What Is a Hemostat?
A hemostat is a general term for a tourniquet or drug used to stop the flow of blood associated with external or internal bleeding. External bleeding refers to blood flowing outside of blood vessels, while internal bleeding occurs within cells or organs.
To stop external bleeding, a hemostat such as a tourniquet can be wrapped around the bleeding site or direct pressure can be applied with a cloth. For internal bleeding, medications or intravenous drips are often utilized. The approach to stopping bleeding depends on the location and severity of the injury.
Uses of Hemostats
Hemostats are used in various ways depending on the type of bleeding, which includes arterial, venous, and capillary bleeding. Arterial hemorrhage, characterized by bright red, vigorously pulsing blood, requires quick response, often using direct pressure or tourniquets. Venous hemorrhage, with dark red blood, is treated similarly to arterial bleeding. Capillary hemorrhage, where blood oozes from the site, usually stops on its own but may require a bandage for hygiene. Internal bleeding, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, often necessitates endoscopic hemostasis.
Principle of Hemostats
Hemostats work by preventing blood loss. Direct pressure hemostasis typically involves applying pressure with a cloth. Tourniquets, often containing chitosan, help form blood clots to stop bleeding. Tourniquet hemostasis is used for severe bleeding and involves using a band to restrict blood flow. Special tourniquets with a bar or rod can be used to tighten the band and stop bleeding.
Other hemostatic methods include intravascular injection, mechanical hemostasis, thermal coagulation, and drug spraying. Intravascular injection may use substances like pure ethanol, mechanical hemostasis might involve clips or rubber rings, thermal coagulation uses cauterization, and drug spraying involves applying thrombin solutions or sodium alginate powder to the bleeding site.