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The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) has developed a good clinical practice to address the challenges of treating critically ill patients in resource-limited austere environments, exacerbated by recent pandemics, natural disasters, and conflicts. The methodological approach was based on a literature review and a modified Delphi method, which involved blind voting and consensus evaluation using a Likert scale. This process was conducted over two rounds of online voting. The document covers six critical topics: the overall impact of austere conditions on critical care, airway management, analgesia, bleeding control, vascular access, and medical devices and equipment. In these settings, it is vital to apply basic care techniques flexibly, focusing on immediate bleeding control, airway management, and hypothermia treatment to reduce mortality. For airway management, rapid sequence intubation with ketamine for sedation and muscle relaxation is suggested. Effective pain management involves a multimodal approach, including patient-controlled analgesia by quickly acting safe drugs, with an emphasis on ethical palliative care when other options are unavailable. Regarding hemorrhage, military-derived protocols like Tactical Combat Casualty Care significantly reduced mortality and influenced the development of civilian bleeding control devices. Establishing venous access is crucial, with intraosseous access as a swift option and central venous access for complex cases, ensuring aseptic conditions. Lastly, selecting medical equipment that matches the specific logistical and medical needs is essential, maintaining monitoring standards and considering advanced diagnostic tools like point-of-care ultrasounds. Finally, effective communication tools for coordination and telemedicine are also vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of internal maxillary artery pretreatment for bleeding control during endonasal infratemporal fossa surgeries. Instruments like the harmonic scalpel are valuable for controlling arteries in the infratemporal fossa, reducing blood loss and improving surgical efficacy. The study retrospectively reviewed bleeding control strategies and found that pretreatment of the internal maxillary artery significantly decreased blood loss and operation time, providing valuable insights for managing tumors in this complex region. The research was conducted at a university hospital and approved by the Ethics Committee, with no conflicts of interest declared by the authors. [Extracted from the article]

Worldwide, burns are the fourth most frequent type of injury. The treatment of burn wounds requires a lot of experience and an interdisciplinary approach including both surgical treatment and pharmacological wound care. The most common management of burn wounds is debridement and wound closure through the use of skin grafts. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the hemostatic and antibacterial effects of the commercially available Tromboguard® foam dressing with an active layer containing alginates and chitosan. The site of application of the product was the donor fields for skin grafts. Findings proved that a polyurethane foam dressing with an active chitosan-alginate layer is a useful option for achieving rapid hemostasis, antimicrobial protection and effective healing at split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Substances present in the active layer promote clot formation and the wound healing process.

Stop the Bleed® is an emergency response course that offers a certificate of completion but no ending assessment. The purpose of this educational study was to develop and test the Response Readiness Tool (RRT) that measures learning of participants after taking Stop the Bleed®. The study used a pre‐/post‐test design to measure knowledge and attitudes, and a post‐test only for skills. Participants were recruited from existing Stop the Bleed® courses. Knowledge was measured with a 10‐item questionnaire, attitude was measured with five Likert‐style questions, and skills were measured by observing simulated tourniquet placement. Ninety‐five participants were recruited over two semesters. There was a significant difference in the knowledge and attitude scores indicating participants' improvement in learning and attitude toward responding. Internal consistency reliability of scores showed moderate reliability with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.73 and McDonald's Omega of 0.75. A positive correlation was found between expected proficiency and pre‐test indicating the tool had construct validity. RRT provides Stop the Bleed® instructors with an instrument to measure knowledge, skills, and attitude of participants after taking Stop the Bleed®. Statistics show moderate reliability and validity; however, larger samples are needed for full psychometric testing. This publication presents the revised tool after the completion of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide. The Stop the Bleed (STB) course was developed to equip layperson bystanders with basic bleeding control knowledge and skills. However, large in-person courses have been disrupted due to COVID-19. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of teaching and evaluating STB skills through remote video-based instruction. After undergoing COVID-19 screening, groups of up to eight STB-naive adults were seated in a socially distanced manner and given individual practice kits. A remote STB-certified instructor provided the standard STB lecture and led a 10-min skills practice session via videoconferencing. Participants' skills were evaluated on a 10-point rubric by one in-person evaluator and three remote evaluators. Participants completed a postcourse survey assessing their perceptions of the course. Thirty-five participants completed the course, all scoring ≥8/10 after examination by the in-person evaluator. Remote instructors' average scores (9.8 ± 0.45) did not significantly differ from scores of the in-person evaluator (9.9 ± 0.37) (P = 0.252). Thirty-three participants (94%) completed the postcourse survey. All respondents reported being willing and prepared to intervene in scenarios of life-threatening hemorrhage, and 97% reported confidence in using all STB skills. STB skills can be effectively taught and evaluated through a live video-based course. All participants scored highly when evaluated both in-person and remotely, and nearly all reported confidence in skills and knowledge following the course. Remote instruction is a valuable strategy to disseminate STB training to students without access to in-person courses, especially during pandemic restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTA) account for 4.7% of all deaths in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with rates ranging from 17.4 to 24 per 100,000 people over the past decade. This study aims to enhance community engagement and understanding of bleeding control methods to empower effective responses to bleeding in accident scenarios. Method: This observational cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge and willingness of the community to engage in bleeding control in the setting of medical emergencies. The study population was comprised of adults in Saudi Arabia who were over the age of 17 at the time of the research. Results: A total of 392 participants took part in the research. Of these, 66.3% (n = 260) were willing to assist a stranger bleeding as a result of a motor vehicle accident. There was no significant gender difference among those with past experiences of assisting someone after an accident. Only 15.5% (n = 61) had certified training, while the majority (77%, n = 47) held bachelor's degrees. Interest in educational workshops on bleeding control was shown by 55.1% (n = 216), with 32% (n = 126) undecided. Regarding tourniquet use, 20.1% (n = 38) believed this to be safe. Conclusion: This study highlighted the community's awareness of bleeding control and readiness to respond to bleeding situations after accidents. While more than half were likely to act, concerns about aggravating injuries, legal issues, and discomfort with blood were significant barriers, underscoring the need for public education and legal protection. Educational status, and particularly a bachelor's degree, was a stronger predictor of the likelihood to intervene than certified training. Significant knowledge gaps were noted with regard to tourniquet use, with few trusting their safety and many incorrectly applying them directly to the wound.

Introduction: The incidence of penetrating neck injuries is experiencing an upward trend. Given that hemorrhaging stands as one of the most preventable causes of fatality in traumatic situations, the prospect of employing a foley catheter (FC) to manage bleeding following penetrating neck injuries has led to contemplation on its integration into standardized protocols for bleeding control (BC), both in prehospital and in-hospital settings. Furthermore, inquiries into establishing standardized schedules for its application have arisen. Material and Methods: A meticulous search strategy was conducted utilizing the NCBI Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) term "foley*" and various combinations such as "foley" AND "trauma"; "foley" AND "neck"; "foley" AND "penetrating"; "catheter" AND "balloon" AND "trauma"; "gunshot" AND "neck"; "hemorrhage*" AND "neck" across multiple databases. These databases include MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, Ovid, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Additionally, comprehensive searches using these terms were performed on Google, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The references cited in documents retrieved from these searches, covering 1833 to 2023, were thoroughly scrutinized. Results: 15 relevant articles were identified, and pertinent data were extracted from these studies. Historically, the use of FC was confined to immediate bleeding control; however, it has now extended its application into prehospital, emergency room (ER), and intraoperative settings. The primary success rate of FC stands at n=229 out of 274 cases (84%). FC serves as a valuable tool to bridge the gap in time before reaching the ER or operating room (OR), facilitating necessary radiological studies or interventions, especially when more severe injuries necessitate prioritization. Typically, FC was retained for 24-48 hours, but instances of prolonged applications up to 240 hours have been documented. Notably, it includes the definitive management of venous neck bleeding injuries, contingent upon excluding significant arterial defects through CTA. Late rebleeding stands at a low rate of 6% (14 out of 229 cases). Conclusion: Using FC is a pertinent strategy in managing neck injuries resulting from bleeding from penetrating wounds. Its substantial primary success rate in prehospital and ER phases surpasses the success rates achieved solely through pressure or chitosan dressing. Post-primary bleeding control, the presence of FC facilitates examinations and radiological interventions. Determining the optimal duration for FC placement remains a subject for consideration, leaning toward 2-3 days, if not longer. FC is progressively solidifying its role in Selective Non-Operative Management (SNOM) for hemorrhagic penetrating neck injuries. Consequently, a Foley catheter should be an essential tool in the possession of every prehospital and ER physician. Further delineation of criteria establishing the suitability of FC placement as definitive SNOM therapy for hemorrhagic penetrating neck injuries warrants consolidation.

