb characters, tourniquet effectiveness, in-hospital procedures, complications, and short-term limb outcome.During OPE, the Israeli Defense Forces Medical Corps treated 704 casualties. Of these, 90 casualties were treated with 119 tourniquets of which 79 survived. Penetrating trauma was the mechanism of injury in 97.8% (88 of 90) of the casualties. Injuries sustained from improvised explosive devices and shrapnel were related to the use of more than one tourniquet per casualty and per limb (p = 0.034). The success rate of the first tourniquet was reported to be 70% (84 of 119), regardless of caregiver level (p = 0.56), tourniquet type (p = 0.16), or limb characters (p = 0.48). Twenty-seven (25.7%) of 105 of the tourniquets were converted to direct pressure dressings enroute to receiving hospitals two of the conversions failed and thus a new tourniquet was applied. Fasciotomy was performed on eight casualties (a single limb in each). Vascular injury was presumed to be the indication for fasciotomy in three of these cases, in the other five limbs (6%, 5 of 85), no vascular involvement was discovered during surgery, and the fasciotomy is suspected as tourniquet related. 7%) 6 of 85) suffered from neurological sequela that could not be explained by their primary injury. Total complication rate was 11.7% (10 of 85) (one patient had both fasciotomy and neural complication without vascular injury).Tourniquet use on the battlefield is a simple method of eliminating preventable death, we believe that clinical practice guidelines should promote liberal use of tourniquets by trained combatants and medical personnel with abilities to convert to direct pressure hemorrhage control when possible since an unjustified tourniquet application risks low rates minor morbidity, whereas a justifiable tourniquet not applied may be lethal.Epidemiologic study, level III; Therapeutic study, level IV.

Introduction:Herd immunity, a concept normally applied in vaccinated populations, is a preventative measure to determine if a significant portion of a population can protect vulnerable individuals against a certain disease. Like vaccines, tourniquet education can be a form of herd immunity to protect vulnerable individuals in a population and prevent the loss of life from a peripheral hemorrhage. The authors have identified a deficiency in simple, quick, and effective hemorrhage control education. Therefore, to maximize herd immunity, the novel educational platform evaluates the efficacy of “Just-in-Time” (JiT) tourniquet application training.Hypothesis/Problem:The authors hypothesize that the utilization of JiT training will be effective in promoting both competence and confidence for individuals to utilize tourniquets in response to a disaster environment.Methods:This Institutional Review Board-approved study recruited medical students who were trained in hemorrhage control measures at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Tourniquet training sessions were held, and naïve civilians received tourniquet education. The subjects received a five- to ten-minute lesson on indications, contraindications, and application techniques of commercial and improvisational tourniquets. Participants subsequently applied a tourniquet to an instructor’s arm to demonstrate proper tourniquet application for a brachial artery hemorrhage. Pre- and post-educational surveys were completed to test participant competency and confidence.Results:Of the 104 subjects who completed the course, 97 had no prior training in hemorrhage control techniques, including commercial and improvisational tourniquet application. The mean pre-test score was 2.27/5.00 and the mean post-test score was 4.38/5.00, P Conclusion:Just-in-Time training is an effective method in teaching naïve civilians proper tourniquet application. This platform could serve as an alternative to more extensive training programs and requires less time, costs, and resources. If a significant number of individuals in a local community can effectively apply a tourniquet in a disaster scenario, a “herd immunity” effect could be achieved to control peripheral hemorrhages.

IntroductionThere is a need for a military tourniquet to control catastrophic haemorrhage in a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) threat environment. No published data exist as to the efficacy of tourniquets while wearing British military CBRN individual protective equipment (IPE).Methods12 volunteers from the counter CBRN instructors’ course allowed testing on 24 legs. A Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) was applied to all volunteers at the level of the midthigh. 12 legs were tested while wearing CBRN IPE (both operator and simulated casualty), and the control group of 12 legs was tested while wearing conventional combat dress state (both operator and simulated casualty). The order of leg laterality and dress state were sequenced according to a prerandomised system. Efficacy was measured via use of an ultrasound probe at the popliteal artery. Tourniquets were considered effective if arterial flow was completely occluded on ultrasound imaging. Data were collected on time to successful application, failure of tourniquets and pain scores as rated by the visual analogue scale (1–10).ResultsThere were no failures of tourniquet application in the CBRN group, and two failures (17%) in the control group. Failures were pain threshold exceeded (n=1) and tourniquet internal strap failure (n=1). The mean application time for the CBRN group was 28.5 s (SD 11.7) and 23.7 s (SD 9.8) for the conventional combat group. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.27). The median CBRN pain score was 2.0 (IQR 2.0–3.5). The median control pain score was 4.0 (IQR 3–6). This was a statistically significant difference (p=0.002).ConclusionC-A-Ts applied to simulated casualties in CBRN IPE at the midthigh are at least as efficacious as those applied to the midthigh in a conventional combat dress state. The pain experienced was less in CBRN IPE than when in a conventional combat dress state.

