Disposable Tourniquets
The technology and sophistication of tourniquets on the “surface” do not appear to have changed dramatically from when they were first introduced in 200 BC. However, the non-latex disposable tourniquets we use today are very different from the original tourniquets on the battlefield. Color, type of material, material properties, and texture are all different from the original latex tourniquets.
Tourniquet Changes – Bright Colors
One of the first improvements to disposable tourniquets was also the most comfortable. To help prevent tourniquet leave on-accidents, Caresfield went from manufacturing the bands in yellowish-beige of natural latex to bright colors. Leave-on accidents can result in permanent muscular, vascular or even neurological damage.
The next evolution was to use new materials to make disposable tourniquets. In the late 1970s, allergic reactions to latex were first recognized. Then in 1998, the FDA required companies that made medical devices containing latex to be label the products as containing natural rubber latex. In addition to the safety benefit, these new materials do not become dry and brittle over time. The change to non-latex materials gives disposable tourniquets an extended shelf life. It also maintain the benefits of significant stretch and reduced risk of accidental tourniquet breaks.
Related: Don’t be Misled by Latex-Free Claims
Tourniquet Changes – Textured Surfaces
The final area of change for non-latex tourniquets was with the addition of texture to the tourniquets’ surface. The original latex tourniquets had a smooth texture on both sides. A smooth rubber or similar material applied to a dry surface provides more friction than a textured surface. When first reviewing this concept the idea of a smooth surface providing more friction was not intuitive. However, with the example below we can see a decrease in surface area contact between smooth and textured surfaces.
In the illustration above, the decrease in surface area is around 45% with the textured tourniquet. This decrease in surface area means a decrease in friction. It’s similar to the tires for F1 racing in wet conditions vs. dry conditions. When the road is dry, they use smooth tires. They provide more grip (or friction) due to having more surface contact with the road. However, when the track is wet, they use chunky treads or textured tires. They help push water out of the way, allowing the tire to contact the track surface for a better grip. Similarly in an IV start or blood draw application where the tourniquet and the patient’s skin would both be dry, a smooth tourniquet may provide a better grip on the patients’ skin and remain in place when tied.
Why use textured tourniquets if smooth offer better grip?
The answer comes back to friction and specifically, friction on a patient’s skin. For patients with atrophic arm skin, there is an increased risk of tearing the patient’s skin. In this type of application, a disposable textured tourniquet with lower friction might be a better choice.
Additionally, textures can increase the stiffness of the material. This in not a new concept. It is applied extensively in sheet metal fabrication and is commonly applied to the sheet metal of washers and dryers. How does this concept apply to disposable textured tourniquets? Simply put, it takes more effort to stretch a textured tourniquet a specific distance than it does a smooth tourniquet. The extra stiffness will provide more compression than a smooth tourniquet stretched the same amount. A textured tourniquet can provide better compression and lower the risk of tearing for patients with atrophic arm skin.
Tourniquet Applications
Over time, disposable tourniquets have evolved to feature bright colors, hypoallergenic materials and even textures. At Caresfield, we are exploring new ways to innovate products that increase customer and patient satisfaction. Therefore, we are excited to introduce our patent-pending Versaquet™ which combines the benefits of both smooth and textured tourniquets. Versaquet™ is a novel, multi-texture tourniquet with a smooth side and a textured side, which provides clinicians with the option to decide which side to use based on the patient’s specific needs.
Our friendly sales and customer support teams stand ready to help you find the perfect disposable tourniquet for your needs. Let’s Talk !!