Nurses' preparedness to provide hemorrhage control aid outside of the patient care setting has not been thoroughly evaluated. We evaluated nurses' preparedness to provide hemorrhage control in the prehospital setting after a proof-of-concept training event. We performed a secondary analysis of evaluations from a voluntary hemorrhage control training offered to a group of experienced nurses. Education was provided by a nurse certified in Stop the Bleed training and using the Basic Bleeding Control 2.0 materials. The training lasted approximately 1 hour and included a didactic portion followed by hands-on practice with task trainer legs. Participants were surveyed after training to assess their preparedness to provide hemorrhage control aid using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree); comments and feedback were also requested. Mean (SD) was used to analyze Likert scale data. Content analysis was performed to identify common themes in qualitative data. Forty-five experienced nurses participated in the voluntary training. Nursing experience included obstetrics, pediatrics, critical care, acute care, community health, and psychiatric/mental health. Only 39% of participants reported having previously completed a similar course. After training completion, participants reported an increase in their preparedness to provide hemorrhage control aid (mean 3.47 [SD = 1.40] vs mean 4.8 SD [.04], P <.01). Major themes identified included wanting to feel prepared to help others, refreshing skills, and knowing how to respond in an emergency. Regardless of background and experience, nurses may benefit from more advanced hemorrhage control education to prepare them to provide aid in prehospital emergency settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Vasopressin injected during myomectomy is known to effectively reduce bleeding but is sometimes associated with intraoperative vasoconstriction and hypertension due to systemic absorption. Although there is a growing preference for the use of diluted vasopressin, evidence of its effect and safety is still lacking. Patients and Methods: We performed a randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate the effect and safety of vasopressin diluted in a constant volume during robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM), where a total of 39 women with uterine fibroids were randomly assigned into the following three groups (group 1, 0.2 IU/ml; group 2, 0.1 IU/ml; group 3, 0.05 IU/ml with a total of 100 ml of normal saline). The primary endpoint was to compare estimated blood loss (EBL), and the secondary endpoints were to compare postoperative value and drop ratio of hemoglobin, operation time, transfusion, hospitalization, and complications among the three groups. Results: There were no differences in the number and largest size of uterine fibroids, total weight of uterine fibroids, console time, and volumes of intravenous fluid administered during RALM among the three groups, whereas combined operation was performed more commonly in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (53.9% vs. 0 to 7.7%; p=0.01). The primary and secondary endpoints were also not different among the three groups. However, two patients in group 1 (15.4%) showed vasopressin-related hypertension. Conclusion: Vasopressin diluted in a volume of 100 ml showed an effective hemostatic effect and safety during RALM (Trial No. NCT04874246 in ClinicalTrial.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) is uncommon but causes sudden life-threatening bleeding. Selective transarterial embolization (STAE) is an effective bleeding-control option. The optimal embolic agent is unknown, and data on the use of cyanoacrylate glue are lacking. The objective of this study was to report the outcomes of cyanoacrylate-lipiodol embolization for rHCC. We retrospectively reviewed the files of the 16 patients (14 males; mean age, 72 years) who underwent emergency cyanoacrylate-lipiodol STAE at a single center in 2012–2023 for spontaneous rHCC. All 16 patients had subcapsular HCC and abundant hemoperitoneum. The technical success rate was 94% (15/16). Day 30 mortality was 19%; the three patients who died had severe hemodynamic instability at admission; one death was due to rebleeding. Liver enzyme levels returned to baseline by day 30. No rebleeding was recorded during the median follow-up of 454 days in the 10 patients who were alive with available data after day 30. Larger prospective studies with the collection of longer-term outcomes are needed to assess our results supporting the safety and effectiveness of cyanoacrylate-lipiodol STAE for rHCC. Randomized trials comparing this mixture to other embolic agents should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A kaolin-based nonresorbable hemostatic gauze, QuikClot Control+, has demonstrated effective hemostasis and safety when used for severe/life-threatening (grade 3/4) internal organ space bleeding. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of this gauze for mild to moderate (grade 1-2) bleeding in cardiac surgery compared with control gauze. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery between June 2020 and September 2021 across 7 sites with 231 subjects randomized 2:1 to QuikClot Control+ or control. The primary efficacy end point was hemostasis rate (ie, subjects achieving grade 0 bleed) through up to 10 minutes of bleeding site application, assessed using a semiquantitative validated bleeding severity scale tool. The secondary efficacy end point was the proportion of subjects achieving hemostasis at 5 and 10 minutes. Adverse events, assessed up to 30 days postsurgery, were compared between arms. Results: The predominant procedure was coronary artery bypass grafting, and 69.7% and 29.4% were sternal edge and surgical site (suture line)/other bleeds, respectively. Of the QuikClot Control+ subjects, 121 of 153 (79.1%) achieved hemostasis within 5 minutes, compared with 45 of 78 (58.4%) controls (P

A community that is trained to respond to life‐threatening bleeding can reduce the risk of death from trauma and violence. Stop The Bleed is a nationally recognized, free, 1‐hour bleeding control training designed for laypersons. Implementing a campuswide Stop the Bleed initiative can be daunting, yet vital to creating a safe, prepared campus. Guidance is offered by faculty, staff, and students from a Stop the Bleed initiative at a public university in the southern United States. This guide provides real‐life examples and recommendations based on experience. Utilization of population health nursing students is a fundamental component of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopsies and excisions of mucosal surfaces can be challenging due to poor visualization and bleeding control. Surgeons have utilized chalazion clamps to overcome these challenges. However, its original design incorporates a locking mechanism which restricts its use to more proximal mucosal surfaces, does not allow for flexible exertional pressure control by the operator, and it is only available in one size. We designed a modified chalazion clamp without a locking mechanism and in two different sizes and ring diameters to overcome these challenges. In this report, we demonstrate the enhanced utility and effectiveness of the modified chalazion clamp in dermatological procedures through different cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood loss management in craniotomy is essential for a patient's haemodynamic stability and a significantly better view of the surgical site. The study aimed to address the comparative efficacy of labetalol (LAB), remifentanil (REM) and dexmedetomidine (DXM) on the bleeding control during the craniotomy procedure. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind trial, ninety patients eligible for undergoing craniotomy were recruited and assigned to DXM, LAB and REM groups by the block-randomised method. The vital signs, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation (SaO2) after induction and during the hypotension phase every 15 min until the end of surgery and at recovery and certain time points (2, 4 and 6 h post-operative), were recorded. The amount of bleeding, surgeon satisfaction and dose of propofol used, side effects and haemoglobin level before and 12 h after surgery were registered. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS software by one-way analysis of variance, repeated measurement test and Chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in vital signs, including SaO2, blood pressure, HR, duration of surgery, extubation time and the amount of propofol consumed, side effects and haemoglobin level (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the DXM group showed a prolonged recovery time (P = 0.018), less bleeding (P = 0.001) and the highest surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.001) when compared with other groups. Conclusion: Our results showed that DXM helps increase surgeon satisfaction and reduce bleeding while increasing the recovery time. Overall, it does, however, have improved performance without any side effects, based on which DXM can hence be recommended to be used to control bleeding during craniotomy.

Abstract Background The paucity of literature on surgical outcomes of Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients undergoing lung resection suggests some patients with operable lung cancers may be denied resection. The aim of this study is to better understand perioperative outcomes and long-term cancer survival of JW patients undergoing lung resection. Methods All pulmonary resections in JW patients at one institution from 2000 through 2020 were examined. Demographics, comorbidities, operative parameters, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Among operations performed for primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), details regarding staging, extent of resection, additional therapies, recurrence, and survival were abstracted. Results Seventeen lung resections were performed in fourteen patients. There were nine anatomic resections and eight wedge resections. Fourteen resections (82%) were approached thoracoscopically, of which 3 of 6 anatomic resections were converted to thoracotomy as compared to 1 of 8 wedge resections. There was one (6%) perioperative death. Ten resections in 8 patients were performed for primary pulmonary malignancies, and two patients underwent procedures for recurrent disease. Median survival for resected NSCLCs (N = 7) was 65 months. Three of 6 patients who survived the immediate perioperative period underwent additional procedures: 2 pulmonary wedge resections for diagnosis and one pleural biopsy. Conclusions This series of JW patients undergoing lung resections demonstrates that resections for cancer and inflammatory etiologies can be performed safely in the setting of both primary and re-operative procedures.

