The next generation of hemorrhage therapy

Abstract

The management of major bleeding has significantly improved over the course of time. Patients are no longer relegated to inferior hemorrhage control strategies strictly focused on applying pressure to the wound. Despite these advances, major bleeding remains the most common source of preventable death in both the battlefield and civilian settings. Devices and intervention strategies are continuously being researched and developed to decrease complications and death related to these serious injuries at the trauma scene, in transit, and at higher echelons of care. In addition, further understanding of the pathophysiology of hemorrhage has allowed for the development of novel strategies that work at the cellular and subcellular level to improve outcomes in the setting of massive hemorrhage. This chapter reviews some of the latest developments in hemorrhage therapy and provides perspective on emerging technologies in its management.