Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet-Stabilized (AAJT-S)

2023-09-06T13:48:40-04:00

Vendor: Compression Works
Type: Tourniquet
Price: 489.95

The Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet-Stabilized (AAJT-S) by Compression Works is the world's only multi-functional, FDA-cleared hemorrhage control device indicated for four distinct applications: abdominal (aortic compression), inguinal (groin), axillary (armpit), and pelvic fracture stabilization. A wedge-shaped pneumatic bladder inflated via hand pump delivers targeted compression to occlude major vessels or compress the pelvis. SKU: 30-0248. NSN: 6515-01-616-4999. Made in the USA.

Key Specifications

Specification | Detail
Manufacturer | Compression Works LLC (Birmingham, AL)
Part Number / SKU | AAJT-S (30-0248)
NSN | 6515-01-616-4999 (CAGE Code: 63M48)
Weight | 15 oz (425 g)
Dimensions | 9" W × 8" D × 2" H (23 cm × 20 cm × 5 cm)
Mechanism | Pneumatic — wedge-shaped bladder with hand pump; ratcheting buckle; 300 mmHg built-in relief valve; green indicator gauge
FDA-Cleared Indications | Abdominal (aortic compression); Inguinal/Groin; Axillary; Pelvic Fracture Stabilization
Maximum Application Duration | Abdominal: 1 hr | Junctional (groin/axilla): 4 hr
Contraindications | Abdominal mode: known AAA; Pregnancy (abdominal placement only; no contraindications for groin/axilla)
FDA 510(k) | K112384, K133029 (Decision: December 6, 2013)
Quality Standard | ISO 9000; FDA Registered; Mil-STD-810F (fabric mildew resistance)
Origin | Made in the USA — all components, final assembly, and packaging

Product Overview

The AAJT-S occupies a unique position in junctional hemorrhage management as the only FDA-cleared device indicated for direct external aortic compression. While the CoTCCC-recommended JETT and SAM Junctional Tourniquet address inguinal and axillary hemorrhage through point pressure at the femoral or axillary artery, the AAJT-S's wedge-shaped bladder — when placed at the level of the abdominal aortic bifurcation — applies pressure that compresses the aorta from the anterior abdominal wall against the spine, reducing or stopping blood flow to the entire lower body. This capability makes it the only non-invasive prehospital device capable of achieving Zone 3 REBOA-equivalent aortic compression without vascular access.

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Special Operations Medicine (Smith, Pallister, and Parker) confirmed that the AAJT-S is capable of providing clinically significant Zone 3 aortic and vena cava occlusion while also achieving a Zone 1 compression effect — positioning it as a potential intervention for Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage (NCTH), the leading cause of preventable battlefield deaths in the current operating environment. A systematic review published in PubMed (2023) — covering 14 studies comprising 7 controlled swine studies (n=166), 5 healthy human volunteer series (n=251), one human case report, and one manikin study — found the AAJT-S effective at cessation of blood flow when tolerated, with a low training burden and easy application by minimally trained individuals.

The integrated 300 mmHg pressure relief valve and green-indicator gauge eliminate guesswork: the bladder is inflated until the gauge reads green (~250 mmHg), and the built-in valve automatically prevents over-pressurization. The ratcheting buckle ensures all strap slack is removed before bladder inflation, reducing operator variability. Compression Works lists over 60 peer-reviewed publications supporting the device. The only case report of abdominal use in real trauma — a military patient in Afghanistan with bilateral lower-limb amputations — showed almost immediate hemorrhage control effect with no evidence of renal failure or ischemic bowel complications at 48-hour follow-up. The patient survived.

Five Steps to Application

1. Secure device around torso — Wrap the belt around the patient and connect the ladder strap until Red meets Red.

2. Position bladder — Place the wedge-shaped bladder over the target site: lower abdomen (aortic bifurcation) for abdominal use; inguinal crease for groin; infraclavicular fossa for axillary.

3. Remove all slack — Pull the belt firmly to eliminate slack.

4. Ratchet to tighten — Use the ratcheting buckle to complete tightening until the belt is snug against the body.

5. Inflate to green — Pump the hand bulb until the pressure indicator shows Green (~250 mmHg). The 300 mmHg relief valve prevents over-inflation automatically. Document application time immediately.

Clinical Note: Abdominal (aortic) placement is contraindicated in known abdominal aortic aneurysm and pregnancy. No contraindications exist for groin (inguinal) or axillary placement. Maximum application time for abdominal use is 1 hour due to ischemia-reperfusion risk; junctional (groin/axilla) applications may remain for up to 4 hours with continuous monitoring.

See also: CoTCCC-recommended junctional devices — JETT and SAM Junctional Tourniquet. Browse the complete tourniquets & pouches collection and massive hemorrhage control kits.