Pneumatic tourniquet

What does "Pneumatic tourniquet" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

A pneumatic tourniquet is a medical device used to stop blood flow to a certain part of the body, usually during surgery on limbs like arms or legs. It's similar to the cuff used to measure blood pressure, but it's inflated to a much higher pressure. This is done to create a bloodless field for surgeons to work in, making the procedure easier and safer. After the surgery, the tourniquet is deflated to allow blood flow back into the area.

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