TAVAC: comprehensive review of currently available hemostatic products as adjunct to surgical hemostasis.

BACKGROUND: The use of hemostatic agents by general surgeons during abdominal operations is commonplace as an adjunctive measure to minimize risks of postoperative bleeding and its downstream complications. Proper selection of products can be hampered by marginal understanding of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. While a variety of hemostatic agents are currently available on the market, the choice of those products is often confusing for surgeons. This paper aims to summarize and compare the available hemostatic products for each clinical indication and to ultimately better guide surgeons in the selection and proper use of hemostatic agents in daily clinical practice. METHODS: We utilized PubMed electronic database and published product information from the respective pharmaceutical companies to collect information on the characteristics of the hemostatic products. RESULTS: All commercially available hemostatic agents in the US are described with a description of their mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, circumstances in which they are best utilized, and expected results. CONCLUSION: Hemostatic products come with many different types and specifications. They are valuable tools to serve as an adjunct to surgical hemostasis. Proper education and knowledge of their characteristics are important for the selection of the right agent and optimal utilization.

Efficacy of topical tranexamic acid soaked absorbable gelfoam in relieving post-extraction pain in warfarin patients: a randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth, active-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Warfarin patients who need dental extraction face the problem of bleeding and no sufficient hemostasis results in dry socket and postoperative pain. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the topical application of tranexamic acid-soaked absorbable Gelfoam (TXA-Gel) and saline-soaked absorbable Gelfoam (saline-Gel) in relieving postoperative pain following bilateral simple extraction of permanent mandibular molars in warfarin patients. METHODS: This was a randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth, active-controlled clinical trial. It was performed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, between November 2021 and October 2023. 60 bilateral permanent mandibular molars, which were indicated for simple extraction in 30 warfarin patients randomly assigned into two groups according to the topical hemostatic agents after extraction used: Group 1: control group, saline-Gel (n = 30). Group 2: TXA-Gel (n = 30). A simple randomization method was performed by flipping a coin. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue scale (VAS). The intensity of pain was evaluated at the baseline (t0), and on the 1st (t1), 2nd (t2), 3rd (t3), 4th (t4), 5th (t5), 6th (t6), and 7th (t7) days following extraction. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Mann-Whitney U test were performed. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean vas scores was 4.17 ± 1.76 at t1 and decreased to 0.73 ± 0.78 at t7 in the TXA-Gel group. However, in the Gelfoam group, the mean vas scores was 4.83 ± 2.18 at t1 and decreased to 1.80 ± 1.00 at t7. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at t1 (p = 0.236) and t2 (p = 0.155). However, there was a statistically significance difference at the rest time points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TXA-Gel played a prominent role in alleviating post-extraction pain in warfarin patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trail was retrospectively registered at the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN71901901).

A Prospective Analysis of the Effects of a Powder-Type Hemostatic Agent on the Short-Term Outcomes after Liver Resection.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize bleeding during liver resection and effectively manage it when it occurs. Arista® AH (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) is a microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH), a new plant-derived polysaccharide powder hemostat that can be applied to the entire surgical field. This study prospectively assessed the effectiveness of Arista for bleeding control when applied intraoperatively to the liver resection surface. Materials and Methods: Data were collected at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital for patients who underwent liver resection owing to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma or benign liver diseases. We compared the outcomes between 45 patients managed with Arista® AH (data were prospectively collected between September 2022 and May 2023) and 156 patients managed without the use of Arista® AH (data were retrospectively collected between January 2021 and December 2021). Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. The estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower in the Arista® AH group compared with the control group (495.56 ± 672.7 mL vs. 691.9 ± 777.5 mL, p = 0.049). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Arista® AH group (5.93 ± 1.88 days vs. 6.94 ± 4.17 days, p = 0.024). The time to Jackson-Pratt drain removal was also significantly shorter in the Arista® AH group (4.64 ± 1.31 days vs. 5.30 ± 2.87 days, p = 0.030). The patient subgroup was divided into four categories based on the type of resection and the presence or absence of cirrhosis. Within the subgroup of major resections in non-cirrhotic patients, the Arista® AH group demonstrated significantly better outcomes compared to the control group, showed lower EBL, reduced need for blood transfusions, decreased volume of drain fluid collected within 48 h, earlier removal of drains, and shorter hospital stays. In contrast, for the other subgroups such as minor resection (both non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic) and major resection with cirrhosis, the differences between the Arista® AH and control groups in various parameters like EBL, blood transfusion rates, drain fluid volume, time to drain removal, and duration of hospital stay were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Arista® AH significantly improved intraoperative blood management and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing liver resection, particularly in non-cirrhotic patients who underwent major resection.

