An evaluation of the local reaction and biodegradation of calcium sodium alginate (Kaltostat) following subcutaneous implantation in the rat.

Kaltostat swabs were implanted subcutaneously in rats to evaluate their biodegradability and ability to evoke local tissue reactions. Implant sites were evaluated after 24 h and after 7 days, 28 days and 12 weeks. Histological sections showed no noticeable degradation of the Kaltostat within the 3 month observation period, contrary to some published reports. Following subsidence of a modest foreign body reaction, implants became embedded in thin fibrous sheaths which were infiltrated with vascular channels and fibroblasts. This study demonstrates that Kaltostat fibres are well tolerated following subcutaneous implantation in the rat model and present no obvious toxic risk or contraindication to their use as wound dressings or as haemostatic agents in general surgery.