Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Jan 2025)

Comparative analyses of the hemostatic efficacy and surgical device performance of powdered oxidized regenerated cellulose and starch-based powder formulations

  • Marianne Stark,
  • Allen Y. Wang,
  • Brittny Corrigan,
  • Henok G. Woldu,
  • Samar Azizighannad,
  • Gustavo Cipolla,
  • Richard Kocharian,
  • Hector De Leon

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102668
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
p. 102668

Abstract

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Background: Hemostatic powders offer unique therapeutic advantages over other formulations, including ease of application and rapid distribution over large bleeding surfaces. The efficacy of powder-based hemostats is dependent on device performance, which is rarely investigated independently from efficacy. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the hemostatic efficacy of an oxidized regenerated cellulose agent (Surgicel, Ethicon, Inc) and 3 starch-based biopolymers (Arista, Becton Dickinson; PerClot, Baxter International; and 4DryField, PlantTec Medical GmbH) and the performance of their delivery device applicators. Methods: Efficacy was evaluated in a porcine model of bleeding using 2 study designs where the powder was delivered with (experiment 1) and without (experiment 2) device applicators. Device performance (powder expression) was examined in vitro at 3 device positions/angles: 90° (vertical, downward), 45° (slanted, downward), and 180° (horizontal). Results: Surgicel efficacy rate was noninferior (P ≤ .0002) and superior (P ≤ .004) to that of any of the 3 starch-based agents regardless of whether the powder was delivered with their devices (experiment 1) or directly applied onto the bleeding sites (experiment 2). Surgicel required fewer applications (P ≤ .0002) and less powder (P < .0001) to achieve hemostasis. The Surgicel device was the only one that consistently delivered precise amounts of powder over a critical range of applications in the 3 positions tested. Conclusion: The oxidized regenerated cellulose powder was the most efficacious hemostat, and the Surgicel applicator exhibited the highest performance compared with any of the 3 starch-based devices investigated. The current study highlights the relevance of combining high-efficacy powder hemostats with innovative, high-performance applicators to effectively manage bleeding control in surgical settings.

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