Trial of a Novel Chitosan Hemostatic Sealant in the Management of Complicated Epistaxis

Epistaxis is a common reason for emergency department visits and otolaryngology referral. Management methods of epistaxis include nasal packing, chemical or electric cauterization, and arterial ligation or embolization.

There are numerous nasal packing products available in the market, and are used to stop or prevent nasal bleeding. The ideal nasal pack should be efficient in controlling bleeding, have antimicrobial properties and be well tolerated. Currently, there is no perfect nasal pack, but some are closer to ideal than others. Nasal packs can be classified into non-absorbable and absorbable nasal packs.

Recently, a new hemostatic product has been introduced in the market, and used as a military wound bandages, the ChitoFlex®. ChitoFlex® is made of chitosan, a naturally occurring, bio-compatible polysaccharide. Because chitosan has a positive charge, it attracts red blood cells, which have a negative charge. The red blood cells create a seal over the wound as they are drawn into the bandage, forming a very tight, coherent seal. The ChitoFlex® -dressing has been demonstrated by AATCC Test Method 100-2004, Evaluation of Antibacterial Finishes (Technical Manual of the America Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) as an antibacterial barrier in laboratory testing with a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial organisms.

Inclusion criteria

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Epistaxis despite nasal packing or rebleeding after removal of the packing.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
• Prior diagnosis of disease or medical condition affecting the ability of blood to clot (e.g., hemophilia.)