Hemostatic polymers: the concept, state of the art and perspectives.

This article presents a critical overview of the most significant developments in the use of polymers as hemostatic agents. The materials have been divided into two groups, which are, naturally occurring and synthetic. Remarkable examples include collagen, chitosan, bovine serum albumin/glutaraldehyde hydrogels, poly(cyanoacrylate)s and poly(alkylene oxide)s. The different mechanisms for their modes of action as well as the structural features that are believed to induce hemostasis are discussed. Finally, an overview of the future challenges is given.