Application of QuikClot Combat Gauze® shows 100% success in achieving hemostasis in swine with arterial bleeding in extreme physiologic conditions often associated with military combat, trauma, and law enforcement related injuries.
WALLINGFORD, Conn., Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study has found the use of gauze that includes the hemostatic agent kaolin to be 100% effective in stopping traumatic bleeding by second application in a model of simulated hemorrhagic shock. In the study, treatment with QuikClot Combat Gauze®, a specially engineered surgical gauze impregnated with kaolin, successfully stopped bleeding in extreme physiologic conditions normally associated with a significant risk of fatality. Results were published in July 2012 in the peer review Journal of Surgical Research.i
In the animal model study, researchers at the Department of Surgery at Madigan Health Systems used an established and validated ischemia-reperfusion swine model to produce clinically significant metabolic acidosis and dilutional coagulopathy, which are primary conditions associated with hemorrhagic shock. Subjects experienced a 35% blood volume loss and maintained significant metabolic acidosis and dilutional coagulopathy for six hours and 50 minutes. They then incurred a femoral artery injury and bled for two minutes before randomized treatment with either Combat Gauze® or standard gauze. A single application of Combat Gauze® was able to stop bleeding in 89% of subjects. Following a second round of treatment, Combat Gauze® was able to successfully stop bleeding in 100% of subjects. Treatment with standard gauze in the same model showed a 100% failure rate after the first application, and resulted in only one case of successful hemostasis after a second application.
"Traumatic bleeding associated with hemorrhagic shock is often fatal, and is unfortunately a common occurrence in military combat, in trauma associated with accidents and in law enforcement related injuries. This study shows conclusively that treatment with QuikClot Combat Gauze® is able to stop traumatic bleeding even in extreme physiological conditions that can result in hemorrhagic shock and often death," said Giacomo Basadonna , M.D., chief medical officer, Z-Medica Corporation.
In severe bleeding, the occurrence of acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy each can interfere with the body's ability to clot blood and can individually result in death if not treated. Once the body is affected by all three conditions, also known as the lethal triad, the death rate exceeds 90%.ii
"We know that death from hemorrhagic shock can be best avoided when bleeding is stopped early, and this study shows that a kaolin-based hemostatic agent is highly effective even in subjects who experience severe physiologic conditions for more than six hours. Treatment with QuikClot Combat Gauze®, which is easy to both carry and store, can be life saving for all service members and other trauma victims who are at risk of hemorrhagic shock, especially those who are far from medical help," said Scott Garrett, vice president, military and tactical programs, Z-Medica Corporation.
QuikClot Combat Gauze®, developed by Z-Medica Corporation, is the only product carried by all branches of the U.S. Military to control traumatic bleeding. The product is impregnated with kaolin, an inert mineral that quickly promotes blood clotting. It is indicated for external control of traumatic bleeding and is able to conform to any wound.
"The fact that QuikClot Combat Gauze® is as easy to carry, store and apply as standard gauze means that we can bring this potentially life-saving advantage to thousands of people affected by bleeding in the military, law enforcement, emergency medicine and other areas with no changes in standard operating procedures," added Dr. Basadonna.
More information about QuikClot Combat Gauze® may be found at http://www.z-medica.com/military/Home.aspx
About Z-Medica® Corporation
Z-Medica Corporation is a medical device company developing fast acting, easy to use, hemostasis products that stop bleeding wherever it occurs, making it possible to save lives and improve patient outcomes. The company manufactures and markets a portfolio of QuikClot® hemostasis products for use by healthcare professionals, first responders, law enforcement officers, consumers and the military.
Based on tests conducted by the Naval Medical Research Center and the U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) recommended QuikClot Combat Gauze® as the hemostatic agent for the Department of Defense and for use by all U.S. Military Forces as the first line treatment of traumatic bleeding. QuikClot® products are developed and manufactured in the United States. Z-Medica Corporation is a privately-held company based in Wallingford, CT. For more information, visit www.z-medica.com.
i Causey MW. The efficacy of Combat Gauze in extreme physiologic conditions, J of Surg Res, 2012 July: doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2012.06.020
ii Beuran M, Lordache FM. Damage control surgery—physiopathological benchmarks. J Med Life. 2008 Apr-Jun;1(2):96-100.
SOURCE Z-Medica Corporation