A novel elastic exsanguination tourniquet as an alternative to the pneumatic cuff in pediatric orthopedic limb surgery.

Abstract

We describe our experience with a novel surgical exsanguination tourniquet (S-MART; OHK Medical Devices, Haifa, Israel) in clinical pediatric orthopedics. We evaluated the surgical exsanguination tourniquet's properties and clinical use in 51 patients and compared our observations with our long-standing experience with the Esmarch bandage, pneumatic tourniquet and sterile stockinet. Using the surgical exsanguination tourniquet, we found superior exsanguination quality, quick application and the ability to place the occlusion ring closer to the surgical field. No side effects or ischemic complications were observed. After removal, the skin under the ring was intact in all cases. We conclude that the surgical exsanguination tourniquet is safe and valuable in our practice.