By Carmelita Harbeson and James McGuire DPM, PT, CPed, FAPWHc

Hemostasis, the resolution of bleeding, consists of several intricate and controlled steps: platelet activation, coagulation, and vascular repair1. Whether bleeding is caused by surgery, trauma, or wound debridement, hemostatic control is something we face daily, and luckily there are many products available to assist in this process 2. This blog describes one tool in our arsenal, WoundSeal® MD, a hemostatic powder and wound sealant.

Overview and Mechanism of Action

WoundSeal® MD, created by Biolife, LLC, is a non-prescription topical powder composed of a hydrophilic, or water-loving, polymer and potassium ferrate that facilitates the hemostasis of wounds. With the brief application of the powder and manual pressure, the hydrophilic polymer dehydrates the blood and absorbs exudates, while the potassium ferrate combines with blood proteins to create an occlusive seal around the wound. This allows the natural clotting process to proceed below the seal.

Indications for use of WoundSeal® MD

WoundSeal® MD has many indications including wound debridement, biopsies, excisions, nail avulsions, skin tears, some non-suturable wounds, and Mohs micrographic surgery. It is also indicated for use at dialysis access sites.

Applying WoundSeal® MD

Prior to applying WoundSeal® MD, the wound must be properly cleansed. As WoundSeal® MD requires blood or exudate to work, the powder should be poured onto the clean site once bleeding resumes. The powder must completely cover the wound. Next, pressure should be applied over the powder for at least 30 seconds using a non-adherent dressing or dry gloved fingers. It may take longer to seal (up to 2 minutes) on anticoagulated patients. If bleeding continues, more powder and light pressure may be applied until bleeding has stopped. The patient may feel a warming sensation from the powder as it forms the seal. After bleeding stops, it is important to avoid disrupting the seal. The wound should be dressed with a non-adherent dressing and the seal should stay in place until the wound is healed.

In the instance that WoundSeal® MD is removed prematurely, an extra backup application may be sent home with the patient because it is very cost-effective. There is even an over-the-counter version called WoundSeal® Powder. For more information on WoundSeal® MD, click here.

To learn more about this company and product visit http://www.woundsource.com/company/biolife-llc

Sources
1. Versteeg HH, Heemskerk JW, Levi M, Reitsma PH. New fundamentals in hemostasis. Physiological reviews. 2013;93(1):327-358.
2. Ho J, Hruza G. Hydrophilic polymers with potassium salt and microporous polysaccharides for use as hemostatic agents. Dermatologic Surgery. 2007;33(12):1430-1433.

About the Authors:
Carmelita Harbeson is a third year podiatric medical student at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of West Florida in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While earning her degree, she suffered a fracture that lead her to seek treatment from podiatrist Joseph Kiefer, DPM. The experience and the exceptional treatment she received piqued her interest in the field of podiatric medicine. With interests in wound care and limb salvage, Carmelita is the former Secretary and current Vice President of TUSPM's chapter of the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation. She is driven by a desire to serve others, and is committed to enriching the health and well-being of the community by providing compassionate care and education to patients.

Dr. James McGuire is the director of the Leonard S. Abrams Center for Advanced Wound Healing and an associate professor of the Department of Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of WoundSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.