Development and clinical application of a new desktop-tourniquet

OBJECTIVE To develop a new desktop-tourniquet for vein-puncture operation,which can facilitates the control of cross-infection.METHODS The patient′s arm for vein-puncture was fixed by the tourniquet,which was supported on the metal stent and placed 70 mm above the operating table.There was a disposable paper towel between the patient's arm and tourniquet,according to the Hospital Infection Control Requirements.The operation of vein puncture was done with the adequate air pressure of the pneumatic tourniquet connected to the gas supply mechanical device.RESULTS The vein puncture with this new desktop-tourniquet had been applied for 786 patients in the departments of out-patient blood specimen collected from three A-level hospitals for 6 days.The clinical trials generated satisfactory results that the operation of the vein-puncture with this convenient desktop-tourniquet was safe and fast.CONCLUSION This desktop-tourniquet improves the traditional way of pressure pulse for upper vein-puncture operation.It eliminates the pillows needed in the traditional vein-puncture way and allows multiple patients to share one tourniquet.It not only prevents cross-infection as the hospital demands,but also avoids the frequent replacement of aging rubber tourniquet and saves the disinfectant through protecting the resource and environment.This desktop-tourniquet is strongly recommended to apply widely.