Background The White House "Stop the Bleed" campaign has renewed interest in public-access bleeding kits and the use of tourniquets by the lay public. The objective of this study was to determine which type of tourniquet could be applied most effectively by the lay public using only manufacturer instructions included with each tourniquet. Methods This prospective study randomized participants to one of four different tourniquets (SOFTT-W, CAT, RMT, SWAT-T). Participants were all over 18 years of age. Individuals with prior military, EMS, or patient-care medical experience were excluded. Using only the manufacturer's packaging instructions, participants were asked to apply a tourniquet on a simulated bleeding arm. A trained observer noted if tourniquet application by the participant was effective, partially effective, or ineffective based on reduction or cessation of simulated blood flow. Participant's application of the tourniquet was also timed (in seconds) by the observer. The primary outcome of our study was the effectiveness of application for each of the four tourniquets. Secondary outcome was time to effective application. Results A total of 176 participants were enrolled. For untrained laypersons the RMT had the highest effective application rate of 64.4% and was also the most rapidly applied at 100.9 ± 8.8 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.1 to 118.6). The SWAT-T had the highest ineffective application rate (55.5%) than any other tourniquet type (p = 0.002). There was no effect of age or education on time to application for any tourniquet type. Effective applications were performed significantly faster than partially effective or ineffective applications (93.4 ± 5.8 [95% CI = 81.7 to 104.9] vs. 136.7 ± 8.7 [95% CI = 118.8 to 154.7] vs. 151.9 ± 8.3 [95% CI = 135.2 to 168.6]; p ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in time between partial and ineffective applications (p = 0.261). Conclusions Our study suggests that laypersons could benefit from prior training to effectively apply tourniquets in emergency situations. Of the tourniquets studied, the RMT was the most effectively and most rapidly applied.

Objectives In this study, it is planned to observe the effects of vibration tourniquet application on the pain felt in school-aged pediatric patients. This is a randomised study. Methods The research population consisted of patients who were between ages 6 and 12 in the Pediatric Blood Drawing Unit at the Mersin University Research and Application Centers for diagnosis or treatment between dates of May 2017 and November 2017. The sample group consisted of 90 pediatric patients who were eligible for case taking criteria; 45 of them were control and other 45 of them were intervention group (vibrating tourniquet applied). All 90 patients agreed to participate in this study. The children information form was used to assess descriptive properties of children and Wong-Baker FACES- Pain Rating Scale was used for assessment of pain levels. In intervention group patients, blood was drawn with using vibrating tourniquet. Heart beat, respiration rate, blood pressure, fever and saturation level before and after blood drawn were measured for intervention and control group patients and they were asked to mark their level of pain on the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Results There was a statistically significant difference when vibrating-tourniquet-applied case and vibrating-tourniquet-not-applied control groups' mean pain points were compared (p Conclusion In conclusion, the findings suggest that using vibrating tourniquet for drawing blood is effective in decreasing the pain level of children.

Tourniquet application is a lifesaving skill taught worldwide in first aid bleeding control courses. We observed performance among non-medical users of tourniquets in their confidence, competence, and reasons for failure.179 Israeli military recruits without prior medical training underwent their standard first aid course where they learned Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT; Composite Resources, Rock Hill, SC, USA) use. After course completion, they self-reported confidence in tourniquet use. User performance was assessed 7-14 days later using a HapMed™ mannequin that assessed time, pressure, and blood loss. Competent performance required in aggregate: 1) use with pressure of 200 mmHg or more, 2) hemorrhage volume of less than 638 mL, and 3) correct placement of the tourniquet. For failed performance, a reason for failure was reported independently by both the user and an expert observer.45 of 179 user performances (25%) were competent. Users who reported high confidence had only a slightly higher chance of achieving competence in tourniquet application (r = 0.17, p = 0.022). The most common reason for failure was excess slack in the CAT's strap (experts 55%, users 39%), and too few turns of the windlass (23% and 31%, respectively) was the second most common reason. Expert and user evaluations had poor agreement (κ = 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.56).The most common reason for failed use of tourniquets among non-medical users was excess slack in the tourniquet strap. Users self-evaluated their performance inaccurately and demonstrated a confidence-competence mismatch. These pitfalls in performance may help tourniquet instructors improve training of caregivers.

