A 3-D rendering of fibrin forming a blood clot, with PolySTAT (in blue) binding strands together. William Walker/University of Washington
There are new technologies out there that can help stop bleeding from gunshot wounds, a new approach may help deliver hemostasis on a microscopic scale. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new polymer that, when injected, rapidly works to help develop a solid clot.
The PolySTAT material works by fusing fibrin strands to each other and creating links between the clumps. This creates a strong web of fibrin capable of withstanding pressure from blood pressing against the clot. Importantly, the material is not influenced by fibrinolytic enzymes that break up fibrin strands to begin the healing process. While the enzymes are important in the long run, they slow down clot formation, a dangerous activity during acute bleeding. Moreover, the material continues to work even when levels of a protein used to make fibrin drop.
In a pre-clinical study using lab rats, the researchers showed a 100% success rate in stopping bleeding to an otherwise lethal injury to the femoral artery. For comparison, rats that were treated with albumin had only a 20% survival.
Blood clots treated with PolySTAT (second from right) had denser fibrin networks, which helps reinforce and strengthen the clots. University of Washington
Study in Science Translational Medicine: A synthetic fibrin cross-linking polymer for modulating clot properties and inducing hemostasis…
Source: University of Washington…