Sterile technique should always be used to remove SURGISPON™ Sterile Sponge from its packaging. Cut to the desired size, a piece of SURGISPON™ , either dry or saturated with sterile, isotonic sodium chloride solution (sterile saline), can be applied with pressure directly to the bleeding site. When applied dry, a single piece of SURGISPON™ should be manually applied to the bleeding site, and held in place with moderate pressure until hemostasis results. When used with sterile saline, SURGISPON™ should be first immersed in the solution and then withdrawn, squeezed between gloved fingers to expel air bubbles, and then replaced in saline until needed. The SURGISPON™ sponge should promptly return to its original size, with slight expansion in thickness and shape in the solution. If it does not, it should be removed again and kneaded vigorously until all air is expelled and it does expand to its original size, with slight increases in thickness and shape when returned to the sterile saline.
SURGISPON™ if used wet it may be blotted to dampness on gauze before application to the bleeding site. It should be held in place with moderate pressure, using a pledget of cotton or small gauze sponge until hemostasis results. Removal of the pledget or gauze is made easier by wetting it with a few drops of sterile saline, to prevent pulling up the SURGISPON™ which by then should enclose a firm clot. Use of suction applied over the pledget of cotton or gauze to draw blood into the SURGISPON™ is unnecessary, as SURGISPON™ will draw up sufficient blood by capillary action. The first application of SURGISPON™ will usually control bleeding, but if not, additional applications may be made. For additional applications, fresh pieces should be used, prepared as described above.Use only the minimum amount of SURGISPON™ , cut to appropriate size, necessary to produce hemostasis.
The SURGISPON™ may be left in place at the bleeding site, when necessary. Since SURGISPON™ causes little more cellular reaction than does the blood clot, the wound may be closed over it. SURGISPON™ may be left in place when applied to mucosal surfaces until it liquefies. |
