Medtronic‘s acquisition of the technology for potential use is to develop future products for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
The chitosan-dextran gel has been shown in animal studies to provide hemostasis (control of bleeding) and aid in wound-healing after FESS.
Additionally, a human trial demonstrated that the chitosan-dextran gel resulted in rapid hemostasis immediately after FESS and fewer postoperative adhesions.
Chitosan is a polymer produced from the chitin of shellfish and squid and its hemostatic properties have been studied, leading to its use in a hemostatic bandage distributed to all deployed US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Medtronic Surgical Technologies business ENT division president Mark Fletcher said the chitosan-dextran gel technology would enhance Medtronic’s ability to offer innovative, therapeutic products for sinus surgeons to use in postoperative patient care.
"As a leader in the FESS market, we’re pleased to have the opportunity to expand our FESS product portfolio," Fletcher said.
