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The arterial tourniquet: pathophysiological consequences and anaesthetic implications
P C Kam1, R Kavanagh, F F Yoong
1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, University of Sydney at the Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia. pkam@med.usyd.edu.au
Anaesthesia
|June 20, 2001
Summary
Arterial tourniquets are common in surgery but can cause local and systemic effects. Clear guidelines for safe tourniquet application are currently lacking, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Anesthesia
- Vascular Surgery
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Arterial tourniquets are frequently employed in extremity surgeries and intravenous regional anesthesia.
- Their application involves potential local and systemic physiological consequences.
- The anesthetic implications of tourniquet use require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the local and systemic physiological effects of arterial tourniquets.
- To discuss the anesthetic implications associated with tourniquet use.
- To highlight the absence of clearly defined safe working guidelines for tourniquet application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological effects.
- Analysis of complications related to tourniquet use.
- Examination of anesthetic considerations.
Main Results:
- Local complications stem from cuff compression or distal ischemia.
- Systemic effects are linked to tourniquet inflation and deflation.
- Current guidelines for safe tourniquet application are not well-established.
Conclusions:
- Arterial tourniquets present risks of local and systemic complications.
- Anesthetic management must account for tourniquet-induced physiological changes.
- Development of standardized safe application guidelines is crucial for patient safety.