Comparison of the topical haemostatic agents for the prevention of suture hole bleeding. An experimental study

Abstract

Objective: using a rabbit vascular graft model we investigated the use of fibrin glue (FG), gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde (GRF), and collagen (C) as a means of reducing suture hole bleeding. Materials and methods: twenty-eight rabbits were divided into four groups: fibrin glue, gelatin-resorcinol- formaldehyde, collagen and control. A 1 cm incision was made in the abdominal aortic wall of each animal. Incisions were covered with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch sutured with a 7-0 polypropylene. Fibrin Glue, GRF, and C were applied to cover suture holes in the groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, but nothing in controls (group 4). The fibrin clot was allowed to achieve strength for 3 minutes before the clamps were reopened. After reopening the clamps, blood was collected from the surgical site using a syringe for a total of 2 min. Results: mean blood loss was significantly lower in the FG, GRF, and C compared with control group (p = 0.0022, p = 0.0022, and p = 0.0017, respectively). The volume of blood lost and the time of haemostasia in the group 1 (FG) was less than those in groups 2 and 3 (GRF and C, respectively) (p = 0.001). The haemostasis (defined 2 min later) was achieved only in group 1 (FG) (p = 0.00067). Conclusions: FG, GRF and C all reduce blood loss. Fibrin glue containing factor XIII was the most effective. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.