Sterile silicone ring tourniquets (SSRTs) reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide a wide surgical view. Moreover, they reduce the risk of contamination and are cheaper than conventional pneumatic tourniquets. Our study describes the perioperative outcomes of sterile silicone ring tourniquet placement in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. We prospectively recruited 27 pediatric patients aged < 18 years who underwent 30 orthopedic surgeries between March and September 2021. Following complete surgical draping, all operations were initiated by placing SSRTs. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, details of the tourniquet used, and intra- and postoperative outcomes of tourniquet placement. Owing to the narrowness of tourniquet bands and tourniquet placement at the proximal ends of the extremities, wide surgical fields were achieved, without limiting joint range of motion. Bleeding control was effective. Tourniquets were applied and removed rapidly and safely, regardless of limb circumference. None of the patients experienced postoperative pain, paresthesia, skin problems at the application site, surgical site infections, ischemic problems, or deep vein thrombosis. SSRTs effectively reduced intraoperative blood loss and facilitated wide operative fields in pediatric patients with various limb sizes. These tourniquets allow quick, safe, and effective orthopedic surgery for pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The military has used topical hemostatic agents to successfully treat life‐threatening external bleeding for years. In contrast to the military environment, the general population are increasingly prescribed anticoagulants. There are only few comparative evaluations of topical hemostatic agents with anticoagulated human blood. It is important to understand the impact of these agents on those who take anticoagulants. Study design and Methods: Citrated blood of patients treated with enoxaparin, heparin, and acetylsalicylic acid, apixaban or phenprocoumon was incubated with different hemostatic agents (QuikClot Gauze, Celox Granules, Celox Gauze, Chito SAM 100, WoundClot Trauma Gauze, QuikClot Gauze Moulage Trainer and Kerlix) and rotational thromboelastometry was performed with non‐activated thromboelastometry (NATEM reagent). Results: All tested agents improved the onset of coagulation in all anticoagulants, mostly to a significant degree. Most significant improvements were produced by QuikClot Gauze and QuikClot Gauze Moulage Trainer, followed by the tested chitosans (Celox Granules, Celox Gauze, Chito SAM 100). Of the anticoagulant groups, the most significant improvements were seen in enoxaparin. This was followed in order by apixaban, heparin, and acetylsalicylic acid, and phenprocoumon. Discussion: All the hemostatic agents tested were able to activate the clotting cascade earlier and initiate faster clot formation in anticoagulated blood. A definitive head‐to‐head comparison is not feasible, because of the limitations of an in‐vitro analysis. However, the sometimes‐presented hypothesis that kaolin‐based hemostatic agents are ineffective in anticoagulated blood is inaccurate according to our data. Hemostasis with hemostatic agents appears most challenging with phenprocoumon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective is to analyse peri-operative blood loss (BL) and hidden blood loss (HBL) rates in spinal deformity complex cases surgery, with a focus on the strategies to prevent major bleeding. Methods: We retrospectively analysed surgical and anaesthesiologic data of patients who had been operated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) or adult spinal deformities (ASD) with a minimum of five levels fused. A statistical comparison among AIS, ASD without a pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) (ASD-PSO(−)) and ASD with PSO (ASD-PSO(+)) procedures was performed with a view to identifying patient- and/or surgical-related factors affecting peri-operative BL and HBL. Results: One-hundred patients were included with a mean 9.9 ± 2.8 fused vertebrae and a mean 264.2 ± 68.3 minutes operative time (OT) (28.3 ± 9 min per level). The mean perioperative BL was 641.2 ± 313.8 ml (68.9 ± 39.5 ml per level) and the mean HBL was 556.6 ± 381.8 ml (60.6 ± 42.8 ml per level), with the latter accounting for 51.5% of the estimated blood loss (EBL). On multivariate regression analysis, a longer OT (p < 0.05; OR 3.38) and performing a PSO (p < 0.05; OR 3.37) were related to higher peri-operative BL, while older age (p < 0.05; OR 2.48) and higher BMI (p < 0.05; OR 2.15) were associated to a more significant post-operative HBL. Conclusion: With the correct use of modern technologies and patient management, BL in major spinal deformity surgery can be dramatically reduced. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that 50% of patients estimated losses are hidden and not directly controllable. Knowing the per-level BL allows anticipating global losses and, possibly, the need of allogenic transfusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood loss management in craniotomy is essential for a patient's haemodynamic stability and a significantly better view of the surgical site. The study aimed to address the comparative efficacy of labetalol (LAB), remifentanil (REM) and dexmedetomidine (DXM) on the bleeding control during the craniotomy procedure. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind trial, ninety patients eligible for undergoing craniotomy were recruited and assigned to DXM, LAB and REM groups by the block-randomised method. The vital signs, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation (SaO2) after induction and during the hypotension phase every 15 min until the end of surgery and at recovery and certain time points (2, 4 and 6 h post-operative), were recorded. The amount of bleeding, surgeon satisfaction and dose of propofol used, side effects and haemoglobin level before and 12 h after surgery were registered. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS software by one-way analysis of variance, repeated measurement test and Chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in vital signs, including SaO2, blood pressure, HR, duration of surgery, extubation time and the amount of propofol consumed, side effects and haemoglobin level (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the DXM group showed a prolonged recovery time (P = 0.018), less bleeding (P = 0.001) and the highest surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.001) when compared with other groups. Conclusion: Our results showed that DXM helps increase surgeon satisfaction and reduce bleeding while increasing the recovery time. Overall, it does, however, have improved performance without any side effects, based on which DXM can hence be recommended to be used to control bleeding during craniotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is feasible to create a fully perfused human specimen model with circulating arterial and venous flow via a single arterial inflow cannula. • This perfused human flow model can be used in trauma scenario training for realistic training of advanced bleeding control techniques. • The use of AnubiFiX embalmed human specimen has the advantage of reusability while preserving color, flexibility, and suppleness of the tissues. • Regional arteriovenous flow can be used to reduce the development of tissue edema and increase the durability of the flow model. Prompt and effective hemorrhage control is paramount to improve survival in patients with catastrophic bleeding. In the ever-expanding field of bleeding control techniques, there is a need for a realistic training model to practice these life-saving skills. This study aimed to create a realistic perfused post-mortem human specimen (PMHS) flow model that is suitable for training various bleeding control techniques. This laboratory study was conducted in the SkillsLab & Simulation Center of Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands. One fresh frozen and five AnubiFiX® embalmed PMHS were used for the development of the model. Subsequent improvements in the exact preparation and design of the flow model were made based on model performance and challenges that occurred during this study and are described. Circulating arteriovenous flow with hypertonic saline was established throughout the entire body via inflow and outflow cannulas in the carotid artery and jugular vein of embalmed PMHS. We observed full circulation and major hemorrhage could be mimicked. Effective bleeding control was achieved by placing a resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) catheter in the model. Regional perfusion significantly reduced the development of tissue edema. Our perfused PMHS model with circulating arterial and venous flow appears to be a feasible method for the training of multiple bleeding control techniques. Regional arteriovenous flow successfully reduces tissue edema and increases the durability of the model. Further research should focus on reducing edema and enhancing the durability of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emicizumab promotes effective haemostasis in people with haemophilia A (PwHA). It is indicated for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in PwHA with or without factor (F)VIII inhibitors. Aim: To investigate the effect of emicizumab dose up‐titration in PwHA with suboptimal bleeding control. Methods: Data from seven completed or ongoing phase III studies were pooled. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and bleeding events were evaluated before and after dose up‐titration. Adverse events (AEs) were compared between PwHA with and without dose up‐titration. Results: Of 675 PwHA evaluable for the analysis, 24 (3.6%) had their maintenance dose up‐titrated to 3 mg/kg once weekly (QW). Two participants had neutralising antibodies (nAbs) associated with decreased emicizumab exposure, and dose increase did not compensate for the effect of nAbs. In the other 22 participants, mean emicizumab steady‐state trough concentrations increased from 44.0 to 86.2 μg/mL after up‐titration. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) efficacy period prior to up‐titration was 24.6 (24.0–32.0) weeks. The model‐based annualised bleed rate for 'treated bleeds' and 'all bleeds' decreased by 70.2% and 72.9%, respectively, after a median (IQR) follow‐up of 97.1 (48.4–123.3) weeks in the up‐titration period. Incidences of injection‐site reactions and serious AEs were higher in PwHA with up‐titration; however, this was already observed in these participants before the dose up‐titration. Overall, the safety profile appeared similar between PwHA with and without up‐titration. Conclusion: The dose up‐titration to 3 mg/kg QW was well tolerated. Bleed control improved in most participants whose bleeding tendency was inadequately controlled during clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the resections of endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) and describe our experience in the surgical management of ELST. Methods: Retrospective investigation of consecutive patients who underwent resection of ELSTs at our hospital between 1999 and 2019. The symptoms, diagnosis, surgical findings, and outcomes were analyzed to develop a tumor staging system and corresponding surgical strategy. Results: Retrospective review revealed the surgical treatment of 22 ELSTs. Based on intraoperative findings of tumor extent and size, ELSTs were classified into two types. Type-I (n = 6) referred to the small tumors that were locally confined with limited invasion of semicircular canals and dura; type-II (n = 16) referred to the large tumors that presented extensive erosion of at least one anatomic structure apart from the semicircular canals and the dura around endolymphatic sac. In this case series, Type-I ELST is amenable to resection through a transmastoidal approach, and subtotal petrosectomy is appropriate for the resection of type-II ELST. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most commonly preoperative symptom in both two types of cases. Five type-II ELSTs experienced recurrence and underwent reoperation, whereas all type-I ELSTs did not. Conclusion: ELST usually results in SNHL (95%) at the time of diagnosis. The surgical strategy and prognosis of ELST resections are different between type-I and type-II: type-I ELST is amenable to transmastoidal approach with the preservation of facial nerve, whereas type-II ELST increase the surgical difficulty and the risk of recurrence, and subtotal petrosectomy is the basic requirement for the resection of type-II ELST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: In Germany, current school-based first aid training recommendations do not include children under 13 years. Our aim was therefore to evaluate a primary school-based first aid course for children aged 6–13 years. Methods: Our 2-day course (4 hours per day) for primary schools in the German rural state Brandenburg included basic elements of scene safety, compression bandages, recovery position, and resuscitation. The evaluation of specific knowledge and skills took place 1-day post-course. Results: Among the 1,268 included children (median age 9y, 49% girls) from six primary schools, 25% had previously attended first aid courses. Most children knew emergency phone number(s) pre-course. Afterward, this knowledge improved by 15% in the 6–7-year age group (reaching 80%) whereas it remained at 90% in children aged 8–13 years. After the course, about 80% of the 8–13-year-old children (40% in 6–7-year age group) answered at least one resuscitation question correctly. In the practical skill assessments, about 80% of the 8–13-year-old children (60% in the 6–7-year age group) chose a correct or almost-correct chest compression rate during resuscitation. The correct depth of compression was achieved by about 80% (10–13 years), 60% (8–9 years), and 40% (6–7 years). Three-quarters successfully put another child in the recovery position; more than two-thirds applied a compression bandage appropriately. Conclusions: A 2-day course in a primary school setting showed considerable improvement in first aid and resuscitation skills of children aged 6–13 years. Future studies should examine these effects’ sustainability and the appropriate timing for refresher courses. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In Deutschland umfassen die aktuellen schulbasierten Erste-Hilfe-Schulungsempfehlungen keine Kinder unter 13 Jahren. Unser Ziel war es daher, einen Erste-Hilfe-Kurs für Grundschulen zu evaluieren. Material und Methode: Unser zweitägiger Kurs (4 Stunden pro Tag) für Grundschulen im Bundesland Brandenburg umfasste Basiselemente der eigenen Sicherheit am Unfallort, Kompressionsverbände, stabile Seitenlage und Wiederbelebung. Nach der Basiserhebung kurz vor Schulungsbeginn fand die Evaluation spezifischer Kenntnisse (mit Fragebogen) und Fertigkeiten einen Tag nach dem Kurs statt. Ergebnisse Unter den 1.268 eingeschlossenen Kindern (Altersmedian 9 Jahre, 49% Mädchen) von sechs Grundschulen hatten 25% bereits früher an einem Erste-Hilfe-Kurs teilgenommen. Die meisten Kinder kannten vor dem Kurs bereits die Notrufnummer(n). Danach verbesserte sich dieses Wissen um 15% und erreichte 80% in der Altersgruppe der 6-7-Jährigen, während es bei älteren Kindern (8-13 Jahre) bei 90% blieb. Nach dem Kurs beantworteten 40% der 6-7-Jährigen und etwa 80% der 8-13-jährigen Kinder mindestens eine Frage zur Reanimation richtig. Bei den Bewertungen der praktischen Fertigkeiten wählten 60% der 6-7-Jährigen und etwa 80% der 8-13-jährigen Kinder während der Wiederbelebung die korrekte oder nahezu korrekte Rate der Kompression des Brustkorbs aus. Die richtige Kompressionstiefe wurde von 40% (6-7 Jahre), 60% (8-9 Jahre) und etwa 80% (10-13 Jahre) erreicht. Drei Viertel der Teilnehmenden setzten erfolgreich ein anderes Kind in die Stabile Seitenlage; mehr als zwei Drittel legten einen Kompressionsverband angemessen an. Schlussfolgerungen Ein zweitägiger Kurs in der Grundschule führte in allen Altersgruppen von 6-13 Jahren zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung ihrer Kenntnisse in Erster-Hilfe und Fähigkeiten bei der Wiederbelebung. Zukünftige Studien sollten die Nachhaltigkeit dieser Effekte und den geeigneten Zeitpunkt für Auffrischungskurse untersuchen. Streszczenie Tło Obecne zalecenia dotyczące szkolenia z pierwszej pomocy w niemieckich szkołach nie obejmują dzieci poniżej 13 roku życia. Naszym celem było zatem ocenienie kursu pierwszej pomocy dla dzieci w wieku od 6 do 13 lat prowadzonego w szkole podstawowej. Metody Nasz dwudniowy kurs (4 godziny dziennie) dla szkół podstawowych na obszarach wiejskich w niemieckim kraju związkowym Brandenburgia obejmował podstawowe elementy bezpieczeństwa w miejscu zdarzenia, bandażowanie uciskowe, pozycję bezpieczną i resuscytację. Ocena konkretnych umiejętności i wiedzy odbyła się dzień po zakończeniu kursu. Wyniki Wśród 1268 uwzględnionych dzieci (średni wiek 9 lat, 49% dziewczyn) z sześciu szkół podstawowych, 25% uczestniczyło wcześniej w kursach pierwszej pomocy. Większość dzieci przed kursem znała już numer(y) alarmowy. Po kursie wiedza ta poprawiła się o 15% w grupie wiekowej 6-7 lat (osiągając 80%), podczas gdy w grupie wiekowej 8-13 lat pozostała na poziomie 90%. Po kursie około 80% dzieci w wieku od 8 do 13 lat (40% w grupie wiekowej 6-7 lat) poprawnie odpowiedziało na co najmniej jedno pytanie dotyczące resuscytacji. W ocenach praktycznych umiejętności, około 80% dzieci w wieku od 8 do 13 lat (60% w grupie wiekowej 6-7 lat) wybrało właściwe lub prawie właściwe tempo ucisków klatki piersiowej podczas resuscytacji. Prawidłowa głębokość ucisków była osiągana przez około 80% (w wieku od 10 do 13 lat), 60% (w wieku od 8 do 9 lat) i 40% (w wieku od 6 do 7 lat). Trzy czwarte dzieci skutecznie ułożyło inne dziecko w pozycji bezpiecznej, a ponad dwie trzecie odpowiednio zastosowało bandaż uciskowy. Wnioski Dwudniowy kurs przeprowadzony w szkole podstawowej wykazał znaczną poprawę umiejętności pierwszej pomocy i resuscytacji u dzieci w wieku od 6 do 13 lat. W przyszłych badaniach należy zbadać trwałość tych efektów oraz odpowiedni czas na odświeżenie wiedzy pozyskanej na kursach. Schlüsselwörter: Grundschule, Erste Hilfe, Wiederbelebung, Laienschulung, Schulkinder, Schüler, Basisreanimation, Klassenzimmer, Blutungsstillung, Kompressionsverband, Stabile Seitenlage, Wiederbelebung, Laien-Wiederbelebung Słowa kluczowe: szkoła podstawowa, pierwsza pomoc, resuscytacja, szkolenie dla laików, dzieci szkolne, uczniowie

