Femoral Access with Ultrasound-Guided Puncture and Z-Stitch Hemostasis for Adults with Congenital Heart Diseases Undergoing Electrophysiological Procedures

Aims:Although the application of ultrasound-guided vascular puncture and Z-stitch hemostasis to manage femoral access has been widely utilized,there is limited data on this combined application in adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients undergoing electrophysiological(EP)procedures.We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis for ACHD patients under-going EP procedures.Methods and Results:The population of ACHD patients undergoing transfemoral EP pro-cedures at the University of Zurich Heart Center between January 2019 and December 2022 was observed and analyzed.During the study period,femoral access(left/right,arterial/venous)was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance.At the end of the procedure,a single Z-stitch was performed at the puncture site.We eval-uated the incidence of in-hospital complications associated with femoral access puncture in this population.Among 101 patients who had a total of 147 previous ipsilateral vascular punctures(mean 1.5 per person),100 patients underwent successful femoral vascular access for EP procedures.The median age of the patients was 47±15 years and 34(34%)were male.Z-stitches were performed after the procedure in 100 patients with 303 femoral vascular accesses(mean 3 punctures per person).No patient developed vascular puncture relevant inguinal hematoma,pseudo aneurysm,arteriovenousfistula,venous or arterial thrombosis.Conclusion:In ACHD patients undergoing EP procedures,optimal femoral access management can be achieved with ultra-sound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis.

Adverse events associated with the gold probe and the injection gold probe devices used for endoscopic hemostasis:A MAUDE database analysis

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding accounts for over half a million admissions annually and is the most common GI diagnosis requiring hospitalization in the United States.Bipolar electrocoagulation devices are used for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding.There is no data on device-related adverse events for gold probe(GP)and injection gold probe(IGP).AIM To analyze this using the Food and Drug Administration(FDA’s)Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience(MAUDE)database from 2013 to 2023.METHODS We examined post-marketing surveillance data on GP and IGP from the FDA MAUDE database to report devicerelated and patient-related adverse events between 2013-2023.The MAUDE database is a publicly available resource providing over 4 million records relating to medical device safety.Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V.27.0(IBM Corp.,Armonk,NY,United States).RESULTS Our search elicited 140 reports for GP and 202 reports for IGP,respec-tively,during the study period from January 2013 to August 2023.Malfunctions reportedly occurred in 130 cases for GP,and actual patient injury or event occurred in 10 patients.A total of 149 patients(74%)reported with Injection GP events suffered no significant consequences due to the device failure,but 53 patients(26%)were affected by an event.CONCLUSION GP and IGP are critical in managing gastrointestinal bleeding.This study of the FDA MAUDE database revealed the type,number,and trends of reported device-related adverse events.The endoscopist and support staff must be aware of these device-related events and be equipped to manage them if they occur.

Enhanced wound healing and hemostasis with exosome-loaded gelatin sponges from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND Rapid wound healing remains a pressing clinical challenge,necessitating studies to hasten this process.A promising approach involves the utilization of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)derived exosomes.The hypothesis of this study was that these exosomes,when loaded onto a gelatin sponge,a common hemostatic material,would enhance hemostasis and accelerate wound healing.AIM To investigate the hemostatic and wound healing efficacy of gelatin sponges loaded with hUC-MSCs-derived exosomes.METHODS Ultracentrifugation was used to extract exosomes from hUC-MSCs.Nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and western blot techniques were used to validate the exosomes.In vitro experiments were performed using L929 cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the exosomes and their impact on cell growth and survival.New Zealand rabbits were used for skin irritation experiments to assess whether they caused adverse skin reactions.Hemolysis test was conducted using a 2%rabbit red blood cell suspension to detect whether they caused hemolysis.Moreover,in vivo experiments were carried out by implanting a gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes subcutaneously in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats to perform biocompatibility tests.In addition,coagulation index test was conducted to evaluate their impact on blood coagulation.Meanwhile,SD rat liver defect hemostasis model and full-thickness skin defect model were used to study whether the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes effectively stopped bleeding and promoted wound healing.RESULTS The NTA,TEM,and western blot experimental results confirmed that exosomes were successfully isolated from hUC-MSCs.The gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes did not exhibit significant cell toxicity,skin irritation,or hemolysis,and they demonstrated good compatibility in SD rats.Additionally,the effectiveness of the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes in hemostasis and wound healing was validated.The results of the coagulation index experiment indicated that the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes had significantly better coagulation effect compared to the regular gelatin sponge,and they showed excellent hemostatic performance in a liver defect hemostasis model.Finally,the full-thickness skin defect healing experiment results showed significant improvement in the healing process of wounds treated with the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes compared to other groups.CONCLUSION Collectively,the gelatin sponge loaded with hUC-MSCs-derived exosomes is safe and efficacious for promoting hemostasis and accelerating wound healing,warranting further clinical application.

