Auto-transfusion tourniquets: the next evolution of tourniquets

David H Tang,^1,2,3 Bohdan T Olesnicky,^1,3 Michael W Eby,^1,4 Lawrence E Heiskell<sup>1,5

1</sup>International School of Tactical Medicine, Palm Springs, CA, USA; ²Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA; ³High Desert Medical Center, Joshua Tree, CA, USA; ⁴Veterans Administration Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, CA, USA; ⁵Fallbrook Community Hospital, Fallbrook, CA, USA

Abstract: In this article, we discuss the relationship between hemorrhagic shock and the pathophysiology of shock using conventional tourniquets. We will focus on corollary benefits with the use of HemaClear^®, a self-contained, sterile, exsanguinating auto-transfusion tourniquet. This discussion will demonstrate that the use of auto-transfusion tourniquets is a practical evidence-based approach in fluid resuscitation: it shortens the duration of shock after hemorrhage and trauma compared with conventional tourniquets. Emphasis is placed on the use of the HemaClear^® as an alternative fluid resuscitation tool which is more efficient in the battlefield, pre-hospital and in-hospital settings.

Keywords: auto-transfusion tourniquet, field exsanguination, hemorrhagic shock, tourniquet, perfusion requirement, HemaClear^® ATT