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a tool used in the management of hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients. REBOA has also been proposed as an option for non-traumatic hemorrhage, such as gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. In this case report, the use of a partial REBOA (p-REBOA) for a patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage is presented as a management strategy to temporize bleeding. Methods: Case information was obtained from the electronic medical record at the University Medical Center in New Orleans. Results: A 46-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with concern for an upper GI bleed. The patient was tachycardic on presentation and then quickly became unresponsive. Massive transfusion protocol was initiated and a p-REBOA catheter was placed in Zone 1. After the REBOA was inflated 20 mL in 2 mL increments, the patient’s blood pressure improved, while maintaining distal perfusion. An exploratory laparotomy, with an angiogram once the patient had been stabilized, was planned. Despite resuscitative efforts for more than 2 hours, the patient progressed to cardiac arrest and did not have return of spontaneous circulation. Conclusions: This case report describes the use of p-REBOA in Zone 1 to control hemorrhage in a patient with a suspected upper GI bleed. This strategy could be utilized in patients with suspected non-traumatic hemorrhage in order to control bleeding temporarily and allow for ongoing resuscitation and stabilization of a patient prior to definitive treatment.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death. The "Stop the Bleed" (StB) program trains laypersons in hemorrhage control. This study evaluated the efficacy of video-based StB training. Participants watched two different videos: a didactic video (DdV) and a technical video (TeV) demonstrating proper techniques for StB skills (i.e., direct pressure [DP], wound packing [WP], and tourniquet application [TA]). Then, they completed a standardized skills examination (SE). Participants were surveyed at three different time points (baseline, post-DdV, and post-SE) for comparison. We compared paired categorical and continuous variables with the McNemar-Bowker test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Alpha was set at 0.05. One hundred six participants were enrolled: 52% were female and the median age was 23 y (22, 24). At baseline, 29%, 8%, and 13% reported being somewhat or extremely confident with DP, WP, and TA, respectively. These percentages increased to 92%, 79%, and 76%, respectively, after the DdV (all, P < 0.0001). After the TeV and SE, percentages increased further to 100%, 96%, and 100% (all, P < 0.0001). During the SE, 96%, 99%, and 89% of participants were able to perform DP, WP, and TA without prompting. Among participants, 98% agreed that the video course was effective and 79% agreed that the DdV and TeV were engaging. We describe a novel paradigm of video-based StB learning combined with an in-person, standardized SE. Confidence scores in performing the three crucial StB tasks increased significantly during and after course completion. Through remote learning, StB could be disseminated more widely. • Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death. • Stop the Bleed courses train laypersons in hemorrhage control. • We describe the implementation of a video-based Stop the Bleed course. • Through remote learning, Stop the Bleed courses could be disseminated more widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paucity of literature on surgical outcomes of Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients undergoing lung resection suggests some patients with operable lung cancers may be denied resection. The aim of this study is to better understand perioperative outcomes and long-term cancer survival of JW patients undergoing lung resection.Methods: All pulmonary resections in JW patients at one institution from 2000 through 2020 were examined. Demographics, comorbidities, operative parameters, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Among operations performed for primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), details regarding staging, extent of resection, additional therapies, recurrence, and survival were abstracted.Results: Seventeen lung resections were performed in fourteen patients. There were nine anatomic resections and eight wedge resections. Fourteen resections (82%) were approached thoracoscopically, of which 3 of 6 anatomic resections were converted to thoracotomy as compared to 1 of 8 wedge resections. There was one (6%) perioperative death. Ten resections in 8 patients were performed for primary pulmonary malignancies, and two patients underwent procedures for recurrent disease. Median survival for resected NSCLCs (N = 7) was 65 months. Three of 6 patients who survived the immediate perioperative period underwent additional procedures: 2 pulmonary wedge resections for diagnosis and one pleural biopsy.Conclusions: This series of JW patients undergoing lung resections demonstrates that resections for cancer and inflammatory etiologies can be performed safely in the setting of both primary and re-operative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hemorrhagic shock requires immediate treatment to prevent mortality and organ dysfunction. This study evaluates the efficacy of methylene blue (MB) with blood transfusion (BT) as a potential rescue therapy in acute severe bleeding in pigs., Methods: Thirty animals were randomly assigned to one of six groups following the induction of fixed-pressure hemorrhagic shock, after reaching a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 55 mmHg - Group 1 (60 BT: BT after 60 minutes), Group 2 (60 MB: MB infusion after 60 minutes), Group 3 (60 MB + BT: MB and BT after 60 minutes), Group 4 (15 MB + BT: MB and BT after 15 minutes), Group 5 (15 BT + 60 MB: BT after 15 minutes and MB infusion after 60 minutes), and Group 6 (15 MB + 60 BT: MB infusion after 15 minutes and BT after 60 minutes). Hemodynamic and blood gas parameters were meticulously recorded, reversal of the shock was considered when MAP reached 90% of the baseline MAP., Results: Except for Group 2, all groups reverted from the shock. However, groups that received MB in combination with BT, specifically Groups 3 and 4, exhibited statistically significant higher ratios of maximum MAP to baseline MAP., Conclusion: Using MB concomitant with BT allowed the reversal of hemorrhagic shock with higher median arterial pressure levels compared to BT alone or applying MB separately from BT. This suggests that simultaneous application of MB and BT could be a more effective strategy for reversing the effects of severe acute bleeding.

