TachoSil

TachoSil is a fibrin sealant patch used in surgery to achieve hemostasis, seal air leaks in lung surgery, and for suture support in vascular surgery. It is a ready-to-use, sterile, absorbable fibrin sealant patch that consists of an equine collagen sponge coated with human fibrinogen and thrombin.

History

TachoSil was developed by Nycomed, a Norwegian pharmaceutical company, and was first approved for use in Europe in 2004. In 2011, it was approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

Mechanism of Action

TachoSil works by mimicking the final stages of the blood clotting process. When the patch is applied to a bleeding site, the thrombin on the patch converts the fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms a stable clot and helps to stop the bleeding.

Uses

TachoSil is used in a variety of surgical procedures, including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, and thoracic surgery. It is particularly useful in situations where control of bleeding by conventional surgical techniques is ineffective or impractical.

Side Effects

As with any surgical product, there are potential side effects associated with the use of TachoSil. These can include allergic reactions, infection, and thrombosis. However, these side effects are rare and the benefits of using TachoSil in surgery often outweigh the potential risks.

See Also

• Fibrin Sealant
• Hemostasis
• Surgery
• Thrombin
• Fibrinogen