Preventing the complications of forgotten tourniquet by using intelligent tourniquet: A letter to the editor

Abstract

Highlights Post-tourniquet syndrome is a common reaction to prolonged ischemia. The prolonged placement of the tourniquet causes the tissue ischemia and necrosis. Intelligent tourniquet can prevent the complications of prolonged placement of tourniquet.

The tourniquet syndrome of the thumb due to dressing with a rubber band in a pediatric patient

“…Finger or thumb ischemia due to circumferential dressing with tubular gauze or self-adherent wrap, hair, or a forgotten tourniquet is rarely reported clinical phenomenon, but may cause devastating consequences. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Recommended treatments are the removal of the dressing, observation, debridement of necrotic tissues and amputation, if necessary. [3] Circumferential wound dressing has been commonly used in lower and upper extremity injuries, particularly for fingers and toes.…”

“…

Tourniquet syndrome is the blockage of the vascular flow of the appendage by a tourniquet, bandage, or hair thread. [1,2] In the literature, the most commonly reported cause of tourniquet syndrome is hair thread. [3] The circumferential bandages have also been reported rarely causing tourniquet syndrome.

…”

“…The bandage can also cause a tourniquet effect, and block blood flow to the appendage with subsequent tissue ischemia and necrosis. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The pediatric patient may be more susceptible to this condition, due to being unable to explain their pain and remove the bandage. [5,10] Timely detection and appropriate treatment are essential to save the appendage.…”

Next-generation tourniquet: Recommendations for future capabilities and design requirements

“…Although current tourniquet capabilities have been adequate for past conflicts, 5 the ever changing climate in war and civilian mass casualty (MASCAL) scenarios may require addition of new features and capabilities for tourniquet design. Although new tourniquet designs have been suggested, they have not been widely adopted 6,7 . In the military setting of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) 8 and prolonged casualty care (PCC), trauma casualties must be managed at or near the point of injury for extended periods 9–12 .…”

“…Although new tourniquet designs have been suggested, they have not been widely adopted. 6,7 In the military setting of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) 8 and prolonged casualty care (PCC), trauma casualties must be managed at or near the point of injury for extended periods. [9][10][11][12] There are parallels to LSCO/PCC in civilian situations in which delayed evacuations and limited resources may occur, such as wilderness medicine or MASCAL scenarios.…”