Polyurethane sheet: A potential substitute of surgical cotton gauze

Abstract

Polyurethane sheet is a pure white, soft, and flexible synthetic sponge with a mechanical strength and abrasion resistance equivalent or even superior to other sponge materials. Our study indicates that the blood absorption power of the polyurethane sheet is equivalent to that of the cotton gauze even after repeated use, and it has the potential to decrease the total amount of sponge usage. Further, accurately identifying the bleeding point might be easier with the polyurethane sheet. © 2011 Shimamoto; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.