Hemostatic compositions, devices, and methods

Abstract

Compositions that include a clay such as kaolin dispersed in a liquid such as water may be useful for promoting the clotting of blood. The compositions may be in a liquid, gel, paste, foam, or another form. Uses may include treating a traumatic injury such as in injury caused by a bullet, an explosive, a blade etc., or an injury caused during a medical procedure such as surgery.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A hemostatic device comprising:
 an absorbent material;   a composition comprising a clay hemostatic agent and a thickening agent;   wherein the clay hemostatic agent is kaolin;   wherein the thickening agent comprises one or more of carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; and   wherein the composition is suspended in an aqueous liquid and absorbed onto the absorbent material during preparation of the hemostatic device.   
     
     
         2 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the clay hemostatic agent comprises about 10% or less of the weight of the suspension in aqueous liquid. 
     
     
         3 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of a sponge, a cloth, and a gauze. 
     
     
         4 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is a gauze. 
     
     
         5 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises one or more of bentonite, montmorillonite, saponite, polygorskite, attapulgite, and sepiolite. 
     
     
         6 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the thickening agent is a gelling agent. 
     
     
         7 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the thickening agent comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. 
     
     
         8 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the thickening agent comprises carboxymethylcellulose. 
     
     
         9 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the hemostatic device is dry. 
     
     
         10 . The hemostatic device of  claim 1 , wherein the hemostatic device is provided in a sterilized package. 
     
     
         11 . A method for treating a bleeding injury, the method comprising:
 applying a hemostatic device to a wound site, the hemostatic device comprising:
 an absorbent material; and 
 a composition comprising a clay hemostatic agent and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; 
 wherein the clay hemostatic agent is kaolin; 
 wherein the composition is suspended in a liquid to form a suspension; and 
 wherein the suspension is absorbed onto the absorbent material during preparation of the hemostatic device. 
   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bleeding injury is a traumatic injury. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bleeding injury is caused by a bullet, an explosive, a blade, or during a medical procedure. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bleeding injury is caused by surgery. 
     
     
         15 . A method for manufacturing a hemostatic device, the method comprising:
 applying a clay hemostatic agent to an absorbent material;   applying a thickening agent the absorbent material;
 wherein the clay hemostatic agent is kaolin; 
 wherein the thickening agent comprises one or more of carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; and 
 wherein the clay hemostatic agent is suspended in an aqueous liquid and absorbed onto the absorbent material during preparation of the hemostatic device. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the thickening agent is applied to the absorbent material as a liquid suspension. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the thickening agent is also suspended in the aqueous liquid and absorbed onto the absorbent material during preparation of the hemostatic device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a step of drying the absorbent material after application of the clay hemostatic agent and the thickening agent. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein thickening agent comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein thickening agent comprises carboxymethylcellulose.