The use of sealing hemostat patch (HEMOPATCH®) in laparotomic myomectomy: a prospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: Uterine myomas are the most common gynecological disease. In these cases, a myomectomy is performed traditionally laparotomically. However, alternatives have been widely used, including laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery. During these techniques, diffuse parenchymatous bleeding remains one of the main intraoperative and postoperative complications and sometimes requires unplanned hysterectomies. Recently, hemostatic agents and sealants have been used to prevent excessive blood loss during surgical repair. METHODS: We propose a prospective case-control study on the use of a sealing hemostat patch (HEMOPATCH®) on uterine sutures in laparotomic myomectomy. In the period between July 2016 and April 2017, 46 patients with symptomatic uterine fibromatosis underwent surgery. They were divided into two groups of 23 patients, with different treatments in the hemostatic phase of oozing bleeding. HEMOPATCH® is applied in group A, and spray electrocoagulation is applied in group B. RESULTS: In group A, we achieve faster hemostasis (p < 0.05), than in group B. We report a significantly lower C-reactive protein value on the second and third days after surgery for group A compared to group B. CONCLUSIONS: HEMOPATCH®, during laparotomic myomectomy, is a valid alternative solution for obtaining rapid hemostasis and consequently intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. Furthermore, we suggest that a lower inflammatory peritoneal state is probably correlated with the barrier effect of the patch on the suture.

Efficacy of four different hemostatic agents in thyroid surgery in reducing the amount of post-operative fluid collection.

PURPOSES: Postoperative bleeding remains a life-threatening complication in thyroid surgery. The aim was to assess the efficacy of four different hemostatic agents, Collagen-Fibrinogen-Thrombin Patch (CFTP) in two sizes (3 × 2.5 cm and 9.5 × 4.8 cm), polysaccharide particles (1 g) and Cellulose Gauze (2.5 × 5 cm) on postoperative drainage volume (DV) compared to a control group. METHODS: We included from October 2007 until Mai 2011, 150 patients (30 per group) for this monocentric, retrospective case-controlled study. Patients were scheduled for a hemithyroidectomy or thyroidectomy. The primary endpoint was the postoperative DV within the first 24 h, secondary the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: There were no difference in demographic parameters. The mean DV (± SD) was 51.15 (± 36.86) ml in the control, 50.65 (± 42.79) ml in small (3 × 2.5 cm), 25.38 (± 23.99) ml in large CFTP (9.5 × 4.8 cm), 53.11 (± 39.48) ml in the polysaccharide particles and 48.94 (± 30.59) ml in the cellulose gauze group. DV was significantly reduced with the large CFTP (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to demonstrate a significant reduction in the DV for the large CFTP group compared to the other collectives. Although this as being associated with not inconsiderable costs and we would only recommend its use for high-risk patients only.

Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Hemostatic Applications: A Review of Recent Advances.

Hemorrhage is a detrimental event present in traumatic injury, surgery, and disorders of bleeding that can become life-threatening if not properly managed. Moreover, uncontrolled bleeding can complicate surgical interventions, altering the outcome of surgical procedures. Therefore, to reduce the risk of complications and decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with hemorrhage, it is necessary to use an effective hemostatic agent that ensures the immediate control of bleeding. In recent years, there have been increasingly rapid advances in developing a novel generation of biomaterials with hemostatic properties. Nowadays, a wide array of topical hemostatic agents is available, including chitosan-based biomaterials that have shown outstanding properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, hemostatic, and analgesic activity in addition to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and wound-healing effects. This review provides an analysis of chitosan-based hemostatic biomaterials and discusses the progress made in their performance, mechanism of action, efficacy, cost, and safety in recent years.

