ozelapid on 2006-02-06
i wouldn't dream of using this or any other extractor, for any venom, ever. and if you want it to hold the venom in place long enough to put a pressure bandage on after a pitviper bite, remember that PIB should only be applied to non-necrotizing bites such as for australian elapids. how did we get suckered into this ingrained legend? no pun intended...

xvenomx on 2005-11-11
It comes in a yellow box, never used it, if I do I'll let you know.

Hotherps on 2005-03-30
Our Unit* carried out tests on these venom extractors some years back. Our findings where that these extractors where of little or no use. I’m sure we published a paper so I will see if I can find it.

* Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK

Rabies on 2005-02-27
A pressure bandage (Sutherland) should not be used on envenomations that produce severe local reactions, especially swelling. The combination of both can quickly induce a compartment syndrome.(This has also been proven by Dr Bush et al)Email me if you wish a copy of his findings,pdf. Most venom components enter the systemic system via the lymph system, due to the size of the componenets they are unable to enter the blood system. The suction device produces a vaccum of approx 750mmhg within the cup, the presure within the capillarys is between 5-15mmhg!

Matt_H on 2005-02-26
I have to agree with Doctor Bush on this one. I've read several reports on the study of this device and have come to the conclusion that it is not a good idea for hemotoxic envenomations. From a medical point of view, consider this. When you are bitten the first thing to consider is whether the fang penetrated a vein or just tissue. the fang penetrates a vein it is immediately traveling through your bloodstream and envenomation effects will be rapid. If it has not penetrated a vein, then it will sitll enter your bloodstream (though a little slower) by absorbtion through the capillaries. Once venom enters your bloodstream it is at the mercy of your circulatory system which is continually flowing as long as your heart is pumping. A simple negative pressure at the bite site is not going to slow down your blood circulation enough to stop the travel of venom. At best, it can retain a small portion of the venom at the bite site. If you are bitten by a pit viper, or any other snake whose venom is hemotoxic, this will definately exaggerate the localized necrosis.
The main idea here is to try to slow the movement of venom until medical attention can be acquired. In order to slow down the movement of venom you have to reduce the circulation in the affected area. This is still best achieved by a pressure bandage, (NOT a tournequet). A pressure bandage will constrict the veins and arteries in the limb enough to slow the movement of blood through the limb and thus slow the movement of venom. The bandage should be tight enough to compress the limb but loose enough to slide two fingers under the bandage. In additon the limb should be immobilized. This combination should buy you plenty of time to seek emergency medical treatment.

JHarrison on 2005-02-25
Studies done by Dr Hardy and others indicate that the extractor is a waste of money and time. When I was at the first International meeting on venomous bites and stings in Paris 1995. Several doctors spoke on the extractor. One was paid by the company to test it. His findings show that it had no effect on the envenomation.
I don't own one.

KingCobraFan on 2005-02-15
***What does this observation indicate?***
That the extractor removed at least some of the venom?

Bill Huseth

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