The HemCon Bandage is currently FDA cleared for control of bleeding in patients following hemodialysis and is indicated for control of bleeding from the skin at percutaneous needle access sites, vascular access sites and percutaneous catheter access    sites.

Features Benefits Stops bleeding (moderate to severe) Saves lives Controls blood loss Reduces need for costly transfusions   Provides critical time to administer care   Proven effective with patients on anti-coagulants Safe for use Provides an antibacterial barrier   Contains no human or bovine clotting factors   No adverse affects reported in field use Localized solution No systemic reactions Non-exothermic (non-heat producing) Will not cause additional tissue damage Simple application Easy to administer with current protocol of dressing and pressure Flexible and conformable to tissue surfaces Provides flexibility at the point of care Removal with water or saline Simple removal keeps clot intact Individually wrapped Ready for use when needed

HemCon Bandages work by becoming extremely adherent when in contact with blood. This adhesive-like action seals the wound and controls bleeding. HemCon products are fabricated from 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. In addition to providing hemostasis, HemCon dressings also offer an antibacterial barrier. HemCon Bandages are an effective solution that reduces time to hemostasis, even for patients on anticoagulants.

 




What was the impetus for the development of the HemCon Bandage?
Out of a need to save lives, the HemCon bandage was developed. In 2001 the U.S. Army and the Institute for Surgical Research (ISR) partnered with HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc. to address the needs of soldiers who were having bleeding issues and dying in the field before they could be triaged for surgical intervention. HemCon received the second fastest FDA clearance within 48 hours and has saved hundreds of lives since.

What is the use of the HemCon Bandage?
The HemCon Bandage is used to save lives on the battlefield and the civilian emergency world by controlling severe bleeding from traumatic injuries. In comparison to other traditional bandages, the HemCon Bandage provides superior control of bleeding, quickly seals wounds and is compatible with multiple wound site usage.

From what is the HemCon Bandage comprised?
The HemCon Bandage is fabricated from chitosan, a naturally occurring, biocompatible polysaccharide derived from shrimp shells. The shrimp shells are processed and chemically treated. Once in bandage form, they are sterilized.

Pandalus borealis (also called Pandalus eous) is the species of shrimp found in cold parts of the North Atlantic Ocean that is used in our chitosan.

Is there a problem using this product on people with shrimp or shellfish allergies?
There have been no known allergic reactions as a result of using the HemCon Bandage since distribution began in 2003 and there have been no adverse effects reported in over one million bandages shipped.

Who uses the HemCon Bandage?
In 2005, the Army Surgeon General mandated that every deployed U.S. Army soldier carry at least one HemCon Bandage and every medic five. In 2007, HemCon Bandages were added to every soldier’s IFAK (individual first aid kit). The product is currently being used in the civilian market by first responders, emergency departments and as of July 2007 is exclusively offered to the acute care and hospital market by Cardinal Health.

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