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optimal use of any circumferential tourniquet. Once the .compressionworks.net/), which developed and manu-
slack was removed, the windlass was tightened and se- factures the device.
cured. The device was fully inflated to the green indicator,
which measures pressures of 250–300mmHg. There was
no blood flow from the wound at an inflation pressure be- References
low 250mmHg. In the human research for FDA clearance, 1. Kragh JF Jr, Murphy C, Dubick MA, et al. New tourni-
the AAJT was noted to be effective in the inguinal region quet device concepts for battlefield hemorrhage control. US
at lower pressures than the original abdominal placement. Army Med Department J. 2011;38–48, 2011.
The pressure for occlusion of blood flow to the femoral ar- 2. Eastridge BJ, Hardin M, Cantrell J, et al. Died of wounds
tery was 148.5mmHg in 100% of the subjects. There may on the battlefield: causation and implications for improv-
ing combat casualty care. J Trauma Acute Care Surg, 2011;
be benefits in a gauge that indicates this lower pressure 71:S4–S8.
during application as sufficient for the groin. Likewise, the 3. Case Report: Abdominal Aortic Tourniquet use in Afghani-
human research for the axillary placement showed 100% stan. J Spec Oper Med. 2013;13:1–2.
effectiveness on all patients at 168mmHg. 4. Croushorn J, Calloway D. Abdominal Aortic Tourniquet
Commentary. J Spec Oper Med. 2013;13:3.
The AAJT is (1) an FDA-cleared device that is currently 5. Case Report: Abdominal Aortic Tourniquet controls junc-
indicated for pelvic, inguinal, and axillary bleeding; (2) tional hemorrhage from a gunshot wound of the axilla. J
the only junctional tourniquet with an indication for pel- Spec Oper Med. 2013;13:1–4.
vic bleeding; (3) the only junctional tourniquet reported
with a successful axillary use; and (4) effective at lower tis-
sue pressures than other junctional tourniquets available.
Dr. Croushorn has been involved in hemorrhage control re-
search since 2005. He is a board-certified emergency physi-
Disclosure
cian who lives in Birmingham, AL. He was a former command
Dr. Croushorn is one of the inventors of the AAJT surgeon, Task Force 185, OIF 2004. E-mail: compressworks@
and president of Compression Works LLC (http://www gmail.com.

8 Journal of Special Operations Medicine Volume 14, Edition 2/Summer 2014