In-vitro hemostasis test platform

An interesting new idea from Covidien could relieve the need for animal testing, while the pig and rats are used in most western countries, in China the animal of choice are dogs and rabbits. Regardless it is an interesting concept with other potential applications.

This paper appears in: Bioengineering Conference (NEBEC), 2011 IEEE 37th Annual Northeast 
Issue Date: 1-3 April 2011 
On page(s): 1 - 2 
Location: Troy, NY, USA 
ISSN: 2160-7001 
Print ISBN: 978-1-61284-827-3 
Digital Object Identifier: 10.1109/NEBC.2011.5778553  
Date of Current Version: 27 May 2011 

ABSTRACT

To avoid unnecessary preclinical testing of Covidien's hemostatic agent patch product, a test platform is needed to test the “time-to-hemostasis” of blood using the patch. The test platform needs to utilize in vitro testing, providing an alternative to in vivo testing. Understanding how “time-to-hemostasis” is affected by Covidien's various products will help surgeons prevent unnecessary bleeding when performing surgery, aid doctors healing large wounds from military events or other accidents, and will be useful in many other ways to prevent bleeding out that could fatally harm the patient. In order to stop the use of animal testing for this product, Covidien would like to have a bench-top in vitro testing device for their products. This device must be able to accurately simulate blood flow through a wound site, as well as simulate the hemostasis process of closing the wound through blood clotting. Important features of the finished device include accurate simulation of blood flow through a wounded tissue, accurately measure the time-to-hemostasis, and the ability to test multiple types of hemostat products efficiently. The device will provide Covidien with an in-house alternative to in vivo testing, saving time and expenditure when testing hemostats.