Utility of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres in severe hepatic trauma: Experimental study of hemostatic strength and ease of use

Animal studies confirm the utility of hemostatics against standard packing following severe liver injury. We investigated the efficacy and ease of use of novel microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH) compounds (Perclot®, Baxter) in the treatment of severe hepatic hemorrhage in pig. Pigs were randomized to one of two equal treatment groups: MPH compounds (n=12) and Standard Packing (n=12). All animals underwent standardized surgical devascularization of the suprahepatic veins (grade V) to induce severe hepatic injury. Measures relating to the hemostatic success were monitored at 12, 60, 120 minutes and 24 hours post injury. Animals allocated to treatment with MPH compounds were associated with higher survival rates at 24 hours than those undergoing standard packing: 66.7% vs, 0%, respectively (p=0.001). At 120 minutes MPH compounds were also associated with reduced blood loss, median (IQR) 1.16 (0.60) vs. 10.19 (5.77) mL/Kg, respectively: p