The Clinical Uses Of Sealants For Hemostasis In Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

This review article illustrates the importance of the use of different types of sealants in cardio-thoracic surgery. The use of sealants has proved to be very effective in the reduction of bleeding during congenital heart surgery, as well as, bleeding associated with the use of different types of vascular prostheses. Sealants improved the results after operations for repair of type A aortic dissection, and their use is extremely important in repair of left ventricular free wall rupture.Their use proved to be cost effective in selected CABG cases . Regarding the use of sealants in thoracic surgery , sealants demonstrated great effectiveness in prevention and treatment of parenchymal air leaks of the lung . Sealants have been documented to reduce the incidence of broncho-pleural fistula as they help reinforcing the bronchial stump . Although fibrin sealants have been very well tolerated and serious complications have been rare However, there are 3 safety issues must be in mind: the risk of disease transmission, the risk of immunological reactions to bovine proteins and the risk of uncontrolled clotting .