Abstract Introduction First aid performed by immediate responders can be the difference between life and death in the case of trauma with massive bleeding. To develop effective training programs to teach bleeding control to laypersons, it is important to be aware of beliefs and misconceptions people hold on bleeding and severity of bleeding situations. Method A controlled study was conducted in which 175 American college students viewed 78 video clips of simulated bleeding injuries. The volume of blood present (between 0 and 1900 ml), rate of blood flow, and victim gender were systematically varied within participants. Participants were asked to rate injury severity, indicate the appropriate first aid action, and estimate the amount of time until death for the victim. Results Though the Stop the Bleed® campaign recommends training laypeople to treat 165 ml of blood loss as life threatening, participants largely rated this volume of blood loss as minimal, mild, or moderate and estimated that the victim had just under one hour to live. Increased blood loss was associated with increased recommendations to use a tourniquet. However, in the 1900 ml conditions, participants still estimated that victims had around 22 minutes to live and approximately 15% recommended direct pressure as the intervention. Severity ratings and recommendations to use a tourniquet were also higher for the male victim than the female victim. Conclusions Injury classification, intervention selection, and time to death-estimations revealed that training interventions should connect classifications of blood loss to appropriate action and focus on perceptions of how much time one has to respond to a bleeding. The study also revealed a gender related bias in terms of injury classification and first aid recommendations. Bleeding control training programs can be designed to address identified biases and misconceptions while building on existing knowledge and commonly used terminology.

