Injectable Polymer Helps Stop Severe Bleeding
 

Injectable Polymer Helps Stop Severe Bleeding
http://www.medgadget.com/wp-content/...blood-clot.jpgA 3-D rendering of fibrin forming a blood clot, with PolySTAT (in blue) binding strands together. William Walker/University of Washington


There are new*tech**logies out there that can help stop bleeding from gunshot wounds, a new approach may help deliver hemostasis on a microscopic scale. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new polymer that, when injected, rapidly works to help develop a solid clot.

The PolySTAT material works by fusing fibrin strands to each other and creating links between the clumps. This creates a strong web of fibrin capable of withstanding pressure from blood pressing against the clot. Importantly, the material is **t influenced by fibri**lytic enzymes that break up fibrin strands to begin the healing process. While the enzymes are important in the long run, they slow down clot formation, a dangerous activity during acute bleeding. Moreover, the material continues to work even when levels of a protein used to make fibrin drop.

In a pre-clinical study using lab rats, the researchers showed a 100% success rate in stopping bleeding to an otherwise lethal injury to the femoral artery. For*comparison, rats that were treated with albumin had only a 20% survival.

http://www.medgadget.com/wp-content/...ss-linking.jpgBlood clots treated with PolySTAT (second from right) had denser fibrin networks, which helps reinforce and strengthen the clots. University of Washington


Study in Science Translational Medicine: A synthetic fibrin cross-linking polymer for modulating clot properties and inducing hemostasis…

Source: University of Washington…

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