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Efficacy and safety of CounterFlow in animal models of hemorrhage
Nuoya Peng1,2,3, Han H Yeh2,3,4, Adele Khavari1
1Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Introduction:
Hemorrhage is a major cause of battlefield mortality, contributing to 91% of potentially survivable combat-related deaths. Death from hemorrhage often occurs in pre-hospital settings, and more efficacious hemorrhage control interventions are needed to extend survival and enable casualties to reach definitive surgery. CounterFlow is a novel topical hemostatic agent that uses self-propelling particles to deliver thrombin and tranexamic acid against active bleeding. It achieves and maintains hemostasis at the site of injury through a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical effects.
Methods:
All literature in which CounterFlow was tested in animal models of hemorrhage was reviewed to compile its preclinical safety and efficacy as a hemostatic agent.
Results:
CounterFlow extended survival and halted hemorrhage in multiple animal models that mimicked common and deadly injuries encountered in military and civilian settings, including junctional wounds, surgical bleeding, non-compressible intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Thromboembolism, tissue damage, and toxicity were not observed.
Discussion:
This narrative review discusses the animal models that have been used to investigate CounterFlow as a hemostatic agent for pre-hospital hemorrhage control. Future directions and potential expansion for civilian use are also considered.
