Fast Acting Hemostatic Patch for Stabilizing Traumatic Injury Victims - Abstract
Traumatic injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Hemorrhagic shock, resulting from
uncontrolled bleeding due to trauma, is the major cause of mortality during combat and the second most common
cause of death in civilian trauma centers. As a cause of traumatic death, hemorrhage is second only to severe
central nervous system injury.
The goal of this program is to develop a reliable, fast acting hemostatic patch technology for stabilizing
traumatic injury victims that addresses many of the shortcomings of existing hemostatic patches and other
hemostatic agents. The proposed technology is based on a surgical patch develop at one of RMD's sister Dynasil
companies, Xcede Technology. The Xcede surgical patch provides a number of benefits when used in surgery,
however several improvements are needed to make the patch suitable for treating wounds. With the appropriate
research and development this technology can be adapted and applied to hemostasis and wound sealing in trauma
victims.
In Phase I we will improve adhesion, especially under wet conditions, by modifying the design of patch matrix
and the polymer chemistry. We will also examine and modify the chemistry of the polymers to enhance
biosorption. Finally we will characterize the physical and chemical properties of the patch and perform a pilot
animal study, if justified by the results.
This effort will be carried out in collaboration with Xcede Technologies, Cook Biotech, Inc., and the Medical
Director for Trauma Research at the Mayo Clinic.
