Hemostatic protein-polymer sheath: new method to enhance hemostasis at percutaneous biopsy

Serious hemorrhagic complications have been reported with percutaneous biopsy, albeit infrequently. A hemostatic protein-polymer sheath (PPS) designed to limit the risk of bleeding was evaluated by performing liver biopsies on pigs given anticoagulants. After administration of anesthesia and laparotomy, biopsies were performed under direct vision with a cutting biopsy needle (a) alone, (b) fitted with the PPS, or (c) fitted with a thrombin-coated PPS. Dry sponges were applied and subsequently weighted to quantitate blood loss. At all levels of anticoagulation, use of the PPS enhanced hemostasis; the thrombin coating supplemented effectiveness. The PPS appears to be a simple and effective method of achieving hemostasis at high-risk percutaneous biopsy.