Hemorrhage-Control Bandage Commercially Launched
A bandage used by the U.S. military over the past four years to control hemorrhage is now being unveiled to healthcare organizations across the United States. The bandages are manufactured by HemCon Medical Technologies (pdf), Incorporated, but will be distributed through a licensing agreement with Cardinal Health, as described in a press release from HemCon.
Existing data from military applications notes a high level of efficacy in controlling bleeding, at 96 percent. The bandages, HemCon Bandages, have been modified for civilian applications. Changes include differently sized bandages which are more flexible and thinner.
These may offer an alternative approach to treat wounds with difficult to control bleeding. The CDC estimates that over six million bleeding wounds are treated annually across the United States. An interesting evaluation for future consideration is whether the bandages are associated with any differences in overall cost treating these wounds.
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July 20, 2007 Related topics: Partnerships & Consortia, Surgery, Hematology & Oncology, Emergency