Tourniquets in arterial bypass surgery

Abstract

Background: successful infra-popliteal bypass depends on precise, atraumatic technique in performing the distal anastomosis. The use of a tourniquet facilitates the distal anastomosis, reducing dissection, avoiding traumatising clamping of the vessels and providing an "uncluttered" operating field. Despite these advantages the technique is under-used.

Objectives: to review the use of tourniquets in arterial reconstruction, with particular reference to safety issues and complications. DESIGN, METHODS AND MATERIALS: a Medline search was performed (last search Feb. 2000), and keywords from relevant papers were used to perform subsequent searches. References were reviewed from each relevant paper.

Results: no randomised controlled trials were found. The review details reported use of tourniquets in arterial reconstruction, including techniques, outcomes and potential complications.

Conclusion: the use of a tourniquet is a safe and effective technique to facilitate arterial reconstruction.