The Use of PuraStat® in the Management of Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis Drained Using Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents: A Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Bleeding is one of the most feared and frequent adverse events in the case of EUS-guided drainage of WOPN using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) and of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). When it occurs, its management is still controversial. In the last few years, PuraStat, a novel hemostatic peptide gel has been introduced, expanding the toolbox of the endoscopic hemostatic agents. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PuraStat in preventing and controlling bleeding of WOPN drainage using LAMSs. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective pilot study from three high-volume centers in Italy, including all consecutive patients treated with the novel hemostatic peptide gel after LAMSs placement for the drainage of symptomatic WOPN between 2019 and 2022. Results: A total of 10 patients were included. All patients underwent at least one session of DEN. Technical success of PuraStat was achieved in 100% of patients. In seven cases PuraStat was placed for post-DEN bleeding prevention, with one patient experiencing bleeding after DEN. In three cases, on the other hand, PuraStat was placed to manage active bleeding: two cases of oozing were successfully controlled with gel application, and a massive spurting from a retroperitoneal vessel required subsequent angiography. No re-bleeding occurred. No PuraStat-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: This novel peptide gel could represent a promising hemostatic device, both in preventing and managing active bleeding after EUS-guided drainage of WON. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Topical hemostatic agents in neurosurgery, a comprehensive review: 15 years update.

Hemostasis in neurosurgery is of utmost importance. Bleeding management is one of the crucial steps of each neurosurgical procedure. Several strategies, namely thermal, mechanical, electric, and chemical, have been advocated to face blood loss within the surgical field. Over time, countless hemostatic agents and devices have been proposed. Furthermore, the ever-growing recent technological innovation has made available several novel and interesting tools. Pursuant to their impact on surgical practice, we perceived the imperative to update our previous disclosure paper. Therefore, we reviewed the literature and analyzed technical data sheets of each product in order to provide an updated and comprehensive overview in regard to chemical properties, mechanisms of action, use, complications, tricks, and pitfalls of topical hemostatic agents.

Prospective, randomized, controlled, noninferiority clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of absorbable macroporous polysaccharide composites as adjunct to hemostasis during open surgery.

BACKGROUND: To address intraoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery, reducing blood transfusion requirements, is mandatory to achieve effective hemostasis. Hemostatic agents may limit localized persistent bleeding. The introduction of carboxymethyl-chitosan component into the hemostatic agent and the application of the radiation crosslinking technique maintain its capacity for achieving intraoperative hemostasis, thus increasing the clinical utility. METHODS: A prospective, noninferiority and randomized controlled clinical trial to compare the safety and efficacy of absorbable macroporous polysaccharide composites (AMPC, treatment group) with compound microporous polysaccharide hemostatic powder (CMPHP, control group) (2:1 ratio) as adjuncts to hemostasis in open surgery. The main indication was used for hemostasis in various traumatic hemorrhage areas, including cardiothoracic, vascular, and general surgery. The primary endpoint was success rate of hemostasis within 300 s (at a 10% noninferiority margin). The secondary endpoint was hemostasis time. Both endpoints were assessed in the modified intention-to-treat (MITT) population. Safety parameters were assessed. This study is fully compliant with the CONSORT statement. RESULTS: Randomized patients in AMPC and CMPHP groups were 168 and 84, respectively. In MITT population, the success rates of hemostasis within 300 s were 98.8% (163 of 165) in AMPC and 94.0% (78 of 83) in CMPHP (treatment difference 4.8% [95% CI -0.57% to 10.20%]). AMPC was thus noninferior to CMPHP. Hemostasis time (median [interquartile range]) with AMPC (87 [52.5, 180] s) was better than CMPHP (110 [54.5, 181] s). Changes in laboratory parameters over time and shifts to abnormal values were typical of surgeries and similar between two groups. No noticeable adverse effects associated with AMPC or CMPHP were observed. CONCLUSIONS: AMPC is well tolerated as topical hemostatic agent, noninferior to commercial CMPHP, and exhibits excellent safety. This study provides a novel hemostatic agent which appears to offer significant clinical advantage in various hemorrhage areas.

Evaluation of the effects of different hemostatic agent applications on mental nerve.

