II. Mechanism
- Similar to Zeolite Mineral Dressing
- Topical Hemostatic Agent
- Aluminum silicate activates Intrinsic Clotting Pathway
- Increases Clotting Factor and Platelet concentration at wound sites via water absorption
III. Efficacy
- Slower control of bleeding
- Significantly increased survival in animal models
- May be less effective coagulopathic patients
IV. Advantages
- Available as gauze rolls (3 inch wide, 4 yard long)
- Combat Gauze is now primary hemostatic agent used on battlefield
- Some prefer on wounds not amenable to Tourniquet (e.g. high femoral wound)
V. References
- Mason, Spangler and Nichols (2016) EM:Rap 16(11): 10-11
- Kheirabadi (2011) US Army Med Dep J p. 25-37
- Swaminathan and van de Leuv (2013) Crit Dec in Emerg Med 27(8): 11-17