Microporous Polysaccharide Hemospheres (MPH) for cerebral hemostasis: a preliminary report

To report preliminary experience in using Microporous Polysaccharide Hemospheres (MPH; Medafor, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) for cerebral and dural sinus hemostasis.

Absorbable hemospheres for hemostasis were used in 10 patients (6 men, 4 women, mean age 56.2 years) undergoing cerebral procedures. The indication was corticosubcortical cerebral hemostasis after resection of meningiomas (n = 5) and gliomas (n = 5). In one case, absorbable hemospheres were applied for generalized oozing over the superior sagittal sinus. The surgical technique, time to bleeding control, and associated complications were recorded.

Effective hemostasis, defined as cessation of oozing bleeding, was achieved no later than 2 minutes after topical agent application in all patients except two, in whom the hemostatic application was repeated. Mean follow-up was 12 months. No patient developed allergic reactions or systemic complications in association with hemostatic absorbable hemospheres. There was no case of cerebral hematoma, swelling, or infection after surgery.

In this preliminary study, the direct application of absorbable hemospheres helped to control superficial cerebral bleeding, reducing the use of bipolar coagulation and shortening surgical time. Although use of absorbable hemospheres seems to be safe and effective, further investigations and prospective studies with longer follow-up are strongly recommended to arrive at final conclusions.