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Phd Ceremony F.I. Broekema: Polyurethane foam as a synthetic topical hemostatic agent. Efficacy, biodegradability and applicability

When:We 11-06-2014 12:00 - 13:00
Where:Aula

Topical hemostatic agents are used in all surgical disciplines. Most of these hemostats are based on animal-derived products like collagen and gelatin. These materials loose their mechanical properties under wet conditions and carry the potential risk of pathogen transmission. A possible synthetic alternative for these materials could be biodegradable polyurethane foam (PU) combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG).Various human- and animal studies showed that the hemostatic efficacy of PU with 55% PEG is equal to collagen and gelatin hemostatic agents. The viscoelastic properties of PU with 55% PEG are favourable compared to collagen and gelatin because PU with 55% PEG keeps its firmness under wet conditions whereas collagen and gelatin become formless and mushy. The degradation process and time of PU with 55% PEG was analysed during three years in an implantation study in rats and rabbits. This study showed that PU with 55% PEG has a good biocompatibility and degrades completely after three years. However, this is remarkably longer than the degradation period of collagen and gelatin. It was concluded that PU with 55% PEG is a promising alternative to the animal-derived hemostatic agents but a shorter degradation period would be favourable.Furthermore, the bleeding incidence after dentoalveolar surgery in patients with and without anticoagulant therapy was evaluated. This study showed that it is safe to perform dentoalveolar surgery in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, provided that certain conditions are met.

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