Predictors of rebleeding after initial hemostasis with epinephrine injection in high-risk ulcers

AIM: To identify the predictors of rebleeding after initial hemostasis with epinephrine injection (EI) in patients with high-risk ulcers. METHODS: Recent studies have revealed that endoscopic thermocoagulation, or clips alone or combined with EI are superior to EI alone to arrest ulcer bleeding. However, the reality is that EI monotherapy is still common in clinical practice. From October 2006 to April 2008, high-risk ulcer patients in whom hemorrhage was stopped after EI monotherapy were studied using clinical, laboratory and endoscopic variables. The patients were divided into 2 groups: sustained hemostasis and rebleeding. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients (144, sustainedhemostasis; 31, rebleeding) were enrolled. Univariate analysis revealed that older age (≥ 60 years), advanced American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) status (category Ⅲ , Ⅳ and Ⅴ ), shock, severe anemia (hemoglobin < 80 g/L), EI dose ≥ 12 mL and severe bleeding signs (SBS) including hematemesis or hematochezia were the factors which predicted rebleeding. However, only older age, severe anemia, high EI dose and SBS were independent predictors. Among 31 rebleeding patients, 10 (32.2%) underwent surgical hemostasis, 15 (48.4%) suffered from delayed hemostasis causing major complications and 13 (41.9%) died of these complications. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic EI monotherapy in patients with high-risk ulcers should be avoided. Initial hemostasis with thermocoagulation, clips or additional hemostasis after EI is mandatory for such patients to ensure better hemostatic status and to prevent subsequent rebleeding, surgery, morbidity and mortality.

Platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis:Novel mechanisms of fibrinogen-independent platelet aggregation and fibronectin-mediated protein wave of hemostasis

Platelets are small anucleate cells generated from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Although platelet genera- tion, maturation, and clearance are still not fully understood, significant progress has been made in the last 1-2 dec- ades. In blood circulation, platelets can quickly adhere and aggregate at sites of vascular injury, forming the platelet plug （i.e. the first wave of hemostasis）. Activated platelets can also provide negatively charged phosphatidylserine- rich membrane surface that enhances cell-based thrombin generation, which facilitates blood coagulation （i.e. the second wave of hemostasis）. Platelets therefore play central roles in hemostasis. However, the same process of hemostasis may also cause thrombosis and vessel occlusion, which are the most common mechanisms leading to heart attack and stroke following ruptured atherosclerotic lesions. In this review, we will introduce the classical mechanisms and newly discovered pathways of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis, including fibrinogen-inde- pendent platelet aggregation and thrombosis, and the plasma fibronectin-mediated ＂protein wave＂ of hemostasis that precedes the classical first wave of hemostasis. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the roles of platelets in inflam- marion and atherosclerosis and the potential strategies to control atherothrombosis.

Hemostasis in liver transplantation:Pathophysiology,monitoring,and treatment

Recent findings in the pathophysiology and monitoring of hemostasis in patients with end stage liver disease have major impact on coagulation management during liver transplantation. There is increasing evidence, that the changes in both coagulation factors and platelet count regularly observed in patients with liver cirrhosis cannot be interpreted as a reliable indicator of diffuse bleeding risk. Instead, a differentiated view on hemostasis has led to the concept of a rebalanced coagulation system: While it is important to recognize that procoagulant factors are reduced in liver cirrhosis, it is also evident that synthesis of anticoagulant factors and fibrinolytic proteins produced in the liver is also diminished. Similarly, the decreased platelet count may be counterbalanced by increased platelet aggregability caused by highly active von Willebrand multimeres. The coagulation system is therefor stated to be rebalanced. While under normal "unstressed" conditions diffuse bleeding is rarely observed, however both diffuse bleeding or thrombus formation may occur when compensation mechanisms are exhausted. While most patients presenting for liver transplantation have severe cirrhosis, liver function and thus production of pro- and anticoagulant factors can be preserved especially in cholestatic liver disease. During liver transplantation, profound changes in the hemostasis system can occur. Surgical bleeding can lead to diffuse bleeding as coagulation factors and platelets are already reduced. Ischemia and tissue trauma can lead to alterations of hemostasis comparable to trauma induced coagulopathy. A further common disturbance often starting with the reperfusion of the transplanted organ is hyperfibrinolysis which can eventually precipitate complete consumption of fibrinogen and an endogenous heparinization by glycocalyx shedding. Moreover, thrombotic events inliver transplantations are not uncommon and contribute to increased mortality. Besides conventional laboratory methods, bed-side monitoring of hemostasis(e.g., thrombelastography, thrombelastometry) is often used during liver transplantation to rapidly diagnose decreases in fibrinogen and platelet count as well as hyperfibrinolysis and to guide treatment with blood products, factor concentrates, and antifibrinolytics. There is also evidence which suggests when algorithms based on bed-side hemostasis monitoring are used a reduction of blood loss, blood product use, and eventual mortality are possible. Notably, the bed-side monitoring of anticoagulant pathways and the thrombotic risk is not possible at time and thus a cautious and restrictive use of blood products is recommended.

