Hema-T vs. C.A.T. Tourniquet
A head-to-head comparative study evaluating Hema-T against the Combat Application Tourniquet (C.A.T.) across efficacy, pain, and ease of use — conducted by the IDF Medical Corps, Trauma and Combat Medicine Branch.
Download Comparison PDFStudy Design
To compare Hema-T (auto-transfusion tourniquet) with C.A.T. (Combat Application Tourniquet) for limb hemorrhage control in a combat-medicine context.
35 IDF combat medics — 30 men, 5 women, ages 18–21
Random assignment: each participant applied both tourniquets on arm and leg
Doppler ultrasound verification of arterial occlusion, application time, pain score (VAS), and ease-of-use rating
Maj. Dr. RY • B.Sc. IR • Lt. Col. Dr. DHN • Lt. Col. Dr. AO — IDF Medical Corps, Trauma and Combat Medicine Branch
Key Results
Similar studies: USA 2022 — 62% occlusion success | Israel 2015 — 78% occlusion success
Both Hema-T and C.A.T. achieved full arterial occlusion in 100% of applications, verified by Doppler ultrasound.
Hema-T produced approximately 60% lower pain scores than C.A.T. for both arm and leg applications (p<0.05).
Hema-T vs. C.A.T. — Head to Head
Hema-T Advantages
Identical Efficacy
100% arterial occlusion success rate — equal to C.A.T., the current gold standard.
Significantly Less Pain
~60% reduction in pain scores during application (p<0.05), improving compliance and patient experience.
Auto-Transfusion
Unique dual function: controls hemorrhage while simultaneously returning blood to the central circulation.
No Blood Trapping
Prevents blood from being trapped in the limb, reducing the risk of complications upon tourniquet release.
No Washout Effect
Eliminates the washout of cold, acidic, hyperkalaemic blood into the central circulation on release.
Safe Duration
Safe for continuous use up to 120 minutes — suitable for prolonged field care scenarios.
Conclusion
Hema-T demonstrates identical hemorrhage-control efficacy to the C.A.T. while delivering significantly less pain and the added clinical benefit of auto-transfusion. It represents a superior option for combat and pre-hospital limb tourniquet application.