Clear Up Confusion Over Topical Hemostats

You'll hear confusion about topical hemostat products.

Topical hemostats are used in surgery when compression, sutures, cautery, or other typical methods to control bleeding aren't enough...or aren't practical. Keep in mind that topical hemostats may also be used in the ED for some wounds.

You may see MECHANICAL hemostats (Gelfoam, Surgicel, etc) tried first, since they're often less expensive. They come as sponges, powders, meshes, etc...and provide a physical "scaffold" for platelets to start the clotting process.