[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbADgzgJUc[/youtube]
The device is straight forward. It's a wide-mouthed spring clamp with teeth that pinches a wound closed.
"The ITClamp addresses massive hemorrhage a leading cause of death in traumatic injury by controlling critical bleeding in under 3 seconds," it says on the Canadian-based company's website. "The clamping device works by sealing the skin closed to create a temporary pool of blood under pressure, which forms a stable clot until the wound can be surgically repaired."
Seems like a decent idea for smaller wounds, though I guess you could combine a few of these things to deal with a larger wound. There are a couple of advantages I can think of off the bat. It can be used in places where a TQ can't; say on the torso. It doesn't constrict an entire extremity, so you have a better chance of saving a limb. It looks pretty easy to apply, though it takes fine motor skills to use, so I don't think it's ideal for self application.
Still, I don't see this device taking the place of a TQ. Both of these medical devices seem medieval, but the TQ's simplicity means it's nearly indestructible and always ready -- and a makeshift TQ is only a shoelace or pack strap away. The ITClamp is a bit more complicated than a strap, so I'd imagine it's susceptible to battlefield forces and could be rendered ineffective by being bent or crushed. Even if it's not ideal for a combat medic, it looks useful in the next higher echelon of care, say for flight medics who are a little gentler with their gear.
More information at itraumacare.com.
