Tourniquet in Surgery of the Limbs: a Review of History, Types and Complications

Tourniquet is a device that prevents blood entrance and exit from a limb. Its use goes back to 200 years BC- the Roman emperors’ era - and has been utilized especially in amputations. During the history، several types of tourniquets have been used by surgeons and its design has changed regularly. Nowadays tourniquet is used very often in orthopaedic، vascular and plastic surgery. Although its usage is not routine، but it is a great help to the surgeon. Tourniquet، like other techniques has risks and side effects and the surgeons have to be aware of them as well as its proper use. This article mainly deals with pneumatic tourniquet، its usage and complications.