Hemostatic efficacy and cardiovascular effects of agents used during endodontic surgery

The hemostatic efficacy, as well as the cardiovascular effects, of two hemostatic agents currently used during endodontic surgery was examined. The hemostatic agents used were epinephrine pellets (Racellet pellets) or 20% ferric sulfate (Viscostat). Patients were assigned to one of two experimental groups. Blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded pre- and postoperatively and at three additional times during the surgery (root-end resection, root-end preparation, and filling). The adequacy of hemostasis was rated by the surgical operator. Results indicated that there is no significant change in cardiovascular effects when using either of these hemostatic agents. Except in one case where ferric sulfate was the agent, both agents produced surgical hemostasis that allowed for a dry field for root-end filling.