| abstract |
Several hemostatic bandages that are commercially available function by tightly sealing a wound so that hemostasis can occur before excessive blood loss takes place. Hemostatic bandages which seal a wound but which do not actually speed the coagulation mechanism include chitosan and chitin-based bandages. Hemostatic gauzes based on chemically modified cellulose are also commercially available. These bandages and gauzes, used in combination with various inorganic materials such as zeolite, silica, and/or diatomaceous earth powder show a synergistic effect. It has been found that the inorganic material activates the contact coagulation mechanism while the biopolymer component binds the wound and prevents excessive blood loss. |