How Long Can A Tourniquet Be Left On (And Why)?

How Long Can A Tourniquet Be Left On (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 Hours

A tourniquet is used to make surgeries on the appendages simpler. The tourniquet is indeed a possibly harmful device that should be handled with caution. A tourniquet is really a privilege in certain operations, but it is a requirement in others, which includes sensitive arm surgeries.

The application of a tourniquet enables incision in a place with the absence of blood, which improves visibility and accuracy while reducing the risk of neural, artery, and tendon rupture. Nevertheless, competent foot operations can be conducted without the use of a tourniquet, and in some cases, a tourniquet may be unsuitable.

Many doctors limit the time of tourniquet inflation to 1.5–2 hours. Techniques include releasing the tourniquet for about 10 minutes after each hour, relaxing the injured limb, and swapping multiple bands that can help to lessen the potential harm.

Due to a lack of clinical expertise, inappropriate as well as continuous tourniquet placement for long periods could indeed result in severe consequences, including nerve numbness and ischemia in appendages.

Although up to 2 hrs is not the recommended time limit, it may not pose a serious anaphylactoid risk in most situations supported by clinical expertise.

How Long Can A Tourniquet Be Left On

How Long Can A Tourniquet Be Left On?

Type of TourniquetTime For Being Left On
Pneumatic Tourniquet2 hours
Esmarch Tourniquet1.5 hours
Emergency Medical Tourniquet1.5 hours
Automatic Tourniquet2 hours

Whenever a tourniquet is already in position, the primary objective should be to de-escalate or downgrade the bandage in order to minimize the risk of nerve and vessel impairment in the affected limb. Studies suggest that while using tourniquets, there is a moderate chance of harm. That harm can be temporary and perhaps even long-lasting.

Oxygenation variations, as well as the removal of the tourniquet every 15–20 minutes, are suggested, but they do not reduce the risk of developing complications. According to research, whenever a tourniquet is put in place for more than two hours, the possibility of severe side effects increases. The following is a tourniquet removal protocol based on the recommendations of the American College of Surgeons: If there is severe bleeding (prolonged at a loss of more than 15% RBCs, massive loss of blood), then cut below.

Why Can A Tourniquet Be Left On For So Long?

Since these tighten up all of the tubules reaching out the blood to the appendages, tourniquets seem to be important in preventing a fatal bleed. Blood transports oxygen to body cells and allows them to survive. The organs would also perish if they do not receive this vital oxygen.

The blood is indeed in charge of transporting toxic compounds which would otherwise accumulate if they were removed. Whenever this instrument is used, the blood ceases to flow, and neither of these vital processes occurs.

Once the tourniquet has been in place, the objective is to de-escalate or downgrade the tourniquet to lessen the risk of nerve injury to the extremities. When employing tourniquets, studies suggest that there can be a low risk of harm, which could be temporary or chronic. When de-escalating tourniquets, there is no harm to the extremities if tourniquet pressure is gradually reduced to near zero.

Perfusion intervals, or releasing the tourniquet every 15–20 minutes, are not suggested and do not lessen the risk of problems. According to research, when a tourniquet is held in place for much more than two hours, the odds of problems increase.

As a result, the time period for which a tourniquet must be implemented should be precisely taken care of, lest the organs end up dying due to oxygen deprivation and the accumulation of toxicants, necessitating amputation of the body part.

Conclusion

If applied appropriately, tourniquets are indeed a quick and efficient way to halt significant extremities bleeding. Tourniquets have some dangers, primarily from the poor application, a lack of training, or lengthy tourniquet durations. The Committee of Tactical Emergency Casualty Care produced standards to ensure that tourniquets are used appropriately and also that issues are minimized.

Before selecting any equipment, authorities should review tourniquet research and their clinical heads rather than relying solely on military support or approvals. For example, putting tourniquets in a first responder’s hands without any external guidance can put them at risk of developing repurposed burn wounds or other fire-related injuries.

References

  1. https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/0301-620X.44B4.937
  2. https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/0301-620x.88b8.17668

Last Updated : 23 February, 2024

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