Predictors of re-bleeding after endoscopic hemostasis for delayed post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding

AIM: To predict the re-bleeding after endoscopic hemostasis for delayed post-endoscopic sphincterotomy(ES) bleeding.METHODS: Over a 15-year period, data from 161 patients with delayed post-ES bleeding were retrospectively collected from a single medical center. To identify risk factors for re-bleeding after initial successful endoscopic hemostasis, parameters before, during and after the procedure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were analyzed. These included age, gender, blood biochemistry, comorbidities, endoscopic diagnosis, presence of periampullary diverticulum, occurrence of immediate postES bleeding, use of needle knife precut sphincterotomy, severity of delayed bleeding, endoscopic features on delayed bleeding, and type of endoscopic therapy.RESULTS: A total of 35 patients(21.7%) had rebleeding after initial successful endoscopic hemostasis for delayed post-ES bleeding. Univariate analysis revealed that malignant biliary stricture, serum bilirubin level of greater than 10 mg/d L, initial bleeding severity, and bleeding diathesis were significant predictors of rebleeding. By multivariate analysis, serum bilirubin level of greater than 10 mg/d L and initial bleeding severity remained significant predictors. Re-bleeding was controlled by endoscopic therapy in a single(n = 23) or multiple(range, 2-7; n = 6) sessions in 29 of the 35 patients(82.9%). Four patients required transarterial embolization and one went for surgery. These five patients had severe bleeding when delayed post-ES bleeding occurred. One patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis died from re-bleeding.CONCLUSION: Re-bleeding occurs in approximately one-fifth of patients after initial successful endoscopic hemostasis for delayed post-ES bleeding. Severity of initial bleeding and serum bilirubin level of greater than 10 mg/d L are predictors of re-bleeding.

Endoscopic hemostasis techniques for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: A review

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) is an urgent disease that is often encountered in daily medical practice. Endoscopic hemostasis is currently indispensable for the treatment of UGIH. Initially, when UGIH is suspected, a cause of UGIH is presumed from the medical interview and physical findings. After ample primary treatment, urgent endoscopy is performed. Many methods of endoscopic hemostasis are in wide use, including hemoclip, injection and thermo-coagulation methods. Although UGIH develops from a wide variety of diseases, such as esophageal varices and gastric and duodenal ulcer, hemostasis is almost always possible. Identification of the causative diseases, primary treatment and characteristic features of endoscopic hemostasis are needed to allow appropriate treatment.

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding-review the effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis methods

Upper non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a conditionthat requires immediate medical intervention and has a high associated mortality rate(exceeding 10%). The vast majority of upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases are due to peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin are the main risk factors for peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopic therapy has generally been recommended as the firstline treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding as it has been shown to reduce recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality. Early endoscopy(within 24 h of hospital admission) has a greater impact than delayed endoscopy on the length of hospital stay and requirement for blood transfusion. This paper aims to review and compare the efficacy of the types of endoscopic hemostasis most commonly used to control non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding by pooling data from the literature.

