Gelfoam

Gelfoam is a medical device used as a hemostatic agent to control bleeding. It is a sterile, absorbable gelatin sponge that is applied to bleeding surfaces during surgery or after traumatic injuries to help achieve hemostasis. Gelfoam is commonly used in various surgical procedures, including neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and dental surgery.

Composition and Properties

Gelfoam is made from purified porcine skin gelatin. It is available in different forms, such as pads, strips, and powder. The sponge is highly absorbent and can hold many times its weight in blood and other fluids. When applied to a bleeding site, Gelfoam swells and forms a mechanical matrix that facilitates clot formation and provides a physical barrier to bleeding.

Mechanism of Action

Gelfoam works by providing a scaffold for the formation of a blood clot. When it comes into contact with blood, it absorbs the fluid and swells, creating a matrix that supports the aggregation of platelets and the formation of a fibrin clot. This helps to seal the bleeding vessel and promote hemostasis. Gelfoam is gradually absorbed by the body over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Applications

Gelfoam is used in a variety of surgical and medical procedures to control bleeding. Some common applications include:

• Neurosurgery: To control bleeding in the brain and spinal cord.
• Orthopedic surgery: To manage bleeding in bone and soft tissue.
• Cardiovascular surgery: To control bleeding in the heart and blood vessels.
• Dental surgery: To manage bleeding in the oral cavity after tooth extractions or other procedures.

Advantages

• Absorbable: Gelfoam is gradually absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for removal.
• Versatile: It can be cut to size and shaped to fit the bleeding site.
• Effective: Provides rapid hemostasis in various surgical settings.

Limitations

• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to the porcine gelatin.
• Infection Risk: As with any implantable material, there is a risk of infection.
• Swelling: Excessive swelling of Gelfoam can cause pressure on surrounding tissues.

Related Pages

• Hemostasis
• Surgical procedures
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Cardiovascular surgery
• Dental surgery

See Also

• Hemostatic agent
• Surgical sponge
• Absorbable material