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. 2021 Nov 17:7:42-45.
doi: 10.1016/j.sopen.2021.11.003. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Stopping extremity hemorrhage: More than just a tourniquet

Neil G Parry  1
Affiliations

Stopping extremity hemorrhage: More than just a tourniquet

Neil G Parry. Surg Open Sci. .

Abstract

Major extremity hemorrhage is a surgical emergency, and the physical examination is essential to help dictate appropriate clinical decision making. Hard signs that require immediate surgical intervention include ongoing bleeding, expanding hematoma, ischemic limb, as well as partial/complete amputation. Packing, compression, balloon tamponade, and tourniquets are very helpful to temporize major hemorrhage. Mangled extremities are very challenging to manage and require a multidisciplinary approach. Temporary vascular shunts are excellent tools for vascular/orthopedic damage control and for temporary stabilization prior to transport for definitive care.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Traumatic amputation of lower extremity with tourniquet.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Mangled upper extremity with tourniquet.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Temporary intravascular shunts in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and superficial femoral vein (SFV).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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