A clinical study was undertaken to evaluate pneumatic tourniquet press
ures required for hemostasis in extremity surgery of pediatric patient
s. Occlusion pressures were measured by Doppler, and tourniquet pressu
res were set 50 mm above this value. Of 29 cases, 86% were determined
to provide adequate hemostasis throughout the procedure. Maximum mean
pressures used in the upper and lower extremity groups were 173.4 +/-
11.6 mm Hg (range: 155 to 190 mm Hg) and 176.7 +/- 28.7 mm Hg (range:
140 to 250 mm Hg), respectively, accounting for adjustments made to in
adequate initial settings. This study suggests that lower tourniquet p
ressures than previously used may be needed to maintain adequate hemos
tasis in pediatric patients.