A Tunable Digital Tourniquet Using Nelaton Catheter

Kim, Sang Wha; Yim, Young Min; Jung, Sung No; Kwon, Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE: Surgery on digit requires a clear, bloodless field and it can be achieved by using a tourniquet. Several type of tourniquet have been used including Penrose drains and sterile glove with hemostat. We present a simple digital tourniquet using nelaton catheter, which is easily available, inexpensive, easy-to-apply, and effective for digital surgery.
METHODS
We made a small incision on the opposite side of an opening at the tip of nelaton catheter. Then the other tip of nelaton catheter is passed through the incision to form a ring. Nelaton catheter is placed aournd the base of the injured finger, making a tight circle to desired pressure.
RESULTS
A simple tourniquet using nelaton catheter effectively achieves a bloodless field and allows fine control of the pressure for digital surgery.
CONCLUSION
We present a sismple digital tourniquet using nelaton catheter, which is easily available, inexpensive, tunable, and available for more than one finger.