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A review of topical hemostatic agents for use in cardiac surgery

James Barnard1, Russell Millner

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lancashire Cardiac Centre, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, United Kingdom.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Topical hemostatic agents can reduce blood loss in cardiac surgery, improving patient outcomes. This review appraises current agents and evidence for their efficacy in managing surgical and nonsurgical bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Postoperative hemorrhage and the need for redo sternotomy significantly worsen cardiac surgery outcomes.
  • Blood product transfusions are also linked to poorer prognoses following cardiac procedures.
  • Topical hemostatic agents offer a method to mitigate blood loss, addressing both surgical and nonsurgical bleeding post-cardiac surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and evaluate the efficacy of various topical hemostatic agents used in cardiac surgery.
  • To assess newly approved hemostatic products in the context of existing options.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical studies and product data.
  • Appraisal of evidence regarding the effectiveness of different hemostatic agents.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to surgical and nonsurgical bleeding reduction.

Main Results:

  • Topical hemostatic agents demonstrate a role in reducing blood loss after cardiac surgery.
  • Evidence supports the use of these agents in managing both intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.
  • Recent product approvals necessitate an updated evaluation of their clinical impact.

Conclusions:

  • Topical hemostatic agents are valuable adjuncts in cardiac surgery for controlling hemorrhage.
  • Further research and comparative studies are needed to fully elucidate the optimal use of emerging hemostatic agents.
  • Effective hemostasis management is crucial for improving patient outcomes in cardiac surgery.

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