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Successful use of a military-grade haemostatic agent for a major head and neck bleed

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2013

R Crunkhorn ,
R Burnham  and
G Walton
R Crunkhorn*
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
R Burnham
Affiliation:
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke on Trent, UK
G Walton
Affiliation:
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr R Crunkhorn, Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Rd, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK Fax: 02476 967729 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Major haemorrhage is a catastrophic complication occurring in 3–4 per cent of head and neck cancer patients. Massive haemorrhage also causes 50 per cent of preventable deaths in combat situations. There has been a surge of interest in the development of effective haemostatic products in the military, with chitosan being one such product.

Case report:

A 48-year-old lady presented with a life-threatening head and neck bleed. She was known to have a malignant peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma originating from the left parapharyngeal space. Bleeding was successfully controlled with the application of Celox™ granules, a chitosan-based product currently used in the military.

Conclusion:

This paper describes the first known use of a military haemostatic agent to control a malignant head and neck bleed. Celox granules can be poured directly onto a wound to enhance haemorrhage control. The suggested mechanism of action and reports of current uses of haemostatic agents are described.

Keywords

HemorrhageHead And Neck CancerHemostatic TechniquesChitosanMilitary Personnel
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Issue 10 , October 2013 , pp. 1031 - 1033
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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