Experimental measurement and prediction of blood flow occlusion achieved using pneumatic tourniquets

The tourniquet pressure at which blood flow occlusion occurs was measured in the laboratory on 34 subjects and correlated with three basic parameters: tourniquet cuff width, limb circumference, and blood pressure. Blood flow occlusion data were also obtained and verified by clinically measuring occlusion pressure on 23 patients in the operating room. Using this data empirical relationships were obtained to allow prediction of blood flow occlusion under a tourniquet cuff for normal use in orthopedic surgery. The experimental procedures and results and the numerical analysis and conclusions are described