Different Forms of Chitosan and Its Derivatives as Hemostatic Agent and Tissue Sealants

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in combat settings, trauma injury, and during surgical procedures. Hemostatic agents and tissue sealants are required when body’s coagulation cascade is not able to control hemorrhage effectively. Chitosan because of its hemostatic and tissue adhesive property has gained popularity as a topical hemostatic agent. Chitosan and derivatives of chitosan in different forms such as sponge, hydrogel, dressing, and particles have been extensively studied as hemostatic agent. This chapter provides an overview of the basic hemostatic property of chitosan and also reviews the recent progress on different forms of chitosan and its derivatives as hemostatic agents and tissue sealants.