Biodegradable Chitosan Gel Intracavitary Hemostatic Agent

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death from battlefield trauma. Approximately 80% of hemorrhagic deaths on the battlefield are due to intracavitary hemorrhage that is not accessible to direct pressure. Noncompressible hemorrhage is also a primary cause of death in civilian trauma. Unfortunately, methods available to first responders to control hemorrhage are only useful for extremity or superficial truncal injuries and the only viable treatment for intracavitary hemorrhage is surgical intervention. Luna Innovations is developing a novel hemostatic agent and delivery system specifically designed for battlefield treatment of noncompressible intracavitary hemorrhage. The hemostatic agent consists of low-viscosity liquids that rapidly expand into a blood and tissue compatible, non-toxic, bioadhesive and biodegradable gel upon delivery. The product will adhere to and seal injured tissue while promoting hemostasis via several simultaneous mechanisms. The multiple mechanisms, coupled with the sealant nature of the gel, will guarantee hemostasis even in cases of coagulopathy brought on by trauma or fluid resuscitation. The delivery system will be small, lightweight, sterile, preloaded with agent, and easy to use with minimal training on wounds of various sizes and depths.