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) in horses has proven to be a simple and effective technique for the treatment of synovial and musculoskeletal infections in the distal portion of the limbs. The ideal tourniquet time needed to achieve therapeutic synovial concentrations remains unknown. The pharmacokinetic effects of general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) RLP on synovial amikacin concentrations are not completely understood. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic effects of RLP under general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) on synovial amikacin concentration following 20 or 30 min tourniquet time. Using 1 g of amikacin RLP was performed in two groups of six horses (GA and SS). A pneumatic tourniquet was applied proximal to the carpus and maintained for 20 or 30 min. Two weeks later, the opposite treatment (20 or 30 min) was randomly performed in the opposite limb of horses in each group (GA and SS). Synovial fluid samples were collected from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and radiocarpal (RC) joints. Amikacin was quantified by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Regardless of the group, no significant difference in the synovial amikacin concentrations was noted between 20 and 30 min RLP. Mean synovial concentrations of amikacin in the standing sedated horses were significantly higher in the MCP joint at 30 min (P = 0.003) compared to horses under general anesthesia. No significant difference was noted for the RC joint.

Summary Background Hemostasis aimed to maintain the bloodless surgical field for better exposure for the surgeon. There are no trials regarding the impact of hemostasis techniques for hypospadias surgery on surgeon satisfaction and patients' reported outcomes. Application of penile tourniquet is a common practice in hypospadias surgery that aims at reducing blood loss and improving visualization. Yet, scarce data exist on the effect of penile tourniquet on hypospadias repair outcomes. Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of restraining penile perfusion using a tourniquet in hypospadias repair on the surgical outcome, also surgeons and patients reported outcomes. To evaluate the effect of penile tourniquet application on hypospadias repair outcome and surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis. Study design In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 110 children with distal hypospadias amenable for TIP repair were assigned to hypospadias repair with or without intraoperative application of a penile tourniquet. Surgeries were performed by a junior (2–5 years of experience in TIP repair) or a senior pediatric urologist (with >5 years of experience). Intraoperative blood loss, the number of times bipolar diathermy was used, hemoglobin deficit, and operative time were compared. Surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis was evaluated using a 4-tiered questionnaire. Patients were followed up for a minimum of one year. Complications and readmission rates were compared. The patient-reported outcome of hypospadias repair was assessed using the hypospadias objective scoring evaluation (HOSE). Results Baseline patient demographics and hypospadias characteristics were comparable between the study groups. Bipolar diathermy was more often used in the non-tourniquet group (mean ± SD = 5.7 ± 1.8 times vs. 6.7 ± 1.9 for the tourniquet group; p = 0.007). Also, the operative time was longer in non-tourniquet group [mean = 54.7 ± 14.9 vs. 60.8 ± 12.5 min (p = 0.028)]. Junior surgeons were more likely to be satisfied with hemostasis when a tourniquet was used (97.4% vs. 79.5%, p = 0.02). Postoperative complications, readmission rates, and patient-reported outcomes were similar between both groups. Conclusion The application of penile tourniquet during hypospadias repair can reduce operative time and the need for diathermy use; and also improves junior surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis without adversely affecting success rates or patient-reported outcomes. Summary table . Peri-operative parameters, surgeon's and patient's satisfaction between both study groups. Tourniquet group (N = 49) Non-Tourniquet group (N = 53) P-value Operating surgeon expertise (%) Junior surgeon 39 (79.6) 39 (73.6) 0.48 Senior surgeon 10 (20.4) 14 (26.4) Mean operative time ± SD (minutes) 54.7 ± 14.9 60.8 ± 12.5 0.028 Mean number of times of bipolar diathermy usage ± SD 5.7 ± 1.8 6.7 ± 1.9 0.007 Mean number of gauzes used for hemostasis ± SD 5.2 ± 1.5 5.9 ± 1.7 0.056 Mean hemoglobin deficit (preoperative – postoperative hemoglobin) ± SD, gm 0.51 ± 0.20 0.59 ± 0.25 0.073 Degree of junior surgeon's satisfaction with hemostasis (%) Very satisfied 24 (61.5) 15 (38.5) 0.02 Satisfied 14 (35.9) 16 (41.0) Unsatisfied 1 (2.6) 8 (20.5) Very unsatisfied 0 0 Degree of senior surgeon's satisfaction with hemostasis (%) Very satisfied 8 (80.0) 13 (92.9) 0.35 Satisfied 2 (20.0) 1 (7.1) Unsatisfied 0 0 Very unsatisfied 0 0 Mean hypospadias objective scoring evaluation (HOSE) score ± SD 15.4 ± 1.1 15.5 ± 0.9 0.61 The bold values are represents the statistical significance is found.

