II. Mechanism

  1. Similar to Zeolite Mineral Dressing
  2. Topical Hemostatic Agent
  3. Aluminum silicate activates Intrinsic Clotting Pathway
  4. Increases Clotting Factor and Platelet concentration at wound sites via water absorption

III. Efficacy

  1. Slower control of bleeding
  2. Significantly increased survival in animal models
  3. May be less effective coagulopathic patients

IV. Advantages

  1. Available as gauze rolls (3 inch wide, 4 yard long)
  2. Combat Gauze is now primary hemostatic agent used on battlefield
  3. Some prefer on wounds not amenable to Tourniquet (e.g. high femoral wound)

V. References

  1. Mason, Spangler and Nichols (2016) EM:Rap 16(11): 10-11
  2. Kheirabadi (2011) US Army Med Dep J p. 25-37
  3. Swaminathan and van de Leuv (2013) Crit Dec in Emerg Med 27(8): 11-17

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