May 1, 2008 – Covidien today introduced the VascuSeal Vascular Sealant System throughout Europe and in select Middle East markets, a hydrogel that provides an immediate, blood-tight seal that is effective intraoperatively and throughout the critical healing period.
VascuSeal, which is CE-Marked, is intended for use as a surgical sealant during arterial and venous reconstructions to seal suture lines.
Unlike a hemostatic agent, a vascular sealant can seal blood leaks and does not depend on either the time for the blood to clot or the strength of the blood clot to perform successfully. The VascuSeal Sealant System offers surgeons a tool to reduce bleeding from the suture line in vascular bypass procedures, and reduces post-operative complications associated with suture line bleeding.
The sealant technology is a patented synthetic, absorbable hydrogel delivered by a dual syringe applicator. The device can be stored at room temperature and prepared in less than two minutes. VascuSeal sealant polymerizes within seconds when sprayed on the suture line and is blue in color which provides the vascular surgeon visualization of coverage and thickness of the material upon application. Postoperatively, the sealant continues to seal the suture line as healing progresses under the gel. After several days, the hydrogel breaks down into water-soluble molecules that are absorbed and cleared through the kidneys.
For more information: www.covidien.com