Background Tourniquet is widely used by orthopedic surgeons in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are still controversies on the optimal timing of tourniquet application. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effect and safety of tourniquet application only during cementation with long-duration tourniquet application in TKA. Methods An electronic literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in July 2017. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tourniquet application only during cementation with long-duration tourniquet application in TKA were included. RevMan 5.3 software was selected to perform the meta-analysis. Results Seven studies involving 440 TKAs were included for meta-analysis. The results suggested that although significant less intraoperative and total blood loss were observed with long-duration tourniquet application, tourniquet application only during cementation would not increase the number of transfusion and operation time. Tourniquet application only during cementation results in less knee pain on post-operative day 1 (POD 1), less time needed to achieve straight-leg raise, and less minor complications following TKA. Conclusions Tourniquet application only during cementation might reduce the rate of minor complications and have faster functional recovery during the early rehabilitation period following TKA, but it could not limit intraoperative and total blood loss. No definitive conclusions can be drawn based on the current evidences. Further, large well-designed RCTs with extensive follow-up are still needed to validate this research.

Objective To determine the influence of location and movement on subtourniquet pressure (STP) generated by application of a wide-rubber tourniquet (WRT) on equine limbs. Study design Randomized experimental cross-over design. Animals Six standing, sedated horses. Methods Horses were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.2 μg/kg IV), and 4 investigators applied WRTs to the antebrachium (AB), gaskin (GK), and midmetacarpus (MC) of each horse in a predetermined, randomized order. Subtourniquet pressure was consequently measured at 10-minute intervals (T0, T10, T20, T30) for 30 minutes. Indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured presedation, postsedation, and throughout the tourniquet application period. Target STP was established as SBP + 100 mm Hg. Limb movements at each location were classified as none, low, moderate, or high, on the basis of counts and magnitude. Results Mean STP did not change with time (P = .93) and exceeded SBP by 163 mm Hg (95% CI 122-205), 185 mm Hg (95% CI 156-214), and 402 mm Hg (95% CI 351-454) at the AB, GK, and MC, respectively. Mean STP at each location exceeded the target STP in 59 of 70 (81%) of the trials. Limb movements affected STP generated by tourniquets at the AB (P = .04) and MC (P Conclusion Wide-rubber tourniquets applied at the AB, GK, and MC generated STP >100 mm Hg above SBP for 30 minutes in standing, sedated horses. Clinical significance Wide-rubber tourniquets as applied in this study can achieve and maintain the current recommended STP (SBP + 100 mm Hg) for equine IV regional limb perfusion. Number and magnitude of limb movement can decrease STP over time, potentially reducing the efficacy of a WRT.

