What are topical hemostatic agents?
Topical hemostatic methods are often used during surgical procedures to aid in hemostasis of bleeding tissue when mechanical or thermal techniques, such as compression, cautery, or ligature, fail to control oozing blood and minor bleeding from capillaries or small venules.18 Topical hemostats that enhance hemostasis during surgery include gelatin, oxidized regenerated cellulose, collagen, thrombin, certain combinations of these products, and tissue sealants.3 The selection of a topical hemostat is dependent on many factors, including the surgical procedure, the reliability of the product, the delivery system, and product safety and efficacy.3,18
