Evaluation of the Effects of Chitosan Hemostasis Dressings on Hemorrhage Caused by Breast Biopsy.

BACKGROUND

Female breast tissue has a rich vascular supply and carries a high risk of excessive bleeding during large-core needle biopsy. It is crucial to shorten bleeding time and reduce hematoma size after the procedure. Currently, more efficient hemostatic dressings are becoming available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The bleeding time and hematoma size after breast biopsy with use of either Instant Clot Pad (ICP) dressings or cotton gauze were compared. RESULTS: ICP could attract a vast number of red blood cells and formed blood clots in about 30 s (in vitro blood clotting test). In clinical breast biopsy examinations, the average bleeding time with ICP was significantly reduced to about 2.9 min as compared to 6.4 min with cotton gauze (p < 0.005). The average hematoma size was also reduced with the use of ICP (0.89 cm(3)) as compared to cotton gauze (1.28 cm(3)). In patients with benign breast disease, ICP significantly reduced hematoma size. CONCLUSION: ICP used after breast biopsy could shorten the bleeding time in all patients, and significantly reduce the hematoma size in patients with benign compared to those with malignant breast disease.