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin and a selective vasopressin receptor 2 agonist. It was first synthesised in 1967 and utilised for its antidiuretic properties. It is also used in bleeding disorders to enhance clotting. Other potential uses of the drug have been reported. The present review aims to provide a broad overview of the literature on potential further uses of oral forms of desmopressin. Key therapeutic areas of interest were identified based on known physiological activities/targets of desmopressin or reports of an effect of desmopressin in the literature. The feasibility of adequate dosing with oral forms of the drug was also considered. Systematic literature searches were carried out using the silvi.ai software for the identified areas, and summaries of available papers were included in tables and discussed. The results of the searches showed that desmopressin has been investigated for its efficacy in a number of areas, including bleeding control, renal colic, the central nervous system and oncology. Evidence suggests that oral desmopressin may have the potential to be of clinical benefit for renal colic and bleeding control in particular. However, further research is needed to clarify its effect in these areas, including randomised controlled studies and studies specifically of oral formulations (and doses). Further research may also yield findings for cancer, cognition and overactive bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous advances in surgical procedures require continuous research regarding materials with surgical applications. Biopolymers are widely studied since they usually provide a biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic material. Among them, chitosan is a promising material for the development of formulations and devices with surgical applications due to its intrinsic bacteriostatic, fungistatic, hemostatic, and analgesic properties. A wide range of products has been manufactured with this polymer, including scaffolds, sponges, hydrogels, meshes, membranes, sutures, fibers, and nanoparticles. The growing interest of researchers in the use of chitosan-based materials for tissue regeneration is obvious due to extensive research in the application of chitosan for the regeneration of bone, nervous tissue, cartilage, and soft tissues. Chitosan can serve as a substance for the administration of cell-growth promoters, as well as a support for cellular growth. Another interesting application of chitosan is hemostasis control, with remarkable results in studies comparing the use of chitosan-based dressings with traditional cotton gauzes. In addition, chitosan-based or chitosan-coated surgical materials provide the formulation with antimicrobial activity that has been highly appreciated not only in dressings but also for surgical sutures or meshes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the bulk of the global burden of traumatic injury, yet many lack adequate prehospital trauma care systems. The Stop the Bleed (STB) course, designed to equip bystanders with bleeding control skills, is infrequently offered in LMICs, and its impact in these settings is unknown. To examine the frequency and effectiveness of STB interventions in LMICs, we quantified nursing student trainees' encounters with bleeding victims after STB training in rural Sierra Leone. Local providers and volunteers from a US-based surgical nongovernmental organization taught an STB course to nursing students in Kabala, Sierra Leone. One month and 1 year after the course, trainees completed follow-up surveys describing encounters with traumatic hemorrhage victims since the course. Of 121 total STB trainees, 82 completed the 1-month follow-up survey, with 75% reporting at least one encounter with a bleeding victim. This increased to 98% at 12 months (100 responses, average 2 ± 2 encounters). Injuries were most commonly sustained on victims' legs (32%) and most often precipitated by motorcycle crashes (31%). Respondents intervened in 99% of encounters, and 97% of patients receiving intervention survived. Although only 20% of respondents used a tourniquet, this technique produced the highest survival rate (100%). Nearly all respondents had encounters with victims of traumatic hemorrhage within 1 year of the STB course, and trainees effectively applied bleeding control techniques, leading to 97% survival among victims receiving intervention. These findings indicate the lifesaving impact of STB training in one rural LMIC setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Major elective orthopedic surgery is often associated with blood loss, requiring the need for blood transfusion. A possible pharmacological option to reduce surgical blood loss in total arthroplasty is the use of tranexamic acid. The objective of the study was to undertake a meta-analysis investigating the effects of tranexamic acid on knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed, Central, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to March 23, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials concerning tranexamic acid (TXA) administration during knee arthroplasty. Overall and stratified pooled odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-two articles were included. Pooled analysis showed that hemoglobin changes in TXA group was 3.4 ± 3.1, compared to 4.03 ± 2.62 for non-TXA group (MD = -1.30; 95% CI: -1.57 to -1.03; I2 = 99%; p<0.001). Total blood loss was reported in 31 trials and was statistically significantly lower in the TXA group compared to non-TXA (MD = -391.51; 95% CI: -454.29 to -328.73; p < 0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was lower when using TXA rather than non-TXA (MD = -32.10; 95% CI: -50.63 to -13.58; p < 0.001). 24-hours blood loss from the drain was also lower with TXA than with placebo (MD = -228.68; 95% CI: -293.31 to -164.05; p < 0.001). The above dependencies also applied to the intravenous as well as topical application of TXA. Blood transfusion was performed in 11.2% of patients from TXA group, compared to 34.3% of patients treated with placebo (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.22; p < 0.001). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 4.6% of patients treated with TXA, compared to 5.8% of patients treated with placebo (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.35; p = 0.42) and pulmonary embolism was 0.5% in TXA group and 1.4% in placebo group (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.36; p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid is effective and safe in reducing blood loss, the requirement for blood transfusion, and drain output in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 38% of students were unable to control hemorrhage with a windlass tourniquet. • Skills decay for appropriate tourniquet placement is seen at one and six months. • Gender disparities may exist in the performance of applying a windlass tourniquet. Civilians are often first-line responders in hemorrhage control; however, windlass tourniquets are not intuitive. Untrained users reading enclosed instructions failed in 38.2% of tourniquet applications. This prospective follow-up study replicated testing following Stop the Bleed (STB) training. One and six months following STB, first-year medical students were randomly assigned a windlass tourniquet with enclosed instructions. Each was given one minute to read instructions and two minutes to apply the windlass tourniquet on the TraumaFX HEMO trainer. Demographics, time to read instructions and stop bleeding, blood loss, and simulation success were analyzed. 100 students received STB training. 31 and 34 students completed tourniquet testing at one month and six months, respectively. At both intervals, 38% of students were unable to control hemorrhage (P = 0.97). When compared to the pilot study without STB training (median 48 sec, IQR 33–60 sec), the time taken to read the instructions was shorter one month following STB (P <0.001), but there was no difference at 6 months (P = 0.1). Incorrect placement was noted for 19.4% and 23.5% of attempts at 1 and 6 months. Male participants were more successful in effective placement at one month (93.3% versus 31.3%, P = 0.004) and at six months (77.8% versus 43.8%, p = 0.04). Skills decay for tourniquet application was observed between 1 and 6 months following STB. Instruction review and STB produced the same hemorrhage control rates as reading enclosed instructions without prior training. Training efforts must continue; but an intuitive tourniquet relying less on mechanical advantage is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uncontrolled bleeding is a preventable cause of death in rural trauma. Herein, we examined the appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety of tourniquet application for bleeding control in a rural trauma system. Methods: Medical records of adult patients admitted to our academic Level I trauma center between July 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics (age, gender), injury (Injury severity score, Glascow Coma scale, mechanism of injury), tourniquet (type, tourniquet application site, tourniquet duration, place of application and removal, indication), and outcome data (complications such as amputation, acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, or nerve palsy and mortality) were collected. Tourniquet indications, effectiveness, and complications were evaluated. Data were compared to those in urban settings. Results: Ninety-two patients (94 tourniquets) were identified, of which 58.7% incurred penetrating injuries. Eighty-seven tourniquets (92.5%) were applied in the prehospital setting. Twenty tourniquets (21.3%) were applied to patients without an appropriate indication. Two of these tourniquets were applied in a hospital setting, while 18 occurred in the prehospital setting (p = 0.638). Patients with a non-indicated tourniquet presented with a higher hemoglobin level on admission, received less packed red blood cell units within the first 24 hours of hospitalization, and were less likely to require surgery for hemostasis. None of the non-indicated tourniquets led to a complication. Indicated tourniquets were deemed ineffective in seven cases (9.5%); they were all applied in the prehospital setting. The average tourniquet time was 123 min in rural vs. 48 min in urban settings, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference in mortality, amputation rates and incidence of nerve palsy between the rural and urban settings. Conclusion: Even with long transport times, early tourniquet application for hemorrhage control in rural settings is safe with no significant attributable morbidity and mortality compared to published studies on urban civilian tourniquet use. The observed rates of non-indicated and ineffective tourniquets indicate suboptimal tourniquet usage and application. Opportunity exists for standardized hemorrhage control training on the use of direct pressure and pressure dressings, indications for tourniquet use, and effective tourniquet application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Over a consecutive 2-year period, 824 adult cardiac surgery patients who received TXA during an EACA shortage were compared with 778 patients who received EACA postshortage. Patient characteristics and process and outcome variables were collected through chart review and database queries. This retrospective analysis used inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for confounding by indication, and propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results: In adjusted models, overall transfusion rates for the TXA cohort (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.81-1.10) and administration of platelets (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.85-1.27), red blood cells (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.80-1.09), fresh frozen plasma (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.79-1.25), and cryoprecipitate (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.71-1.64) were equivalent to the EACA cohort. In addition, there was no statistical difference with respect to stroke, seizure, mortality, reoperation for bleeding, chest tube drainage, and acute kidney injury. Patients who received TXA had shorter ventilator times (difference in medians −1.33 hours [95% CI, −1.86 to −0.80]) and lower postsurgical charges (difference of medians −$2913 [95% CI, −5147 to −679]). Conclusions: Substituting TXA for EACA during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass did not change transfusion rate or amount, nor was there a significant difference in chest tube drainage. Patients who received TXA had a statistically significant but not clinically significant lower postoperative ventilator times and charges without an increase in mortality, stroke, reoperation for bleeding, acute kidney injury, or seizures.