Objectives The objective was to determine whether just-in-time (JiT) instructions increase successful tourniquet application by laypersons. Methods This was a randomized pilot study conducted in August 2014. The study occurred at the Uniformed Services University campus in Bethesda, Maryland. A total of 194 volunteers without prior military service or medical training completed the study. The participant stood in front of a waist-down mannequin that had an exposed leg. An observer read a scenario card aloud that described a mass casualty event. The observer then asked the participant to apply a Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) to the mannequin. Test participants received a 4 × 6-inch card, with JiT instructions, in addition to their C-A-T; controls received no instructions. Participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio of instructions to no instructions. The study's primary outcome was the proportion of successfully applied tourniquets by participants receiving JiT instructions compared to participants not receiving instructions. Secondary outcomes included the time for successful tourniquet placement, reasons for failed tourniquet application, and participants' self-reported willingness and comfort using tourniquets in real-life settings. Results Just-in-time instructions more than doubled successful tourniquet placement. Participants supplied with JiT instructions placed a tourniquet successfully 44.14% of the time, compared to 20.41% of the time for controls without instructions (risk ratio = 2.16; 95% confidence interval = 1.21 to 3.87; p = 0.003). Conclusions Just-in-time instructions increase laypeople's successful application of C-A-T. This pilot study provides evidence that JiT instructions may assist the lay public in providing effective point-of-injury hemorrhage control. Resumen Justo a Tiempo Para Salvar Vidas: Estudio Piloto de la Aplicacion de Torniquete por un Lego Objetivos Determinar si las instrucciones “justo a tiempo” (JAT) incrementan la aplicacion de forma exitosa de un torniquete por legos. Metodologia Estudio piloto aleatorizado llevado a cabo en agosto del 2014. El estudio tuvo lugar en el campus de la Uniformed Services University (USU) en Bethesda, Maryland. Ciento noventa y cuatro voluntarios sin servicio militar o formacion medica previos completaron el estudio. El participante estuvo frente a un maniqui sin ropa por debajo de la cintura y tenia una pierna expuesta. Un observador leyo en voz alta una tarjeta del escenario que describio un acontecimiento con multiples victimas. El observador posteriormente ordeno al participante aplicar un torniquete de accion de combate (TAC) al maniqui. Los participantes recibieron una tarjeta 4x6 pulgadas, con las instrucciones JAT, ademas de su TAC; los controles no recibieron ninguna instruccion. Los participantes se aleatorizaron en una proporcion 3:1 a instrucciones frente no instrucciones. El resultado principal del estudio fue la proporcion de torniquetes aplicados de forma exitosa por los participantes que recibieron las instrucciones del JAT en comparacion con los participantes que no recibieron instrucciones. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron el tiempo para la aplicacion del torniquete de forma exitosa, las razones para el fallo en la aplicacion del torniquete, y la disposicion autoreportada de los participantes y su comodidad en el uso de torniquetes en escenarios de la vida real. Resultados El grupo de las instrucciones del grupo JAT aplicaron torniquetes de forma exitosa en mas del doble de los casos. Los participantes con las instrucciones JAT proporcionaron un torniquete de forma exitosa en enl 44,14% de casos, en comparacion con un 20,41% de los participantes control sin instrucciones (riesgo relatico [RR] 2,16; IC95% = 1,21 a 3,87; p = 0,003). Conclusiones Las instrucciones JAT incrementan la aplicacion de TAC de forma exitosa por legos. Este estudio piloto proporciona evidencia que las instrucciones JAT pueden ayudar a los legos a proporcionar de forma efectiva un control de la hemorragia en el lugar de la lesion.

Nerve injury is a serious potential complication associated with clinical use of tourniquets during surgery. A novel narrow, single-use silicon ring tourniquet has been introduced, which may cause less nerve compression and provide a larger field of surgical exposure than standard wide tourniquets. We investigated both types of tourniquets in the non-dominant proximal upper arm of 15 healthy human volunteers. Pain and neurological effects were assessed during 15 minute trials with each tourniquet applied 1 week apart without anesthesia according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Median nerve function was studied using the pressure-specified sensory device, an instrumented two-point discriminator, and pain was assessed by two validated instruments. Skin sores, redness, nerve damage, or neurological complications did not occur in either group. Subjects reported more pain with the narrow tourniquet; however, measurable effect on median nerve function was the same in both groups. Tourniquet application with the narrow device was more efficient, the device was easier to use, and larger surgical field exposure was obtained. We conclude that the sensory deficit with the use of narrow tourniquets is not greater than that observed with pneumatic/wide tourniquets.

