Self-Made, Cost-Reducing Hemostatic Agent for Use in Spine Surgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Biomaterials in Medicine
• Hemostasis Management

Background:

• Operative bleeding significantly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
• Matrix hemostatic sealants are crucial for achieving timely hemostasis and reducing transfusions.
• Commercially available hemostatic powders offer advantages in complex surgical sites like the spine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique for preparing and utilizing an in-house hemostatic agent.
• To offer a cost-effective alternative to commercial hemostatic agents.
• To support surgeons in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel hemostatic agent using common hospital supplies.
• Standardization of mixing techniques and thrombin concentrations.
• Application of the agent by experienced spine surgeons over a decade.

Main Results:

• The in-house agent has been successfully used for over ten years.
• Significant cost reduction compared to commercial hemostatic agents.
• Effective control of bleeding in challenging spinal surgical sites.

Conclusions:

• A reproducible and economical hemostatic agent can be prepared from readily available materials.
• This technique provides a valuable option for managing surgical bleeding, especially in resource-constrained environments.
• The developed agent effectively complements existing hemostatic strategies in spine surgery.