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A new hemostatic agent: initial life-saving experience with Celox (chitosan) in cardiothoracic surgery
Russell W J Millner1, Alan S Lockhart, Helen Bird
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, United Kingdom. russellmillner@btinternet.com
Insights
Celox, a chitosan-based hemostatic agent, proved effective in controlling severe bleeding during cardiothoracic surgery when standard methods failed. This highlights its potential for complex surgical interventions beyond emergency and military use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Hemostasis
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
Background:
- Celox is a chitosan-based hemostatic agent.
- It is indicated for moderate to severe hemorrhage.
- Currently used in emergency and military settings.
Observation:
- Two patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery experienced severe hemorrhage.
- Conventional hemostatic techniques were unsuccessful in controlling bleeding.
- Celox was applied to manage the bleeding in both cases.
Findings:
- Celox successfully achieved hemostasis in both patients.
- The agent provided a lifesaving intervention where other methods failed.
- No adverse events related to Celox application were noted.
Implications:
- Celox demonstrates potential efficacy in complex cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
- This expands the known applications of chitosan-based hemostats.
- Further investigation into Celox for surgical bleeding is warranted.
Abstract:
Celox (MedTrade Products Ltd, Cheshire, UK) is a proprietary preparation of chitosan, indicated for moderate to severe hemorrhage and currently used for hemostasis in the emergency and military settings. We describe its lifesaving use in 2 patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in which conventional techniques had failed.
