Comparison of hemostatic agents used in vascular surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past 15 years, a wide range of agents have been developed for use in surgical procedures to achieve hemostasis. These agents can be divided into three broad categories: hemostats, sealants and adhesives. They vary widely related to their mechanism of action, composition, ease of application, adherence to wet or dry tissue, immunogenicity and cost. AREAS COVERED: This article focuses on the agents used in vascular surgery to achieve hemostasis; agents involved in clinical trials are also covered. EXPERT OPINION: When surgeons achieve rapid hemostasis, potential benefits include better visualization of the surgical area, shorter operative times, decreased requirement for transfusions, better management of an anticoagulated patient, decreased wound healing time and overall improvement in patient recovery time. The need for safe and efficacious hemostatic agents that can provide a range of benefits is clearly a significant surgical issue.