PURPOSE: Evaluating the effect of ABS (Ankaferd Blood Stopper®), Tranexamic Acid (Transamin®) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (Floseal®) on the mental nerve of rats by using histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 Wistar Albino rats were used. Rats were randomly selected into 4 groups as Control (G1), ABS (G2), Tranexamic Acid (G3) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (G4). In the control group G1, the left mental nerve was exposed and 0.3 ml of sterile saline was applied for 5 min, then closed with suture. In the other three groups, the left mental nerve was exposed and 0.3 ml ABS, Tranexamic Acid and Floseal was applied to groups, respectively. After 5 min, wounds were closed with suture. Immunohistochemical and histopathologic examinations were performed on mental nerves after 28 days. RESULTS: The total histopathologic and immunohistochemical semiquantitative scores were significantly higher in ABS (G2) compared to Control (G1), Tranexamic Acid (G3) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (G4) (P < 0.05). Myelin thickness were significantly lower in G2 compared to G1, G2 and G3 (P < 0.05). G3 has the most reliable results compared to G2 and G4 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that ABS has neurotoxic effects and should not be used close to the nerve, and thrombin-containing hemostatic matrix should be used carefully. Tranexamic acid, on the other hand, was found to be the most reliable hemostatic agent for use in close proximity to neural tissues. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of the hemostatic agents on peripheral nerve degeneration.

Surgicel mimicking recurrent pelvic neuroblastoma in a 3-year-old boy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgicel is a hemostatic agent that consists of oxidized regenerated cellulose and used in surgical procedures as an aid to bleeding control. It is left in the operation site for hemostasis, could cause an operation by mimicking the recurrence of tumor, as in our patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 3-year-old boy was operated by us at the age of 40 days and 2.5 years, respectively, due to pelvic neuroblastoma. He was re-operated for mimicking recurrence or residue tumor secondary to the prior placement of Surgicel within the peritoneal cavity. RESULTS: Re-laparotomy was performed and the mass approximately 2.8 × 2×1 cm in size in front of the right ureter and iliac vessels and behind the bladder was removed by blunt and sharp dissection without damaging these organs. While gelatinous content was evacuated from this mass, there was no apparent tumor appearance. Pathology report was reported as fibrotic tissue characterized by foreign body and foreign body giant cells. The postoperative period was uneventful and he was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: In the light of our case, the use of hemostatic agents should be kept to a minimum and should not be left in the body unless it is difficult. Thus, unnecessary examination or recurrent surgery can be avoided.

Effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on topical hemostatic agents.

PURPOSE: There is no clear consensus as to which topical hemostatic agent is best used during cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and histologically fibrin formation rates. METHODS: Four topical hemostatic agents (Spongostan™, Surgicel®, Fibrillar™, Arista®) were evaluated. All agents were mixed with 3 ml blood in sterile tubes separately to form clot formation. The resulting clot formations were incubated with 36 °C and 42 °C with saline or cisplatin for 1 h. Strength and flexibility of hemostatic samples were evaluated under weight of 0 g, 50 g, 100 g, 200 g and 300 g. All samples were stained with hemotoxylin-eosin and compared histologically for fibrin clot formation under light microscope. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences according to strength and flexibility of topical hemostatic agents on hyperthermic chemotherapy. Histopathologically, the highest fibrin formation was observed in Surgicel®, followed by Fibrillar™. The least fibrin formation was detected in Arista®. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that exposure to hyperthermic chemotherapy did not significantly affect the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and the fibrin clot formation.

Systematic review of hemostatic agents used in vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hemostatic agents are routinely used in vascular surgery to complement proper suture techniques and decrease the risk of perioperative bleeding. A relative lack of comparative research studies have left surgeons with the option of choosing hemostatic agents based on their personal experience. The present review has highlighted the efficacy and safety of hemostatic agents and categorized them according to their primary mechanism of action and cost. METHODS: A systematic search strategy encompassing hemostatic agent products was deployed in the PubMed database. Single-center and multicenter, randomized, controlled trials with >10 patients were included in the present study. RESULTS: We reviewed 12 studies on the efficacy and safety of hemostatic agents compared with manual compression or other hemostatic agents. Using the time to hemostasis as the primary end point, all studies had found hemostatic agents to be significantly more efficient than manual compression. Likewise, adhesives (high pressure sealants) and dual agents (containing biologically active and absorbable components) were found to be more efficient, but costlier, than agents with either biologically active or absorbable components only. Agents with porcine or bovine constituents were found to trigger anaphylactic reactions in rare cases. Additionally, the absence of fibrin stabilizing factor XIII in a brand of fibrin sealant was speculated to reduce the affinity of the fibrin sealant for the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The cost of agents varied greatly depending on their active ingredient. CONCLUSIONS: Hemostatic agents appear to be highly effective at decreasing the risk of bleeding during surgical procedures. Although some hemostatic agents were demonstrated to achieve hemostasis faster than others, most are able to control bleeding within <10 minutes. Based on the limited data, the least expensive agents might suffice for limited suture lines used in routine procedures.

