A latex finger strip and nylon zip-tie combo as a tunable digital tourniquet.

BACKGROUND

Surgery on digit and nail requires a clear bloodless field that is often achieved by a tourniquet.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to present a simple, effective, and safe tourniquet for digital surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A latex glove and a nylon zip-tie were used. A long strip is cut from the little finger tube of a latex glove. This is used for wrapping around the digit for exsanguination. The pressure is then maintained with a household nylon zip-tie. The finger strip is then cut to expose the operative field ready for surgery. The tourniquet pressure can be adjusted by tightening or loosening of the nylon zip-tie.

RESULTS

Exsanguination and a bloodless field can be effectively achieved. The long tail of the nylon zip-tie reminds the operator to remove it at end of the surgery.

CONCLUSION

A latex strip and nylon zip-tie combo serves as a simple, effective, and safe tourniquet for digital surgery.