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Definition

Esmarch band age

(es'mark )

[Johannes Friedrich August von Esmarch, Ger. surgeon, 1823–1908]

A rubber band age used to minimize bleeding.


If the band age is applied too tightly or too long, tissue damage may occur because of decreased blood supply.

Patient Care: Before any incisions are made, the band age is applied tightly to the limb, starting at the distal end and reaching above the site of operation. A pneumatic tourniquet is firmly applied proximally. The band age makes the surgical area virtually bloodless and is then removed.