A comparison of hemostatic agents in microvascular surgery.

The hemostatic abilities of oxidized cellulose, gelatin powder, microfibrillar collagen, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene cuffs were compared on anastomoses of the femoral vessels in rats. The intraoperative hemostatic time and patency were recorded. Vessels that were patent intraoperatively were examined at various intervals postoperatively to determine patency and to detect the development of abnormalities, and specimens for examination under a scanning electron microscope were obtained. Microfibrillar collagen was found to be superior in maintaining patency and in ease of use. The PTFE cuffs demonstrated the shortest hemostatic times, but they produced distortion of the vessels several weeks after surgery. The authors conclude that microfibrillar collagen is the best overall hemostatic agent and have continued to use it experimentally and clinically with no complications.