Tourniquet pressures on pediatric patients: a clinical study

A clinical study was undertaken to evaluate pneumatic tourniquet pressures required for hemostasis in extremity surgery of pediatric patients. Occlusion pressures were measured by Doppler, and tourniquet pressures were set 50 mm above this value. Of 29 cases, 86% were determined to provide adequate hemostasis throughout the procedure. Maximum mean pressures used in the upper and lower extremity groups were 173.4 +/- 11.6 mm Hg (range: 155 to 190 mm Hg) and 176.7 +/- 28.7 mm Hg (range: 140 to 250 mm Hg), respectively, accounting for adjustments made to inadequate initial settings. This study suggests that lower tourniquet pressures than previously used may be needed to maintain adequate hemostasis in pediatric patients.