Injectable Self‑Healing Adhesive pH‑Responsive Hydrogels Accelerate Gastric Hemostasis and Wound Healing

Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)are well-established therapeutics for gastrointestinal neoplasias,but complications after EMR/ESD,including bleeding and perforation,result in additional treatment morbidity and even threaten the lives of patients.Thus,designing biomaterials to treat gastric bleeding and wound healing after endoscopic treatment is highly desired and remains a challenge.Herein,a series of injectable pH-responsive selfhealing adhesive hydrogels based on acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid(AA)and AA-g-N-hydroxysuccinimide(AA-NHS)were developed,and their great potential as endoscopic sprayable bioadhesive materials to efficiently stop hemorrhage and promote the wound healing process was further demonstrated in a swine gastric hemorrhage/wound model.The hydrogels showed a suitable gelation time,an autonomous and efficient self-healing capacity,hemostatic properties,and good biocompatibility.With the introduction of AA-NHS as a micro-cross-linker,the hydrogels exhibited enhanced adhesive strength.A swine gastric hemorrhage in vivo model demonstrated that the hydrogels showed good hemostatic performance by stopping acute arterial bleeding and preventing delayed bleeding.A gastric wound model indicated that the hydrogels showed excellent treatment effects with significantly enhanced wound healing with type I collagen deposition,α-SMA expression,and blood vessel formation.These injectable self-healing adhesive hydrogels exhibited great potential to treat gastric wounds after endoscopic treatment.

Improved hemostasis with major hepatic resection in the current surgical era

Background: Major hepatic resection, predominantly performed for oncologic intent, is a complex procedure with the potential for severe intraoperative hemorrhage. The current surgical era has the ability to improve hemostasis throughout the performance of major hepatic resections which decreases blood transfusions and the detrimental effects associated with transfusion. We evaluated hemostasis and outcomes in the current surgical era of performing hepatic resections. Methods: Utilizing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database all major hepatic resections performed between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed in regards to hemostasis. Hemostasis was evaluated by the need for and magnitude of blood transfusions. Additional perioperative variables (including operative time, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates) were analyzed to assess for outcomes with hemostasis. The NSQIP results were compared to previous publications involving major hepatic resections to detect improvement in hemostasis and outcomes in the current surgical era. Results: A total of 22777 major hepatic resections met the inclusion criteria for analysis in the NSQIP database. An additional 21198 cases were compiled within the selected publications for comparative analysis. The transfusion rate in the current surgical era was 13.3% versus 38.7% in the previous era ( P = 0.0001). When a transfusion was required in the current surgical era there was a two-fold reduction in the number of units transfused (1.5 U vs. 3.8 U, P = 0.0001). Statistically significant improvements in operative time and length of hospital stay were presented within the current surgical era ( P = 0.0001). When a transfusion was required there was an increased relative risk score of 7 for mortality (4.9% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.0001), however, improvement in mortality rates did not reach statistical significance across surgical eras (1.3% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: The conduction of major hepatic resection in the current surgical era is more hemostatic. Correlated with improved hemostasis are better outcomes for both clinical and financial endpoints. These findings should encourage continued and increased performance of major hepatic resections.

Hemostasis testing in patients with liver dysfunction: Advantages and caveats

Due to concomitant changes in pro-and anti-coagulant mechanisms,patients with liver dysfunction have a“rebalanced hemostasis”,which can easily be tipped toward either a hypo-or a hypercoagulable phenotype.Clinicians are often faced with the question whether patients with chronic liver disease undergoing invasive procedures or surgery and those having active bleeding require correction of the hemostasis abnormalities.Conventional coagulation screening tests,such as the prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and the activated partial thromboplastin time have been demonstrated to have numerous limitations in these patients and do not predict the risk of bleeding prior to high-risk procedures.The introduction of global coagulation assays,such as viscoelastic testing(VET),has been an important step forward in the assessment of the overall hemostasis profile.A growing body of evidence now suggests that the use of VET might be of significant clinical utility to prevent unnecessary infusion of blood products and to improve outcomes in numerous settings.The present review discusses the advantages and caveats of both conventional and global coagulation assays to assess the risk of bleeding in patients with chronic liver disease as well as the current role of transfusion and hemostatic agents to prevent or manage bleeding.

Rapid hemostasis of the residual inguinal access sites during endovascular procedures:A case report

BACKGROUND In endovascular procedures including total percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair(pEVAR),percutaneous access through the common femoral artery is most commonly performed.Access-site bleeding is a major concern in percutaneous techniques.Herein,we present a case of successful control of continuous oozing using a vascular closure device(VCD)and the application of Surgicel(Johnson&Johnson,United States)over the access tract.CASE SUMMARY An 82-year-old man presented with an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring 83 mm×75 mm.The patient had a medical history of atrial fibrillation and was receiving rivaroxaban(15 mg/d).Routine pEVAR was performed using the preclose technique with ProGlide(Abbott,Santa Clara,CA,United States).Significant amount of bleeding was observed at the end of the procedure after the deployment of the closure device at the access site.A sheet of Surgicel was applied to the suture thread using a surgical needle.Surgicel was applied to the surface of the artery along the access tract using a pusher,and hemostasis was immediately attained.CONCLUSION This simple technique is an excellent adjunct to control residual bleeding from the access site following VCD use.

