Chitosan hemostatic gauze is a medical product designed to control bleeding rapidly by utilizing chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp, crab, or lobster. The gauze is typically impregnated with or coated in chitosan, which has excellent hemostatic (blood-clotting) properties.

Key Features of Chitosan Hemostatic Gauze:

1. Material Composition:
• Chitosan is biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
• Often combined with a fabric gauze base to make it easy to apply to wounds.
2. Hemostatic Action:
• Chitosan interacts with red blood cells and platelets to form a physical barrier and promote clotting.
• Unlike traditional hemostatic agents, it works independently of the body’s normal clotting pathways, making it effective even in patients with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use.
3. Antimicrobial Properties:
• Chitosan is naturally antimicrobial, reducing the risk of infection in wounds.
4. Rapid Action:
• Quickly stops moderate to severe bleeding, including arterial hemorrhages, within minutes of application.
5. Applications:
• Widely used in trauma care, emergency medical services, surgical settings, and military combat zones.
• Effective for treating both external wounds and certain internal bleeding during surgeries.
6. Safe for Use:
• Does not introduce heat or cause tissue damage during clot formation.
• Generally safe for individuals with shellfish allergies, as the allergenic proteins are removed during the manufacturing process (but always confirm with manufacturers or medical professionals).

How It Works:

1. The gauze is applied directly to the bleeding site.
2. Chitosan in the gauze binds to blood cells, creating a gel-like clot that seals the wound.
3. Pressure is typically applied for a few minutes to ensure the gauze adheres properly and bleeding stops.

Advantages:

• Effective for severe hemorrhages.
• Easy to use in emergency situations.
• Works even in hypothermic or coagulopathic patients (where normal blood clotting is impaired).
• Lightweight and portable, ideal for first aid kits.

Examples of Use:

• Emergency responders: To stop life-threatening hemorrhages at accident sites.
• Military: To manage battlefield injuries.
• Hospitals: For surgical procedures and trauma cases.
• Outdoor adventurers: As part of advanced first aid kits for remote areas.

Chitosan hemostatic gauze is a revolutionary tool in managing severe bleeding quickly and effectively, saving lives in critical situations.