Surgicel

Surgicel is a sterile, absorbable, hemostatic material that is used in surgical procedures to assist in the control of capillary, venous, and small arterial hemorrhage when ligation or other conventional methods of control are impractical or ineffective. Surgicel is manufactured by Ethicon Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

History

Surgicel was first introduced in the 1960s by Ethicon Inc., and it was the first oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) to be used in surgeries. Since then, it has been used in millions of surgical procedures worldwide.

Composition

Surgicel is composed of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), which is plant-derived cellulose that has been chemically treated to create a low pH, which helps to accelerate the clotting process. The material is bioabsorbable, meaning it is designed to be absorbed by the body over time.

Uses

Surgicel is used in a variety of surgical procedures, including general surgery, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, urology, gynecology, and neurosurgery. It is particularly useful in situations where traditional methods of controlling bleeding, such as suturing or ligation, are not possible or effective.

Mechanism of Action

When Surgicel comes into contact with blood, it swells to form a gelatinous mass. This mass provides a matrix for platelet adhesion and aggregation, which are key steps in the clotting process. The low pH of the material also helps to accelerate clotting.

Safety and Efficacy

Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Surgicel in controlling bleeding during surgical procedures. However, like all medical products, it is not without risks. Potential complications include foreign body reactions, abscess formation, and fibrosis.

See Also

• Hemostasis
• Surgical suture
• Ethicon Inc.

References

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