Amaç: Total diz artroplastisi(TDA) sonrası kan kaybını, hemoglobin düşüklüğünü, kan transfüzyon ihtiyacını ve hastanede kalış süresini azaltmak için traneksamik asit (TXA)’ in topikal uygulamasındaki etkinliğini değerlendirmektir.Yöntem: Total diz artroplastisi yapılan 40 hasta, 59-83 yaşları arasından seçilmiştir. VAS 7’ nin üzerinde, Ahlback evre 4-5 ve ASA 1. ve 2. grup olan hastalar çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Ameliyatlar aynı cerrah ve standart medial parapatellar artrotomi ile aynı marka implantlar kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Ameliyat boyunca turnike sadece sementleme aşamasında kullanılmıştır. Koagülopati, pulmoner emboli, akut myokard enferktüsü, beyin felci, kronik arter hastalığı hikayesi olanlar ve hemoglobin seviyesi 10 g/dl nin altında olan hastalar çalışmaya alınmamıştır. Hastalar 2 gruba ayrıldı. Grup A’ daki hastalara artrotomi kapatıldıktan sonra 4 ampül 250 mg %10 TXA salin ile seyreltilerek diz eklemine enjekte edildi. 2 saat boyunca dren kapalı tutuldu. Grup B’ deki hastalarda TXA kullanılmadı. Drenler 48. Saat sonunda çekildi. Kan hemoglobin değerleri 8 g/dl’ nin altına düşmedikçe kan transfüzyonu yapılmadı. Hastalar ko-morbiditeleri açısından da değerlendirmeye alındı.Bulgular: 40 hastanın 8 (%20)’ ine kan transfüzyonu yapıldı. Bunların 6 (%75)’ sı TXA kullanılmayan Grup B’ deki hastalar idi. Grup A’ da sadece hastaların 2 (%10)’ sine kan trasfüzyonu yapıldı. Grup B’ deki kan trasfüzyonu yapılan hastaların 1 tanesine 2 ünite kan replase edilmiştir. Ameliyat sonrası ilk 24 saatteki kan drenaj miktarlarına bakıldığında Grup A’ da 232,5 cc, Grup B’ de 407,75 cc idi. 48. saat sonundaki toplam drenaj miktarına bakıldığında Grup A’ da 370,5 cc, Grup B’ de 552,2 cc olarak görüldü. Ameliyat sırasında ortalama kanama miktarı Grup A’ da 247,5 cc, Grup B’ de 235 cc idi. Ameliyat öncesi ortalama hemoglobin değeri Grup A’ da 13 g/dl iken Grup B’ de 12,75 g/dl idi. Ameliyattan sonraki 6. Saatte alınan hemoglobin değeri Grup A’ da 11,7, Grup B’ de 11 g/dl olarak gözlendi. Ameliyat sonrası ilk 24. saatteki hemoglobin değerleri Grup A’ da 11,07 iken Grup B’ de 10,6 idi. 48. saatteki hemoglobin değerleri Grup A’ da 10,3 iken Grup B’ de 9,5 olarak gözlendi. Postop dönemdeki hemoglobin değişim seviyelerine ve drenaj miktarlarına bakıldığında TXA kullanılan grupta özellikle ilk 24. saatteki drenaj miktarında diğer gruba oranla önemli bir azalma olduğu gözlemlenmiştir.Çıkarımlar: Total diz artroplastisinde traneksamik asit kullanımı postoperatif kanama miktarını anlamlı şekilde azaltır. TXA' nın intravenöz yerine eklem içi olarak uygulanmasıyla sistemik absorpsiyon azaltılabilir ve istenmeyen yan etkiler hafifletilebilir. Bu çalışmanın bulguları toplam kan kaybında ve hemoglobin seviyelerindeki azalmada bir düşüş olduğunu ve dolayısıyla kan transfüzyonu ihtiyacını azalttığını göstermiştir.

The use of oral gauze is a quick, cheap, and effective method of preventing bleeding into the patient's mouth during dermatologic surgery. We recommend this technique combined with appropriate positioning for lesions in the perioral and perinasal regions. Similar approaches may be applied for the prevention of bleeding into the ear canal during facial/periauricular surgery.

Introduction Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) affects postoperative outcomes. Although the hemostatic effect of a flowable gelatin hemostatic matrix (FGHM) is known across several surgical fields, its effectiveness on TKA remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the amount of bleeding across three groups treated with different doses of FGHM in TKA. Methods Overall, 122 knee joints of patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA were included and divided into three groups according to FGHM dose: absence of FGHM (control group, N=48), administration of 5 mL of FGHM (5 mL group, N=46), and administration of 8 mL of FGHM (8 mL group, N=38). Total hemoglobin (Hb) loss, drain output, hidden blood loss (HBL), calculated total blood loss (TBL) on the first postoperative day (POD1) and one week postoperatively (POD7), postoperative flexion angle at one week and discharge, and incidence of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were assessed. Results At POD1, the mean total Hb losses were 6.3±3.1g (control group), 5.5±3.3g (5 mL group), and 5.3±2.5g (8 mL group), with no significant differences. At POD7, the mean Hb losses were 9.1±4.6g (control), 8.7±3.6g (5 mL), and 8.3±4.0g (8 mL), also with no significant differences. Mean drain outputs and HBLs showed no significant differences among groups. While there was a decreasing trend in TBL with higher FGHM doses, it was not statistically significant at either POD1 or POD7. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean postoperative flexion angle at POD7 or discharge among the groups (99.7±12.6°, 95.7±12.5°, 98.3±13.8° at POD7; 115.9±9.7°, 113.8±9.6°, 116.6±9.2° at discharge). Of these, only one patient in the 8 mL group developed proximal DVT. Conclusion Despite a trend towards decreased bleeding with FGHM, no significant differences were found among the three groups. However, the clinical utility of this hemostatic agent for reducing blood loss after primary TKA remains still unclear., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Review Board of Oita University Hospital issued approval No. 1850. Informed consent was obtained in the form of an opt-out. The need for informed consent from individual patients was waived by the ethics committee of our institution. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Matsuda et al.)

Hemostatic materials are widely used for bleeding control. However, existing blood‐absorbing wound dressing materials have two unaddressed challenges, blood loss through the hydrophilic material and strong clot adhesion that prevents gauze removal. Here, a nonwetting nanofiber structured material based on a two‐step spray coating procedure for hemostatic application is developed. Interfacial behaviors at the blood/clot‐material interface are exploited for bleeding control and minimizing wound adhesion. It is shown that this nonwetting material can retain blood within the wound, thus preventing blood loss. The nanofiber structure and kaolin microparticles collectively promote fast clotting to seal the wound and generate point‐to‐point contacts between clot and the nanofiber surface. These point‐to‐point contacts would subsequently be damaged by the interfacial shear induced by clot contraction, generating a peeling force significantly smaller than commercial low‐adherent or fast‐clotting hemostatic products. Its bleeding control and low adhesion properties are verified by in vivo animal experiments. The work therefore provides an efficient hemostatic material with excellent bleeding control and low wound adhesion properties, demonstrating an effective strategy to design advanced hemostatic materials by exploiting the interfacial behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control Course (B-Con) empowers bystanders with hemorrhage control skills to manage prehospital emergencies, but demonstrates poor skill retention. The point of care use of a free Stop the Bleed mobile phone application on the retention of hemorrhage control skills from the B-Con Course was explored. Convenience sample of college students previously trained in B-Con were randomized into mobile application (MA) or control groups. The use of a mobile application during a simulated emergency scenario with tourniquet and situational awareness skills was assessed. Wound packing skill retention without intervention was also assessed. Survey data allowed for comparison of participant perceptions of skills with actual performances. MA (n = 30) was superior to control (n = 32) in correct tourniquet application (62.5% versus 30.0%; P = 0.01) with longer placement times (163 sec versus 95 sec; P < 0.001) and in calling 911 (31.3% versus 3.3%, P = 0.004). Participants maintain inflated perceptions of their skills, but generally feel underprepared for a future bleeding emergency. Mobile apps improve tourniquet and situational awareness skills and may serve as potential aids to improve bystander hemorrhage control skills in real-time, but require further prospective investigation into its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) are one of the toughest public health challenges confronting India. An estimated 40% of RTI deaths are due to uncontrolled bleeding. Stopping the bleeding in the first few minutes is crucial for meaningful survival considering the delays between the RTI and definitive trauma care. Our objective was to develop and implement a lay first responder Active Bleeding Control (ABC) program to help RTI victims along two high risk corridors using simulation methodology. Methods: ABC is a multi-partner collaboration pilot program with government and non-governmental agencies. Therefore, using EMS and Police geolocation data, two corridors of 50 kms of highway with high risk of RTI were identified in Medchal district (population 2.5 million) near Hyderabad city, India. In depth interviews with 22 potential lay first responders were conducted in 2019 to understand the barriers for helping RTI victims. Simulation training modules were developed using a step-by-step scenario script and a 90-min curriculum including a video. A low cost ‘stop the bleed kit’ was developed and distributed among volunteers. Data collection to capture use cases, barriers and facilitators to program success is ongoing. Results: All 22 respondents reported having witnessed many life-threatening RTI in the area, and had no previous knowledge, training or skills in bleeding control. 1005 ABC volunteers have now been simulation trained to stop the bleed. Of these, 162 have self-reported helping RTI victims on the selected highway corridors. The ABC pilot program shows that by training lay first responders to assess and arrest bleeding, passive RTI “by-standers” can be converted into active “try-standers”. Conclusion: The ABC program has the potential to create a much-needed community of trained citizens to help save lives from RTI in India.

