Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Tissue Engineering by Intrinsic Vascularization in an In Vivo Tissue Engineering Chamber
09:55

Tissue Engineering by Intrinsic Vascularization in an In Vivo Tissue Engineering Chamber

Published on: May 30, 2016

Tourniquets and exsanguinators: a potential source of infection in the orthopedic operating theater?

Stephen A Brennan1, Raymond J Walls, Elizabeth Smyth

  • 1Cappagh National, Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Acta Orthopaedica
|May 1, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tourniquets and exsanguinators in orthopedic settings harbor infectious bacteria, potentially causing hospital-acquired infections. Sterile wipes effectively decontaminate these critical surgical devices.

Area of Science:

  • Infection control in healthcare settings
  • Microbiology of medical devices
  • Orthopedic surgery safety

Background:

  • Fomites (contaminated inanimate objects) are recognized as a significant source of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Orthopedic surgical instruments like tourniquets and exsanguinators can harbor pathogenic bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess tourniquets and exsanguinators for bacterial pathogens in orthopedic hospitals.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different decontamination methods on these devices.

Main Methods:

  • Swabs were collected from tourniquets and exsanguinators before and after decontamination.
  • Three distinct cleaning modalities were tested.
  • Bacterial colony counts were determined, and organisms were identified.

Main Results:

  • Prevalent bacteria included coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus spp.
  • Acinetobacter strains and Candida were also detected.
  • Exsanguinators showed higher contamination levels, particularly in trauma settings (up to 400% increase).
  • Both alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based sterile wipes demonstrated high decontamination efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Tourniquets and exsanguinators harbor infectious organisms in orthopedic theaters.
  • These fomites represent a potential source of surgical site infections.
  • Simple and effective decontamination methods using sterile wipes are available.

More Related Videos

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation06:04

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Published on: August 8, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia01:16

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia

Intravenous regional anesthesia or the Bier block technique is used to anesthetize a specific limb or extremity. It uses exsanguinated or blood-drained vessels to transport local anesthetics or LAs to the peripheral nerve trunks. Lidocaine without vasoconstrictors like epinephrine is most commonly used for this technique. Other drugs used are prilocaine, ropivacaine, and chloroprocaine. Bupivacaine is not recommended for this technique due to its high cardiac toxicity.
One of the advantages of...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...