Although the epidemiology of civilian trauma is distinct from that encountered in combat, in both settings, extremity hemorrhage remains a major preventable cause of potential mortality. The current paper describes the largest case series in the literature in which police officers arriving prior to emergency medical services applied commercially available field tourniquets to civilian victims of violent trauma. Although all 3 patients with vascular injury arrived at the receiving emergency department in extremis, they were successfully resuscitated and survived to discharge without major morbidity. While this outcome is likely multifactorial and highlights the exceptional care delivered by the modern trauma system, tourniquet application appears to have kept critically injured patients alive long enough to reach definitive trauma care. No patient had a tourniquet-related complication. This case series suggests that law enforcement officers can effectively identify indications for tourniquets and rapidly apply such life-saving interventions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and interpret the trends in tourniquet use and the accuracy of knowledge among Turkish orthopedic physicians through face-to-face survey.Methods: Turkish orthopedic physicians actively practicing operative orthopedics were questioned in a 12 question face-to-face survey. Personal information of physicians, preferred cuff pressure (CP) and tourniquet inflation time (TIT) and the source of the information for these preferences were questioned. Answers gathered were analyzed statistically.Results: The survey was completed by 211 orthopedic physicians. Mean preferred CP and TIT was 247.1 mmHg and 108.6 minutes, respectively, in the upper limb (UL) and 345.02 mmHg and 122.4 minutes, respectively, in the lower limb (LL). A statistically significant correlation was found between the amount of pressure preferred in the LL and the years of practice; longer the years in practice, higher the amount of pressure preferred (r=0.144, p=0.04). Tourniquets were used for a maximum period of 120 minutes for the UL by 95.7% of participants and for the LL by 84.8%.Conclusion: The amount of CP used by the orthopedic physicians surveyed is inconsistent with the literature with frequent use of CP higher than those scientifically recommended. The outcomes of the survey should be cautionary for orthopedic physicians to review the current utilization and replace personal teachings and experience-based methods with evidence-based best practices for tourniquet application., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’deki ortopedist ve uzmanlık öğrencilerinin turnike kullanımındaki eğilimlerini ve bu eğilimlerin dayandığı bilgilerin doğruluğunu yüz yüze uygulanmış bir anket ile araştırmak ve anket sonuçlarını yorumlamaktı.Çalışma planı: On iki sorudan oluşan anket, Türkiye’de bulunan ve ortopedi ameliyatlarına aktif olarak katılan ortopedist ve uzmanlık öğrencilerine yüz yüze uygulandı. Ankette hekimlerin kişisel bilgileri, tercih ettikleri manşon basınçları (MB) ile turnike şişirme süreleri (TŞS) ve bu tercihlerin dayandığı bilgilerin kaynağı sorgulandı. Alınan yanıtlar istatistiksel olarak analiz edildi.Bulgular: Ankete 211 ortopedist ve uzmanlık öğrencisi katıldı. Üst ekstremitede (ÜE) tercih edilen ortalama MB ve TŞS, sırasıyla, 247.1 mmHg ve 108.6 dakika iken, alt ekstremitede (AE) bu değerler, yine sırasıyla, 345.02 mmHg ile 122.4 dakika idi. Alt ekstremitede tercih edilen basınç miktarı ile meslekte çalışma süresi arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde bir korelasyon saptandı; meslekte çalışma süresi arttıkça tercih edilen basınç miktarı da artıyordu (r=0.144, p=0.04). Üst ekstremite ve AE için, ankete katılanların sırasıyla %95.7 ile %84.8’i turnikeyi en fazla 120 dakika boyunca kullanmayı tercih etmişlerdi.Çıkarımlar: Ortopedist ve uzmanlık öğrencilerinin tercih ettikleri MB’nin literatür bilgisi ile uyumlu olmadığı ve bilimsel önerilerin üstündeki MB’nin sıklıkla tercih edildiği saptandı. Çalışmanın sonuçları güncel turnike kullanımının gözden geçirilmesi konusunda uyarıcı niteliktedir. Turnike kullanımı konusunda deneyime dayalı uygulamaların ve kişisel öğretilerin yerini kanıta dayalı uygulamalar almalıdır.

Introduction: The phlebotomists’ procedures are a still source of laboratory variability. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of minor modification in procedure for collection of diagnostic blood specimens by venipuncture from CLSI H03-A6 document is able to reduce the tourniquet application time. Materials and methods: Thirty phlebotomists were invited to participate. Each phlebotomist was trained individually to perform the new venipuncture procedure that shortens the time of tourniquet release and removal. The phlebotomy training program was delivered over 8h. After training, all phlebotomists were monitored for 20 working days, to guarantee the adoption of the correct new procedures for collection of diagnostic blood specimens. After this time frame the phlebotomists were evaluated to verify whether the new procedure for blood collection derived from CLSI H03-A6 document was effective to improve the quality process by decrease in tourniquet application time. We compared the tourniquet appli cation time and qualitative difference of phlebotomy procedures between laboratories before and after phlebotomy training. Results: The overall mean ± SD tourniquet application time before and after this intervention were 118 ± 1 s and 30 ± 1 s respectively. Minor modifications in procedure for blood collection were able to reduce significantly the tourniquet application time (-88 s, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The minor modifications in procedure for collection of diagnostic blood specimens by venipuncture from CLSI H03-A6 document were able to reduce the tourniquet application time. Now the proposed new procedure for collection of diagnostic blood specimens by venipuncture could be considered usefulness and should be put into practice by all quality laboratory managers and/or phlebotomy coordinators to avoid preanalytical errors regard venous stasis and guarantee patient safety.