Accurate hemostasis with a new endoscopic overtube for emergency endoscopy

Endoscopic hemostasis performed in the emergency room is difficult due to the presence of blood clots and food residue that makes obtaining a clear view of the bleeding vessel difficult. We experienced the efficacy of a newly developed inverted overtube to shorten the hemostatic time and obtain a clear endoscopic view with upper gastrointestinal bleeding patient who were transferred by ambulance car and required emergency endoscopy. The technique improved the endoscopic views and enabled us to perform the hemostatic procedures from the conventional standing position while freely and easily changing the patient's position. The presence of blood clots and food residue in the gastric fornix or upper gastric body makes identifying a bleeding exposed vessel impossible. This set-up significantly shortened the procedure time. The inverted overtube helped us obtain a clear view in patients who were laid in the right lateral position. Rapid identification of ex-posed vessels resulted in success of hemostasis.

Endoscopic hemostasis for hemorrhage from an ileal diverticulum

Hemorrhage from a non-Meckelian jejunoileal diverticulum is rare, and it is generally difficult to diagnose the source of the bleeding. Here, we report the case of a 59- year-old male with hemorrhage from an ileal diverticulum. Contrast computed tomography scans demonstrated the ileal diverticulum and extravasation of the contrast medium around it. The diagnosis was then made by computed tomography scans, and endoscopic mechanical hemostasis was performed under colonoscopy with three metal clips. The management of hemorrhage from jejunoileal diverticula is discussed.

Patent hemostasis of radial artery:Comparison of two methods

BACKGROUND Radial artery obstruction is the most common complication of coronary angiography performed via transradial access.Patent hemostasis can significantly reduce the risk of radial artery occlusion.Previous studies utilized sophisticated methods to evaluate radial artery patency.Simplified and easily applicable methods for successful patent hemostasis are currently lacking.AIM To determine which method(pulse oximeter vs the traditional radial artery palpation)is better to achieve patent hemostasis.METHODS This prospective,single center study included 299 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2017 and July 2019.Patients less than 18 years old,with a history of radial artery disease,or no palpable artery pulse were excluded from the study.Patients were randomly assigned to two groups.In the first group,radial artery flow was assessed by palpation of the artery during hemostasis(traditional method).In the second group,radial artery patency was estimated with the use of a pulse oximeter.Two different compression devices were used for hemostasis(air chamber and pressure valve).The primary study endpoint was the achievement of successful patent hemostasis.RESULTS The two groups(pulse oximeter vs artery palpation)had no significant differences in age,sex,body mass index,risk factors,or comorbidities except for supraventricular arrhythmias.The percentage of patients with successful patent hemostasis was significantly higher in the pulse oximeter group(82.2%vs 68.1%,P=0.005).A lower percentage of patients with spasm was recorded in the pulse oximeter group(9.9%vs 19.0%,P=0.024).The incidence of local complications,edema,bleeding,hematoma,vagotonia,or pain did not differ between the two groups.In the multivariate analysis,the use of a pulse oximeter(OR:2.35,95%CI:1.34-4.13,P=0.003)and advanced age(OR:1.04,95%CI:1.01-1.07,P=0.006),were independently associated with an increased probability of successful patent hemostasis.The type of hemostatic device did not affect patent hemostasis(P=0.450).CONCLUSION Patent hemostasis with the use of pulse oximeter is a simple,efficient,and safe method that is worthy of further investigation.Larger randomized studies are required to consider its clinical implications.

Hemostasis of massive bleeding from esophageal tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is a common type of cancer and serious bleeding from esophageal tumors can occur in routine clinical practice.The arrest of bleeding from esophageal tumor is not a trivial task,which can sometimes require non-standard solutions.We report a case of successful hemostasis of massive bleeding from esophageal tumor performed by a novel two-balloon catheter inserted endoscopically,with a local hemostatic treatment applied.CASE SUMMARY A 36-years old male patient with advanced esophageal cancer developed bleeding from the tumor following endoscopic stenting with a self-expanding metal stent.Due to the ineffectiveness of standard approaches,after a medical conference,the patient was treated with a novel method based on the use of a two-balloon catheter creating an isolated area in esophagus and locally dispersing hemostatic polysaccharide powder inside the isolated interior.Hemostasis was successful and subsequent endoscopic examination revealed the presence of organized clot and localized defect,which was coagulated in a planned manner.CONCLUSION The authors present a new catheter-based method of hemostasis of esophageal tumor bleeding.

