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FloSeal hemostatic matrix in persistent epistaxis: prospective clinical trial
David Côté1, Brittany Barber, Chris Diamond
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. cote@ualberta.ca
Summary
FloSeal hemostatic matrix effectively treated 80% of severe epistaxis cases refractory to nasal packing. This approach avoids surgery, offering a less invasive and potentially cost-effective alternative for managing persistent nasal hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) can lead to significant hemorrhage requiring intervention.
- Endoscopic ligation surgery is the standard for severe epistaxis unresponsive to conservative measures.
- Surgical ligation demands resources and patient suitability for anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of FloSeal hemostatic matrix for epistaxis refractory to nasal packing.
- To determine if FloSeal can serve as an alternative to surgery for persistent nasal hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical trial involving patients with epistaxis despite adequate nasal packing.
- Intranasal application of FloSeal hemostatic matrix to control bleeding.
- Patients proceeded to surgical clipping if FloSeal treatment failed.
Main Results:
- FloSeal hemostatic matrix achieved significant success in 80% of patients.
- This avoided the need for surgical intervention in the majority of cases.
- Patients managed with FloSeal were discharged similarly to those undergoing surgery.
Conclusions:
- FloSeal hemostatic matrix is a highly effective tool for managing persistent epistaxis.
- Its ease of use, reduced patient morbidity, and cost-effectiveness suggest a potential practice change.
- This hemostatic matrix offers a valuable alternative in otolaryngology for severe nosebleeds.
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