How do hemostatic dressings work?
2023-05-06
Hemostatic dressings are auxiliary materials that are used to control bleeding by forming blood clots in damaged blood vessels. Their main purpose is to prevent further blood loss. These dressings are made up of various materials, such as gauze, cotton balls, hemostatic rosin, and hemostatic sponge, each with different hemostatic effects.
How well hemostatic dressings work depends on their physical and chemical properties. In this regard, let’s take a closer look at some of the main types of hemostatic dressings and how they work to control bleeding.
1. Gauze and cotton balls: They are among the most frequently used hemostatic dressings. By absorbing blood, they aid in preventing it from flowing out of the wound. When placed above the affected area, they can compress the blood vessels, decrease blood flow, and help the formation of blood clots in the injured area.
2. Hemostatic rosin: Hemostatic rosin is a thermoplastic resin created from rosin, vegetable oil, and other additives. When it comes in contact with blood, it quickly solidifies, forming a viscous clot that blocks the bleeding opening. This enables it to achieve the sought-after effect of hemostasis.
3. Hemostatic sponge: Hemostatic sponge is a compressed biological sponge that primarily consists of collagen. It’s capable of absorbing and retaining blood, as well as initiating reactions like platelet aggregation and blood clot formation. Additionally, these sponges can activate vascular contraction and convergence, aiding in the process of hemostasis.
4. Analgesics and antibiotic hemostatic agents: Certain hemostatic agents contain analgesic and antibiotic substances that can not only reduce pain but also prevent infection. Often used during surgery, emergency care, and unexpected scenarios, these types of hemostatic dressings are highly effective.
Overall, various hemostatic dressings have their own distinct characteristics, each with different mechanisms of action. Selecting the proper hemostatic dressing depends on aspects such as the extent of the bleeding, the affected region, and the time required to stop the bleeding. To ensure sterile conditions, it’s recommended to clean the wound before applying hemostatic dressings, and utilizing them correctly to attain the best possible hemostatic effect.
Chitosan hemostatic granules serve as a hemostatic dressing used to control bleeding by forming clots at the wound site and arresting blood flow. Composed of biopolymers such as chitosan, its natural, fast-acting, and side-effect-free properties make it a standout option.
Amino sugar is the primary ingredient in chitosan, which is a natural biopolymer commonly found in animals and plants. The structure of chitosan features functional groups such as amino and hydroxyl groups that are hydrophilic and positively charged. With its ability to interact with substances like hemoglobin and platelets, chitosan can form clots, making it a highly effective hemostatic agent.
To apply chitosan hemostatic granules, you will need to:
1. Cleaning the wound: Prior to the use of chitosan hemostatic granules, it is crucial to clean the wound thoroughly to maintain sterilization and avoid further infection.
2. Pour an appropriate amount of hemostatic particles: Pour an appropriate amount of chitosan hemostatic particles into the wound, taking care not to have too much or too little.
3. Gently press the hemostatic particles: Cover the wound with gauze and press hard for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.
The main mechanisms of chitosan hemostatic granules are as follows:
1. Promote platelet aggregation: When a wound begins to bleed, platelets from the bloodstream rush in to form blood clots through the process of agglomeration and agglutination, an action that prevents further bleeding. Chitosan has the capability to enhance platelet aggregation, resulting in the speedy formation of blood clots.
2. Catalytic thrombin formation: Thrombin is primarily responsible for the process of blood coagulation, as it aids in converting fibrinogen into fibrin that constructs blood clots. Chitosan has the ability to prompt the creation of thrombin within the blood, thus accelerating the process of hemostasis.
3. Promote wound healing: Apart from assisting in the formation of blood clots, chitosan also aids in wound healing by instigating cell proliferation and repair, accelerating tissue regeneration.
To sum up, chitosan hemostatic granules present the benefits of fast-acting, natural composition, and absence of side effects. These attributes render them particularly useful in addressing wound bleeding scenarios such as surgery, trauma, and burns while ensuring their safety and efficacy as a hemostatic dressing.
