HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc. has introduced next-generation, z-folded hemostatic chitosan dressing, ChitoGauze dressing platform. The company's ChitoGauze is designed for battlefield and acute care use and is proven effective on severe, arterial bleeding. In April 2009, the initial product design received FDA 510(k) clearance and is available for the military medical market in a 4 inch by 4 yard flexible and conforming gauze dressing. In addition to the z-fold, the dressing will shipped by the company during the Fall 2009 with a packaging configuration which can be opened from any angle so as to offer easier, more rapid and sterile deployment.
ChitoGauze dressing is manufactured in a unique z-folded pleat making delivery from package to wound easier and quicker than with a rolled product.
“The dynamic stresses of combat operations can create an environment that is often overwhelming for battlefield care providers. A product that is not only highly effective, but is also easily employed is paramount. A simple modification such as making your package easy to open, or a z-folded dressing rather than rolled, can save a medic precious time which translates to saving lives,” said former US Army Medic Christopher Murphy, present of Wake Forest University.
“Over our long and strong relationship with the US Army, HemCon has teamed with military medical professionals to understand the latest field requirements and deliver what is needed. It’s our mission to continue to help keep our soldiers coming home. Through the launch of the ChitoGauze platform, we’re able to provide a critical, safe dressing that saves lives,” said Bill Block, President of HemCon, US and former US Army Ranger.
ChitoGauze is composed of a unique formulation that offers antibacterial properties thus providing medical professionals a multi-layered solution to avoid infection. “As a physician, there’s a great deal to consider when treating a wound whether you are on the battlefield or in the ER. Having an antibacterial, protective layer provides an element of defense I want my patients to have,” said Sudip Bose, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, attending Emergency Physician and former Major, US Army. ChitoGauze in testing demonstrated antibacterial properties against a wide range of microorganisms, including MRSA, VRE and Acinetobacter Baumannii.
The company’s proprietary method of manufacturing and the natural characteristics of chitosan together create the ChitoGauze mechanism of action that is responsible for slowing down the blood movement through the dressing, offering a local hemostatic solution. The chitosan in ChitoGauze binds RBCs and platelets on the dressing’s surface providing localized clotting, independently from the normal clotting cascade. Localized clotting lessen risk of emboli formation that can be found through the use of pro-clotting agents.