Evaluation of local hemostatic efficacy after dental extractions in patients taking antiplatelet drugs: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of four different local hemostatics in patients taking oral antiplatelet therapy, after multiple dental extractions without discontinuing drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study sample included 102 patients (mean age 64.1 ± 17.4 years) in treatment with oral antiplatelet agents needing multiple dental extractions. After surgery, the sockets were randomly sealing with suture alone (control group), hemostatic plug (HEM), advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF+), and leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Primary outcomes were post-operative bleeding, wound healing index, and possible complications. Secondary outcomes were correlation between primary outcomes and patient's comorbidities and voluptuous habits. Descriptive statistics, bivariate comparisons, and logistic regression analysis were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Both A-PRF+ and L-PRF showed a reduced bleeding risk when compared with suture alone (OR = 0.09, p = 0.001 for A-PRF+; OR = 0.09, p = 0.005 for L-PRF). Only L-PRF showed a reduced risk for incomplete wound healing when compared with the control site (OR = 0.43, p = 0.019). Patients affected by hypertension (OR 3.91, p = 0.015) and diabetes (OR 3.24, p = 0.026) had the highest bleeding risk. Smoking (OR 4.30, p = 0.016) and diabetes (OR 3.79, p = 0.007) interfered with healing process. CONCLUSION: L-PRF and A-PRF represent a valid alternative to the traditional hemostatics, reducing post-surgical bleeding and promoting wound healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In patients taking antiplatelet drugs, different local hemostatics are useful to control potential post-operative bleeding and to favor wound healing. However, comorbidities and voluptuous habits may increase bleeding risk, interfering with healing process.

[Local application of recombinant activated factor VII for massive surgical bleeding]. / Lokal'noe primenenie rekombinantnogo aktivirovannogo faktora svertyvaniya krovi VII dlya ostanovki massivnogo operatsionnogo krovotecheniya.

The authors report resection of anaplastic convexital meningioma in a middle-aged woman complicated by expected massive blood loss. The most intense bleeding occurred at the final stage of resection and it was impossible to stop it with traditional approaches. The surgeon pressed a standard tachocomb plate moistened with a diluted solution of recombinant activated factor VII (coagil, Russia) to the most bleeding area for 5 minutes. Subsequently, surgeon replaced finger pressure with a permanent napkin. Hemostatic effect of recombinant activated factor VII following its systemic administration is well known and convincingly proven in many surgical areas including neurosurgery. However, we do not know any descriptions of its local application in neurosurgical patients.

Novel, infection-free, advanced hemostatic material: physical properties and preclinical efficacy.

Introduction: Self-assembling peptides are synthetic, amphipathic peptides that may serve as new hemostatic agents. The first-generation hemostat TDM-621 has been used in clinical practice in a limited capacity. The second-generation hemostat TDM-623 was developed for faster gel formation and better tissue-sealing capability. We compared the physical properties and hemostatic effects of TDM-621 and TDM-623.Material and methods: First, we evaluated the physical properties of both materials in a bench test setting, including the external appearance of the gel, rheological properties in sol/gel forms, and local self-weight pressure. We then performed a randomized preclinical trial using swine. Bleeding wounds were created on the liver surface, and randomized application of 1 mL of either TDM-621 or TDM-623 was performed. The hemostatic effects were evaluated two and five minutes after application. Resected specimens were histologically evaluated.Results: In the bench test setting, TDM-623 showed higher gel height, higher sol viscosity, and higher local self-weight pressure than TDM-621. In the preclinical setting, TDM-623 showed significantly greater hemostatic effects at two and five minutes after application than TDM-621. Histological examination showed no inflammatory reaction in either group.Conclusions: TDM-623 has greater hemostatic capability than TDM-621 and is therefore promising as a new hemostatic agent.

