Mineral Technologies (MT) for Acute Hemostasis and for the Treatment of Acute Wounds and Chronic Ulcers

Abstract

Compositions comprising clay minerals and methods for their use in promoting hemostasis are provided. The compositions comprise clay minerals such as bentonite, and facilitate blood clotting when applied to a hemorrhaging wound. Electrospun or electrosprayed materials (e.g. bandages, micron beads, etc.) which include clay minerals, and methods for the treatment of acute hemorrhage, are also provided.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method for promoting hemostasis in internal bleeding in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of:
 applying one or more clay minerals selected from the group consisting of kaolin and bentonite to a site of internal bleeding in a subject in need thereof, said clay minerals being in a quantity sufficient to promote blood clotting and stanching of blood flow from said site.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said internal bleeding is a location of intentional trauma. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said internal bleeding is gastrointestinal bleeding. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said gastrointestinal bleeding is at a location of intentional trauma. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with one or more ulcers. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said one or more clay minerals includes bentonite. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said one or more clay minerals includes bentonite. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said one or more clay minerals includes kaolin. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said step of applying is performed using gauze, said one or more clay minerals being associated with said gauze, and wherein said gauze is applied to said site of internal bleeding. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein said site of internal bleeding is associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said one or more clay minerals is in a form selected from the group consisting of granules, powder, liquid, paste, gel, micron beads, impregnated in a bandage, and electrospun into a bandage 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said step of applying is performed by placement of a substrate which carries said one or more clay minerals on or in said site of said internal bleeding. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying to said site of internal bleeding one or more substances selected from the group consisting of chitosan, fibrin, fibrinogen, thrombin, superabsorbent polymers, calcium, polyethylene glycol, dextran, vasoactive catecholamines, vasoactive peptides, electrostatic agents, antimicrobial agents, anesthetic agents and fluorescent agents. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said step of applying allows for the formation of a cast comprising the one or more clay minerals and blood from said site of internal bleeding. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 19  whereby said clotting and stanching of blood flow from said site without an exothermic reaction. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said applying step is performed without zeolite. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said applying step applies said one or more clay minerals in powder foam. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein said powder is impregnated in a bandage which is applied to said site. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said applying step is performed by endoscopic delivery.