By Jeanine Kendle
A new high-performance bandage made from the same blood-stopping technology the U.S. Army uses to save lives on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq is now available to the public.
When in direct contact with blood and pressure is applied, the KytoStat Bandage does what traditional bandages do not — stops stubborn bleeding while sealing and protecting the wound.
The new bandage offers peace of mind and a new choice in wound care to millions on blood-thinning medications and those who work and play in extreme environments.
Made by HemCon Medical Technologies, KytoStat is a convenient, effective first response to control stubborn and persistent bleeding. In some cases, KytoStat may be the only first aid needed.
For patients with bleeding disorders, like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, KytoStat provides the ability to control bleeding caused by cuts or scrapes, potentially saving a costly trip for professional help. If a wound requires expert care, KytoStat helps buy valuable time to seek medical attention.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the second leading cause of death in the United States, after trauma, and more than 6 million bleeding wounds are treated annually by trauma and emergency rooms in the U.S.
By directly controlling blood loss, even in the case of severed arterial bleeds, HemCon Bandages reduce the need for transfusions and provide critical time to administer care (up to 48 hours from the point of placement).
KytoStat, the public version, is distributed 1-inch-by-4-inch, (latex free), is engineered with chitosan, a compound that is naturally occurring in shrimp shells. The proprietary manufacturing process used to create the bandage makes KytoStat 30 times more effective than leading competitors.
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 more than 1 million bandages shipped.
HemCon Medical Technologies has results from a shellfish allergy study conducted by its chitosan supplier that demonstrates that, out of 221 individuals with suspected hypersensitivity, including eight individuals with known shellfish allergies, none demonstrated any dermal sensitivity when pricked with a chitosan test solution.
However, since chitosan is extracted from the shells of shrimp and other shellfish, individuals with known shellfish allergies should exercise caution in the use of products containing chitosan.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 50 million adults in the U.S. take aspirin regularly for long-term prevention of cardiovascular disease. Low-dose aspirin regimens interfere with the body’s blood clotting ability.
In addition, more than 34 million prescriptions were written in the U.S. for oral anticoagulants in 2007, according to IMS Health. KytoStat gives these millions of people control when conditions or medications interfere with an individual’s ability to stop external bleeding from cuts, and when medical care isn’t close at hand.
The KytoStat Bandage can be used anywhere and anytime. This take- along is a great addition to a home care or vacation first aid kit. It provides the assurance if there is a nasty, bleeding cut, the KytoStat Bandage is ready to stop the bleeding and allow you to clot and heal on your own.
In comparison to traditional bandages, the high-performance KytoStat Bandage provides superior control of bleeding — 30 times more effective. The KytoStat Bandage quickly seals the wound and protects it, allowing you to get back to what you want to do.
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