From combat to operating room: The lifesaving potential of absorbable hemostats
Introduction Uncontrollable bleeding is one of the leading causes of fatalities in military and hospital settings. In combat scenarios, up to 50% of deaths result from exsanguination, with 80% attributed to noncompressible injuries. In civilian emergencies, hemorrhage accounts for one-third of prehospital deaths, a statistic that remains largely unchanged over the decades. Additionally, surgeries like cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures often involve significant blood loss, creating critical challenges for patient safety [1]. Effective hemostasis — the process of stopping bleeding — is essential to improve surgical outcomes and save lives. In recent years, absorbable hemostats have emerged as an effective solution to manage bleeding. These tools reliably control bleeding without requiring removal, minimizing complications and supporting faster recovery. This brings us to a key question: what exactly are absorbable hemostats? What are Absorbable Hemostats? Absorbable hemostat...