An injectable polymer - polySTAT, that could save people with critical injuries from bleeding to death has been developed by University of Washington researchers. When the body's normal ability to create a blood clot fails, researchers say PolySTAT immediately works to strengthen special fibers, called "fibrin" which reinforce the blood clot. "It's like the difference between twisting two ropes together and weaving a net," said study co-author Dr. Suzie Pun. "The cross-linked net is much stronger."
Initial studies found 100% of rats injected with PolySTAT survived injuries to the femoral artery that normally would have been fatal.
Researchers say the treatment could be particularly useful for wounded soldiers in the battlefield and for car accident victims. PolySTAT does not need to be refrigerated or frozen, so it could become part of a standard kit for medics.
"This is something you could potentially put in a syringe inside a backpack and give right away to reduce blood loss and keep people alive long enough to make it to medical care," said study co-author Dr. Nathan White.
11-Mar-15 
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