Novel cross-linked polysaccharide-polyelectrolyte hemostatic foam improves survival compared to CombatGauze in swine femoral artery hemorrhage model.

Background: Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in combat and civilian trauma. Efficacious hemostatic agents in junctional hemorrhage can quell blood loss and improve survival. We hypothesized that a novel hemostatic foam of starch and chitosan would improve hemostasis, and thereby increase survival in a swine femoral artery hemorrhage model when compared with CombatGauze (CG).