User/Patient Safety 6
Contraindications
A tourniquet is not suitable for ligatures or cauterization to stop
hemorrhages and should never be applied without consideration of the
local anatomy. The Stryker SmartPump and associated tourniquet cuff is
contraindicated for use on the torso.
Tourniquets are contraindicated for use on patients exhibiting unusual or
complicated neurological or vascular problems of the extremities such as
arteriovascular impairment, phlebitis, infection, uncontrolled diabetes,
and/or other associated problems.
Current medical literature lists the following as possible contraindications:
♦ Compromised vascular circulation
♦ Severe scar tissue in cuff zone
♦ Mellitus
♦ Open leg fractures
♦ Post traumatic lengthy reconstruction
♦ Severe crushing injuries
♦ Elbow surgery (associated with excessive swelling)
♦ Severe hypertension
♦ Skin grafts in which bleeding must be readily distinguished
♦ Presence of sickle cell disease or clotting disorder
All final decisions regarding use of a tourniquet are the responsibility of
the attending physician.
Possible Adverse Effects
WARNING: Excessive pressure or prolonged application could
potentially cause:
♦ Vascular complications
♦ Neuromuscular or neurological injuries
♦ Tourniquet pain
♦ Ischemia
♦ Venous emboli or thromboembolism
♦ Blood vessel trauma
♦ Reperfusion problems and arterial occlusion
♦ Mild, aching pain may develop in the limb
♦ Stiffness, weakness, reactive hyperemia, and skin discoloration
♦ Death, specific to the Bier Block procedure
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