Background Local forearm warming before tourniquet application is often used to promote venodilation for peripheral intravenous cannulation; however, few studies have compared the effect of tourniquet application with and without local warming on vein size. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of tourniquet application after local forearm warming with that of tourniquet application alone in young and middle-aged adults. Design A single-blind, prospective, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Setting A national university in Japan. Participants Seventy-two volunteers aged 20–64 years. Methods Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: tourniquet application for 30s after forearm application of a heat pack warmed to 40°C±2°C for 15min (active warming group; n=36) or tourniquet application for 30s after applying a non-warmed heat pack for 15min (passive warming group; n=36). The primary outcomes were vein cross-sectional area on the forearm, measured after the intervention by blinded research assistants using ultrasound. Secondary outcomes were shortest diameter, and longest diameter of vein on the forearm, forearm skin temperature, body temperature, pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. All outcomes were assessed at the same site before and immediately after the intervention, once per participant. Results Vein cross-sectional area, shortest vein diameter, and longest vein diameter were significantly increased in the active warming group compared with the passive warming group (p 2 , 0.5mm, and 0.5mm, respectively), and in raising skin temperature (between-group difference: 5.2°C). However, there were no significant differences in body temperature, pulse, or systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the groups. There were no adverse events associated with either intervention. Conclusion Tourniquet application after local warming was associated with increased forearm vein size when compared with tourniquet application alone, and was demonstrated as being safe. Thus, with demonstrable effects on vein size, we recommend local warming before tourniquet application as a safe and effective technique for improving venodilation.

Tourniquets are issued to deployed members of both the United States (U.S. military and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The ease of removing the tourniquet from the pocket of the combat uniform may influence its time to application. The ADF uniform uses buttons to secure the pocket, whereas the U.S. uniform uses a hook and loop fastener system. National differences in training may influence the time to and effectiveness of tourniquet application.To compare the time taken to retrieve and apply a tourniquet from the pocket of the Australian and the U.S. combat uniform and compare the effectiveness of tourniquet application.Twenty participants from both nations were randomly selected. Participants were timed on their ability to remove a tourniquet from their pockets and then apply it effectively.The U.S. personnel removed their tourniquets in shorter time (median 2.5 seconds) than Australians (median 5.72 seconds, p0.0001). ADF members (mean 41.36 seconds vs. 58.87 seconds, p0.037) applied the tourniquet more rapidly once removed from the pocket and trended to apply it more effectively (p = 0.1).The closure system of pockets on the combat uniform might influence the time taken to apply a tourniquet. Regular training might also reduce the time taken to apply a tourniquet effectively.

The optimal timing of pneumatic lower limb tourniquet application during primary elective total knee arthroplasty surgery (TKA) is a matter of debate. Most previous reports have failed to show significant differences between different tourniquet timings. The aim of the work was to determine how three strategies of lower limb pneumatic tourniquet application affect the outcome for TKA patients.Forty-three patients who undergo TKA were randomized into one of the three groups, and 36 of these patients completed the study. The tourniquet was inflated just before incision and deflated after the hardening of the cement for twelve patients (Group 1), it was inflated just before cement application and deflated after its hardening for another twelve patients (Group 2), and it was inflated before incision and deflated after the last suture of the skin for a further twelve patients (Group 3). Fit-to-discharge criteria and six methods for calculating estimated blood loss were used.The estimated blood loss in Group 1 was lower than in Group 2, as determined by six methods of calculation (p0.05). Estimated blood loss in Group 3 was lower than in Group 2, as determined by one method (p = 0.050). The mobilization performance in Group 1 was better than in Group 2 (p = 0.023) and in Group 3 (p = 0.033). Group 1 was better fit to discharge than Group 3 (p = 0.030).Inflation of an automatic pneumatic lower limb tourniquet before skin incision and its deflation after hardening of cement tends to give better outcomes in TKA patients during six postoperative days. The estimated blood loss was highest when the tourniquet was inflated just before cement application and deflated after its hardening.

Tourniquet application has been widely accepted to improve survival for major limb trauma. Colour duplex ultrasound (US) can be used as a non-invasive method of confirming cessation of arterial flow. Participants with no or limited experience of ultrasound were taught to apply the Combat Application Tourniquet with ultrasound guidance. Following this, participants were tested in effective tourniquet application: Blind and with ultrasound guidance.US guidance improved abolition of limb perfusion from 22 to 93 per cent in upper limb; from 25 to 100 per cent in lower limb (p = 0.0027 and

