Research for NICU Tourniquet

[alex.IPI]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Alex Birch and I'm a WPI student and Medical Device Development Intern at the Institute for Pediatric Innovation, based out of Cambridge, MA. I'm currently writing a sustainability report to propose development of a NICU Tourniquet to be used by nurses for daily blood draws and IV insertions.

To assist me with my research, I was wondering if any hospitals currently used tourniquets in the NICU or even in the PICU. If there are any, I'd need to know the models you use (simple description would be fine) and if you have any feedback on their general effectiveness. I'm particularly interested in options you may have on buckle tourniquets and velcro tourniquets, but I welcome any other feedback or information on other devices that you may have at your disposal.

Any help, feedback and guidance you could give me if greatly appreciated.

Thanks and Take Care!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

We use rubber bands, too. I've even used the torn-off-finger-of-a-glove trick.

[Guest505077]

we use rubber bands with a 2x2 gauze opened underneath it (to minimize tissue

injury) for the vlbw - works exceptionally well

[prmenrs, RN]

I've always used rubber bands, too. The last few years, I've looked for, and bought, non-latex varieties. Takes a little effort, tho.

[alex.IPI]

Hello all,

Thanks for all the help so far, your responses have helped my research greatly. I just had a logistics question if anyone has a minute:

During what procedures (ie blood draws), if any, are there which could use a tourniquet in the NICU?

and where is the application site (be it forearm, leg, ect.) ?

I'm trying to get a market size and idea of the usefulness of such a device.

Thanks everyone for all of your Feedback.

Alex

[prmenrs, RN]

Alex--

Respectfully, I'm not sure there is a market for a tourniquet/device. Everybody uses rubber bands. just sayin'

[umcRN, BSN, RN]

agree with prmenrs

We also rarely use tourniquets for blood draws - we draw labs off their heels if they don't have an a-line

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Have to agree. Like I said, we have looked at products like this and we always agree to go the cheaper route. We wrap tourniquets around arms, legs and heads, penroses and rubber bands are super for that.

Velcro and buckle, not gonna work..usually you are working alone and have to have something you can get off by yourself.

[NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN]

Yes, I must agree there is really no need on the market for a "neo turniquette". I see that you want to create a new and innovative product but this is just not it.

The rubber bands work really well and are used during venous blood draws (not often done since most blood draws are capillary blood draws from the heels) and IV starts...

I'm so sorry but I think you are wasting time.

I think it would be MUCH wiser to create a truly closed blood draw system for UACs.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Invent a cpap mask/prongs that won't destroy a nose. That's where the need is.

[walkingrock, ADN]

Rubber bands, IF anything!

[umcRN, BSN, RN]

if you're looking for something to improve, having a better sticking ostomy bag babies would be really helpful :-)

[nicurn5]

I have used rubber bands, a nurse holding a limb, and Coban. I believe that the rubber band is easier to use as it is easier to remove when no longer needed.