The role of hemostatic devices in neurosurgery. A systematic review

•In this systematic review the main neurosurgical hemostatics are described.•Hemostasis can be grouped as mechanical, chemical, and thermal.•Microfibrillar collagen, and platelet-rich plasma are considered novel hemostatics. Hemostasis represents a fundamental step in every surgical procedure. During neurosurgical procedures, proper and robust hemostasis into confined spaces can significantly reduce the odds of perioperative complications. Over the decades, multiple methods have been applied, and several medical devices have been developed to promote and guarantee proper hemostasis. This study presents a systematic review of the most used intraoperative hemostatic methods and devices in neurosurgery. Insightful research was performed on the PubMed database according to the PRISMA guidelines. This comprehensive review of scientific literature represents a synoptic panel where the most used intraoperative hemostatic methods and devices available today in neurosurgery are classified and described.