Axisymmetric finite element analysis of tourniquet application on limb

An axisymmetric finite element model of cuff on limb was developed. The model was used to simulate a clinical experiment by others in which the fluid pressure was measured at various points under a blood pressure cuff; the distribution of calculated hydrostatic stress was consistent with the clinical results. Simulations involving varying degrees of rounding at the edges of a tourniquet suggested that ensuring such rounding decreases maximum octahedral shear stress; this finding was consistent with studies by others using a two-dimensional physical model. The calculated stresses were highest at the tourniquet edges; this was consistent with nerve conduction and photomicrographic studies by others of damage caused by tourniquet use.