Effects of blood contamination and hemostatic agents on bond strength in primary teeth dentin.

BACKGROUND: Contamination is a common problem in pediatric restorative dentistry and there are a few studies that investigate blood contamination, hemostatic agents, and tooth dentin. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of blood contamination and hemostatic agents on the bond strength of two different bonding systems with the dentin of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buccal and lingual dentin surfaces of 40 primary second molar teeth were used for this study. Specimens were divided into 4 groups according to the contamination and hemostatic agents (Blood-B, Ankaferd Blood Stopper-A, ViscoStat-V, Control-C) and then every group was further divided into two subgroups according to the bonding systems (Clearfil SE Bond-I, All Bond Universal-II, n = 10 per group). A bulk-fill composite resin was built-up on the surfaces. The specimens were tested in the micro shear mode at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min on a universal test machine. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Tukey's tests at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences have been detected in the micro shear bond strengths only between the Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) (AI = 13.72 ± 4.47 and AII = 9.12 ± 4.4) and control groups (CI = 22.78 ± 10.86 and CII = 16.49 ± 6.55) without regards to the bonding systems. The highest scores were obtained in the control groups. Clearfil SE Bond showed better performance than All Bond Universal in all groups. CONCLUSION: It was determined that only the ABS contamination groups showed statistically significant decreases in the bond strengths when compared with control groups.

Chitosan-Based Bioactive Hemostatic Agents with Antibacterial Properties-Synthesis and Characterization.

Massive blood loss is responsible for numerous causes of death. Hemorrhage may occur on the battlefield, at home or during surgery. Commercially available biomaterials may be insufficient to deal with excessive bleeding. Therefore novel, highly efficient hemostatic agents must be developed. The aim of the following research was to obtain a new type of biocompatible chitosan-based hemostatic agents with increased hemostatic properties. The biomaterials were obtained in a quick and efficient manner under microwave radiation using l-aspartic and l-glutamic acid as crosslinking agents with no use of acetic acid. Ready products were investigated over their chemical structure by FT-IR method which confirmed a crosslinking process through the formation of amide bonds. Their high porosity above 90% and low density (below 0.08 g/cm3) were confirmed. The aerogels were also studied over their water vapor permeability and antioxidant activity. Prepared biomaterials were biodegradable in the presence of human lysozyme. All of the samples had excellent hemostatic properties in contact with human blood due to the platelet activation confirmed by blood clotting tests. The SEM microphotographs showed the adherence of blood cells to the biomaterials' surface. Moreover, they were biocompatible with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The biomaterials also had superior antibacterial properties against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The obtained results showed that proposed chitosan-based hemostatic agents have great potential as a hemostatic product and may be applied under sterile, as well as contaminated conditions, by both medicals and individuals.

Bleeding from lumbar ventral epidural venous plexus managed with hemostatic agent from oxidized non-regenerated cellulose.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding from epidural blood vessels may be an unpleasant complication during surgery of the lumbar spine, which is often difficult to manage with electrocoagulation. The use of local hemostatic agents is a possible solution. This paper presents the first experience with an agent of oxidized non-regenerated cellulose. METHODS: The agent of oxidized non-regenerated cellulose was used in 21 patients (12 women and 9 men) to stop bleeding from the ventral epidural lumbar venous plexus. It was always removed before the end of the operation. RESULTS: In all cases, bleeding was stopped within 2 minutes. Bleeding did not recur until the end of surgery (even after removal of the agent). No early or other complications were observed in the patients studied. CONCLUSION: The agent of oxidized non-regenerated cellulose appears to be a rational and effective solution for bleeding from epidural veins in the lumbar spine.

[Local hemostatic agent - fluid active hemostatic matrix]. / Sredstvo mestnogo gemostaza - tekuchaia aktivnaia gemostaticheskaia matritsa.

Uncontrolled surgical bleeding can have significant clinical and economic consequences including advanced medical expenses and impairment of the outcomes. Effective and safe local hemostatic agents based on a fluid active hemostatic matrix are reviewed in the article. The use of this agent is followed by reduced hospital-stay, number of redo interventions for bleeding, reduced time of surgery, intra- and postoperative complication rate and high economic efficiency.