Fibrin solutions to control hemorrhage in the trauma patient

Fibrin sealant has been used by a variety of surgical subspecialties as a biological adhesive, sealant, and hemostatic agent. The advantages of these fibrin solutions make them ideal adjunctive hemostatic agents for patients with intra-abdominal solid organ injury. Control of hemorrhage from large stellate wounds of the liver and splenic salvage has been documented in the literature by surgeons from Europe and the United States. Due to the unavailability of a commercial product, surgeons in the United States have had to rely on blood bank-produced fibrin sealant. The purpose of this review is to describe research directed towards developing and evaluating fibrin solutions, both commercial and blood bank-produced, for hemostasis of injuries to the liver and spleen.