A New Protocol for Determining Intervention with Trans-Catheter Arterial Embolization or Surgical Hemostasis for Obstetric Hemorrhage

Objectives: The aim of this study is to introduce protocols for choosing trans-arterial embolization (TAE) or surgical hemostasis as an initial therapy for obstetric hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: From 2002 to 2011 at our hospital, the medical records of the patients who underwent TAE or surgical hemostasis for obstetric hemorrhage were reviewed to assess the following data: The causes of obstetric hemorrhage, Shock Index (SI) and obstetrical disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC) score, amount of bleeding, transfusion, and operation time. Results: Twenty-five patients underwent TAE and six underwent surgical hemostasis. SI and obstetrical DIC score of the TAE group were 1.0 (0.4 - 2.2) and 6.0 (1 - 32), respectively. They were significantly lower than those of the surgical hemostasis group (SI: 1.6, obstetrical DIC score: 12.5, p < 0.05). Though the hemorrhage could be controlled sufficiently in 23 cases of the TAE group, 5 cases went into shock during TAE. The SI and obstetrical DIC score of shock group were 1.2 (1 - 2) and 10 (2 - 32), respectively. Conclusion: Though TAE is a useful therapy to control obstetric inevitable hemorrhage, special attention should be paid to the vital signs during TAE, especially in cases where SI and/or obstetrical DIC score are higher than 1.2 and 10, respectively.

Hemostasis Efficacy and Mechanism of Cold Atmospheric Air Plasma

The capacity of a cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma (CAAP) device for advanced first aid is presented. Using swine as an animal model, two trials: 1) a large, curved cut in hindquarters area and 2) amputation of a front leg, were performed. Cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma effluent, which carries reactive oxygen species (ROS) atomic oxygen (OI), is applied for wound treatments. Swift hemostasis of the wounds by the CAAP treatment was demonstrated. The pressure applied by a finger on the cut arteries in trial 1 and the tourniquet applied in trial 2 could be removed immediately after the treatment and there was no re-bleed in both cases. CAAP hemostasis mechanism was explored via in-vitro tests. The tests on sodium citrate mixed blood-droplet samples show that 1) the heat delivered by the CAAP has no impact on the observed clot formation, 2) plasma effluent activates platelets to promote coagulation state and cascade, and 3) the degree of clotting increases with the total amount of applied OI by means of the CAAP effluent. It took only 16 s of the CAAP treatment to reach full clotting, which was considerably shortened from the natural clotting time of about 25 minutes. The tests on smeared blood samples show that the reduction of the platelet count and the increase of RBC count are proportional to the amount of applied OI. A plausible CAAP hemostasis mechanism is concluded from the in vitro test results and the animal model trials.

Suture ligation for submucosal hemostasis during hand-sewn sideto-side duodeno-ileostomy in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND Enteric anastomotic(EA)bleeding is a potentially life-threatening surgical complication associated with enteric anastomosis during simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation(SPKT).AIM To investigate whether suture ligation(SL)for submucosal hemostasis during hand-sewn enteric anastomosis could decrease the morbidity of early EA bleeding in SPKT.METHODS We compared the outcomes of 134 patients classified into SL(n=44)and no SL(NSL)groups(n=90).This study adheres to the declarations of Istanbul and Helsinki and all donors were neither paid nor coerced.RESULTS During the first postoperative week,the EA bleeding rate in the SL group was lower than that in the NSL group(2.27%vs 15.56%;P=0.021);no relationship was found between EA bleeding and donor age,mean pancreatic cold ischemia time,platelet count,prothrombin time international normalized rate,activated partial thromboplastin time,and thrombin time.Anastomotic leakage was observed in one case in the SL group at postoperative day(POD)14 and in one case at POD 16 in the NSL group(P=0.754).No significant difference was found between the two groups in the patient survival,pancreas graft survival,or kidney graft survival.CONCLUSION SL for submucosal hemostasis during hand-sewn enteric anastomosis in SPKT can decrease the morbidity of early EA bleeding without increasing the anastomotic leakage rate.