Introduction: First aid performed by immediate responders can be the difference between life and death in the case of trauma with massive bleeding. To develop effective training programs to teach bleeding control to laypersons, it is important to be aware of beliefs and misconceptions people hold on bleeding and severity of bleeding situations.Method: A controlled study was conducted in which 175 American college students viewed 78 video clips of simulated bleeding injuries. The volume of blood present (between 0 and 1900 ml), rate of blood flow, and victim gender were systematically varied within participants. Participants were asked to rate injury severity, indicate the appropriate first aid action, and estimate the amount of time until death for the victim.Results: Though the Stop the Bleed® campaign recommends training laypeople to treat 165 ml of blood loss as life threatening, participants largely rated this volume of blood loss as minimal, mild, or moderate and estimated that the victim had just under one hour to live. Increased blood loss was associated with increased recommendations to use a tourniquet. However, in the 1900 ml conditions, participants still estimated that victims had around 22 minutes to live and approximately 15% recommended direct pressure as the intervention. Severity ratings and recommendations to use a tourniquet were also higher for the male victim than the female victim.Conclusions: Injury classification, intervention selection, and time to death-estimations revealed that training interventions should connect classifications of blood loss to appropriate action and focus on perceptions of how much time one has to respond to a bleeding. The study also revealed a gender related bias in terms of injury classification and first aid recommendations. Bleeding control training programs can be designed to address identified biases and misconceptions while building on existing knowledge and commonly used terminology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Stop the Bleed (STB) is a national initiative that provides lifesaving hemorrhagic control education. In 2019, pharmacists were added as health-care personnel eligible to become STB instructors. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacist-led STB trainings for school employees in South Texas. Methods: Pharmacist-led STB trainings were provided to teachers and staff in Laredo, Texas. The 60-min trainings included a presentation followed by hands-on practice of tourniquet application, wound-packing, and direct pressure application. Training efficacy was assessed through anonymous pre- and postevent surveys, which evaluated changes in knowledge, comfort level, and willingness to assist in hemorrhage control interventions. Student volunteers (predominantly pharmacy and medical students) assisted in leading the hands-on portion, providing a unique interprofessional learning opportunity. Results: Participants with previous training (N = 98) were excluded, resulting in a final cohort of 437 (response rate 87.4%). Compared with baseline, comfort level using tourniquets (mean, 3.17/5 vs 4.20/5; P < 0.0001), opinion regarding tourniquet safety (2.59/3 vs 2.94/3; P < 0.0001), and knowledge regarding tourniquets (70.86/100 vs 75.84/100; P < 0.0001) and proper tourniquet placement (2.40/4 vs 3.15/4; P < 0.0001) significantly improved. Conclusions: Pharmacist-led STB trainings are efficacious in increasing school worker knowledge and willingness to respond in an emergency hemorrhagic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: External emergency stabilization (EES) of unstable pelvic fractures reduces haemorrhage and mortality. Available are non-invasive procedures (sheet sling and pelvic binder) and invasive procedures (external fixator and pelvic C-clamp). Nevertheless, there is no recommended standard as to which procedure for EES should be used. Methods: Prospectively collected data between 2007 and 2016 from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry were used to evaluate 989 patients with in-hospital EES. Besides age, gender and injury severity score (ISS), the fracture classification was evaluated. Furthermore, the frequency of used EES, time to application, their reported efficacy and the frequencies of change to another EES were investigated. Results: The use of pelvic binders increased up to 40% while all other procedures decreased in frequency over the 10-year period. The ISS was highest in patients treated with a pelvic C-clamp or combination of pelvic C-clamp and external fixator (p < 0.05). Non-invasive stabilization was applied significantly faster than invasive procedures (p < 0.0001). Overall, the reported efficacy was good (at least 70%) for all procedures but with poorest results for the pelvic binder and best for the external fixator (p < 0.00001). Most change to another EES was found for the sheet sling and pelvic binder. Conclusion: In case of suspected unstable pelvic fracture, an EES should be performed, in case of doubt with a non-invasive EES until imaging and final diagnosis. Which method should be used depends on the individual situation and the available information about the overall injury pattern. Invasive EES are preferable for treatment according to Damage Control Orthopaedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous advances in surgical procedures require continuous research regarding materials with surgical applications. Biopolymers are widely studied since they usually provide a biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic material. Among them, chitosan is a promising material for the development of formulations and devices with surgical applications due to its intrinsic bacteriostatic, fungistatic, hemostatic, and analgesic properties. A wide range of products has been manufactured with this polymer, including scaffolds, sponges, hydrogels, meshes, membranes, sutures, fibers, and nanoparticles. The growing interest of researchers in the use of chitosan-based materials for tissue regeneration is obvious due to extensive research in the application of chitosan for the regeneration of bone, nervous tissue, cartilage, and soft tissues. Chitosan can serve as a substance for the administration of cell-growth promoters, as well as a support for cellular growth. Another interesting application of chitosan is hemostasis control, with remarkable results in studies comparing the use of chitosan-based dressings with traditional cotton gauzes. In addition, chitosan-based or chitosan-coated surgical materials provide the formulation with antimicrobial activity that has been highly appreciated not only in dressings but also for surgical sutures or meshes.

Background: A large amount of blood flows in and out of the liver through the inflow system consisting of the portal vein and hepatic artery within the Glissonean cord and the outflow system constituted by the hepatic veins. Methods: During liver parenchymal dissection, useful methods to maintain a dry operative field are to control the inflow system with the Pringle maneuver and the outflow system by managing the central venous pressure. Additionally, mature techniques of dissecting the liver parenchyma, which can prevent injury to the blood vessels and appropriately and promptly stop bleeding, are fundamental. Similar to archaeological excavation, in which buried remains are unearthed and exposed in intact form, the Glissonean cords and hepatic veins buried in the liver parenchyma should be exposed or isolated without causing injury to these structures during liver parenchymal dissection. Results: The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) is useful as a surgical device for excavation because it has multiple functions in one device. However, there have been no systematic guidelines on how to use it effectively during hepatectomy. Conclusion: We herein describe how to use the CUSA, based on our knowledge and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraoperative or postoperative bleeding during any periodontal surgical procedure can to some serious complications. Difficulties related to bleeding can be seen in both healthy individuals as well as bleeding disorder patients, any systemic complications and patients under anticoagulant drug therapy. Having a clear perspective about the preventive measures to be taken to control the profuse bleeding is a must for a practitioner. The purpose of the literature review is to discuss the administration of different types of hemostatic agents available for controlling bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Treatment with ulipristal acetate effectively controls excessive bleeding due to uterine fibroids and reduces their size. Uterine fibroid size reduction is expected to improve the results of the myomectomy and the reproductive prospects of the patient. Methods: Retrospective and descriptive analysis of a series of 53 patients who achieved pregnancy after being treated for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The primary endpoints were pregnancy and birth outcomes in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids that conceived following at least one course of therapy with ulipristal acetate 5 mg/day. The secondary endpoints were time until pregnancy, reasons for ulipristal acetate treatment, number of treatment courses completed, hemorrhagic control achievement, hemoglobin levels, fibroid FIGO classification, largest fibroid diameter, and type of myomectomy (if any). Results: Fifty-five pregnancies were registered in 53 patients following ulipristal acetate therapy (43 live births, 9 miscarriages, and 3 ongoing pregnancies). Half of the patients became pregnant without interval surgery. Bleeding control was achieved in 96% of the cases. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in hemoglobin levels and a reduction (p < 0.001) in uterine fibroid size was observed after treatment. No malformations were reported among newborns after ulipristal acetate therapy. Conclusion: So far, this is the largest case series reporting both pregnancy and birth outcomes following ulipristal acetate therapy for uterine fibroids. Our data support favorable outcomes after therapy for this population subset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]