We have recently demonstrated that the use of a tourniquet to locate the vein prior to blood sampling may affect red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation, even if the tourniquet is quickly removed after insertion of the needle into the vein. However, in clinical practice, the tourniquet is usually kept in place until blood sampling is completed. The present study tested the effects of tourniquet application during the blood sampling period on RBC deformability and aggregation. We compared blood samples obtained at 5, 30, 60 and 90 seconds following the tourniquet application; a control blood sample was obtained without applying a tourniquet. RBC deformability was slightly increased at 5 seconds (7.6% mean, 1-5 Pa) and at 60 seconds (5.9% mean, 1-30 Pa) but not at 30 or 90 seconds, with the increase inversely related to shear stress. The RBC aggregation index was slightly but significantly decreased at 5, 30 and 60 seconds, with no changes observed for either amplitude or half-time of aggregation. These very modest yet significant effects of tourniquet application on hemorheological parameters may not be meaningful in terms of pathophysiology, but may become important in data interpretation or for specific subjects.

This study was undertaken to evaluate tourniquet tolerance in healthy people. An arm tourniquet was inflated to 100 mmHg above systolic blood pressure for 21 minutes. We measured pain and grip strength before, during and at various times after deflation. We tested 40 subjects (20 women and 20 men) with an average age of 38 (range 22–58) years. Eight individuals did not tolerate the tourniquet for this length of time and the test was stopped. Visual analogical scale had a globally linear increase during tourniquet application. We noted a sensation of well-being just after deflation, quickly replaced by pain in the tested limb due to limb reperfusion. We also noted a significant loss of strength in the tested limb, which completely recovered by 48 hours. We also observed a significant loss of strength in the contralateral hand, which also recovered by 48 hours. The possible reasons for these temporary losses of strength in both the ipsilateral and contralateral limbs are discussed.

The use of a tourniquet to control bleeding is a necessity in both surgical and prehospital settings. Tourniquet application, if performed properly, can be a lifesaving procedure, particularly in a traumatic setting such as the battlefield. A tourniquet is easily applied and requires the use of a relatively uncomplicated piece of equipment. However, improper or prolonged placement of a tourniquet because of poor medical training can lead to serious injuries, such as nerve paralysis and limb ischemia. Here we present five case reports of improper tourniquet applications on the battlefield that resulted in nerve damage. We conclude that there is a need for improved training among medical personnel in the use of tourniquets, as well as a need for an adjustable-pressure, commercial-type sphygmomanometer cuff with a large surface area that is appropriate for application to all limbs parts. We also recommend that, in cases requiring the use of a tourniquet, the caregiver remove the tourniquet every 2 hours and assess the bleeding; if the bleeding has stopped, then the tourniquet should be replaced with a pressure bandage to minimize tissue damage.

Tourniquets are an effective means of arresting life‐threatening external haemorrhage from limb injury. Their use has not previously been accepted practice for pre‐hospital civilian trauma care because of significant concerns regarding the potential complications. However, in a few rare situations tourniquet application will be necessary and life‐saving. This review explores the potential problems and mistrust of tourniquet use; explains the reasons why civilian pre‐hospital tourniquet use may be necessary; defines the clear indications for tourniquet use in external haemorrhage control; and provides practical information on tourniquet application and removal. Practitioners need to familiarise themselves with commercial pre‐hospital tourniquets and be prepared to use one without irrational fear of complications in the appropriate cases.

Sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquets (HemaClear; OHK Medical Devices, Haifa, Israel) are relatively new on the market but are widely used because of the ease and speed of their application. The sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet consists of a silicon ring wrapped in a stockinet sleeve with pull straps. The physician places the ring on the patient's fingers or toes and then pulls the straps proximally. The silicon ring rolls up the limb, and the stockinet sleeve unrolls onto the limb. During proximal rolling, the device displaces blood out of the limb (exsanguination). When the elastic ring reaches the preferred occlusion location, the pulling motion is stopped. The ring exerts suprasystolic pressure on the limb, thereby blocking arterial blood flow into the limb and thus acts as a tourniquet. HemaClear tourniquets are thin and sterile and therefore provide a large operative field. The authors report 2 cases of pulmonary embolism after HemaClear tourniquet application in patients with traumatic injuries (fractures of the patella and tibial plateau). Exsanguination applies mechanical stress that might dislodge a preexisting deep venous thrombosis, leading to the serious complication of pulmonary embolism. The authors want to increase awareness of this possible fatal complication during procedures performed on the lower limbs, when the HemaClear tourniquet is used for exsanguination of the affected limb. Careful consideration should be given to the use of HemaClear tourniquets in high-risk patients and those with traumatic injuries, especially when there has been a delay in surgery. [ Orthopedics. 2015; 38(12):e1160–e1163.]