Randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of TachoComb H patches in controlling PTFE suture-hole bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
Suture-hole bleeding is a considerable problem in vascular procedures using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. This study aimed to study the efficacy of TachoComb H patches in controlling suture-hole bleeding.


METHODS
Prospective randomised controlled trial. Materials and methods. Patients undergoing femoral anastomosis and femoral or carotid patch angioplasty with PTFE grafts were prospectively randomised to TachoComb H patches or standard compression with surgical swabs.


RESULTS
Twenty four patients were randomised (12 patients in each treatment group). The median time to haemostasis was 300 (range 180-600)s in patients treated with TachoComb H and 660 (range 180-1200)s in the control group. The log rank test of equality over treatments based on the 22 patients with assessment of time to haemostasis showed statistical significance (p=0.0134). There were no serious complications associated with use of TachoComb H patches.


CONCLUSIONS
TachoComb H patches were found to be safe and effective for the control of suture-hole bleeding in patients undergoing vascular reconstruction with PTFE grafts.
Joseph
T
T
Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering NN16 8UZ, UK.
Adeosun
A
A
Paes
T
T
Bahal
V
V
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003094:Collagen; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D013917:Thrombin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005340:Fibrinogen; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D003094:Collagen; D013917:Thrombin