Evaluation of a new hemostatic agent in experimental splenic laceration.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of several hemostatic agents and to evaluate a new hemostatic agent (ReClot) in controlling splenic hemorrhage.


METHODS
Rabbits were anesthetized and catheters placed. A celiotomy was performed and a splenic injury produced; hemostatic agent and compression were applied.
In group 1 (n = 8), the splenic laceration was compressed with a dry sponge and 75 g of pressure until hemorrhage ceased. In groups 2, 3, and 4 (n = 10 each), splenic injury was treated with Avitene, Collastat, and ReClot, respectively. Hemostatic agent was applied to the splenic laceration and a dry sponge and pressure were applied as described for group 1. In group 5 (n = 9), a splenic laceration was produced, ReClot applied, and aggressive fluid resuscitation was initiated; the volume of crystalloid was adjusted to maintain mean arterial pressure.


RESULTS
Application of a hemostatic agent reduced total blood loss compared with that measured in the control group, but there was no difference in blood loss among experimental groups treated with a hemostatic agent. The time required to achieve control of blood loss was less in the ReClot-treated group compared with the Avitene- and Collastat-treated groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The hemostatic agent ReClot had a significant advantage over other hemostatic agents for the time required to achieve control of splenic bleeding. Aggressive fluid resuscitation did not limit the ability of ReClot to produce hemostasis.
Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
J W
JW
Horton
N M
NM
Garcia
K R
KR
Stone
D000138:Acidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011312:Pressure; D011817:Rabbits; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D013997:Time Factors
D001639:Bicarbonates; D006490:Hemostatics; D007773:Lactates; D009930:Organic Chemicals; C091802:ReClot; D003094:Collagen