4 8 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
connectors for leaks during surgery.
7. Automatic timers. These
track how long a tourniquet has been
inflated, and set off an alarm if the
time exceeds the limit set by the user.
8. Alarms that detect occlu-
sions.
These alerts let staff mem-
bers know if the tubing connecting the
instrument to the cuff develops a kink
or other occlusion.
9. Self-test capabilities.
Some models automatically check sys-
tem operation and calibration every
time you turn them on.
10. Backup battery. Tourniquets
will continue to operate normally if
power is interrupted or you need to
move the patient during surgery.
OSM
Dr. McEwen (jmcewen@tourniquets.org) is the
inventor of the automatic tourniquet system. His
website (tourniquets.org) focuses on the safe and
effective use of tourniquet systems.
