The pressure distribution under tourniquets.

We measured the detailed pressure distribution under pneumatic tourniquets and Esmarch bandages in canine limbs. The results showed that pressure concentration can occur in the tissue under the tourniquet. The Esmarch-bandage tourniquet was shown to be capable of producing pressures in excess of 1000 millimeters of mercury immediately beneath the tourniquet. There is a wide variation between cuff pressure and the pressures in the underlying tissues.