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.