Tourniquet

(toorf-nik-et) [Fr. , from tourner, to turn]. An instrument for controlling the circulation by means of compre ion, usually consisting of two metallic plates united by a thumb-screw, and a strap provided with a pad. The strap is fastened about the part, the pad being made to lie over the artery to be occluded. The screw is placed diametrically opposite the pad, and the strap tightened by separating the metallic plates of the screw. T., Dupuytren’s, one for compre ing the abdominal aorta, consisting of a semicircle of metal with a pad at one extremity. T., Esmarch’s, one consisting of a stout, elastic rubber band applied above the proximal turn of an elastic bandage pa ing around the part to be rendered bloodle . T., Field-, one consisting of a strap and buckle with a pad to be placed over the artery. T., Horse-shoe, one shaped like a horse-shoe, to compre only two points, and thus permit venous return. T., Provisional, one applied loosely, so that it may be tightened at once upon the recurrence of hemorrhage. T., Signorini’s. See T, Horse-shoe. Tow. The coarse part of flax or hemp, used as an absorbent. Tox-, Toxico-, 630