Avitene -- its value in the control of anterior epistaxis

Microfibrillar collagen (Avitene) was used on a series of 61 consecutive patients with anterior epistaxis. Avitene controlled bleeding in 38 of 49 patients with idiopathic epistaxis (77 per cent). Initial control of bleeding was obtained in two out of two patients with hereditary telangiectasia, two out of three patients with septal perforations, and two of seven patients with thrombocytopenia. Overall bleeding was initially controlled in 44 of 61 patients (72 per cent) while 17 patients (28 per cent) required packing or cautery. The morbidity with Avitene is minimal. Mucosal healing is rapid, and since approximately 10 patients can be treated with one gram of the material, the cost is low. It is suggested as a simple, effective form of treatment for anterior epistaxis that emergency room and family physicians can use.