Baxter Launches Curved Applicator for Floseal, Expanding Use of Leading Hemostat During ENT Surgery

Baxter International Inc., a global leader in advancing surgical innovation, thas introduced the Disposable Curved Applicator, which enhances the delivery experience of its Floseal Hemostatic Matrix product line for procedures in the otolaryngology, head and neck surgical specialty (often referred to as ENT).
 
With an atraumatic design to help minimize tissue damage during use and a 10cm rigid stainless steel cannula, the Disposable Curved Applicator allows for improved access to the bleeding site and controlled delivery of Floseal. ENT procedures most relevant for this new applicator include addressing intraoperative bleeding during skull base surgery, functional endoscopic sinus surgeries, septoplasties (correction of a deviated septum) and for the control of operative and post-operative bleeding (epistaxis) during nasal and sinus surgery.
 
“Investing in specialty-driven innovation within our leading hemostats and sealants portfolio is our priority as we work to meet surgeons’ needs so that they can help their patients heal,” said Wil Boren, president of Baxter’s Advanced Surgery business. “Floseal is a proven adjunctive hemostatic product that we are confident otolaryngologists will use to effectively manage intraoperative bleeding. Enhancing the Floseal delivery experience with products like the Disposable Curved Applicator is a critical part of our strategy.”
 
“While skull base surgery is a highly specialized and minimally invasive surgical technique, it’s important to have hemostatic agents like Floseal at the ready in the event intraoperative bleeding occurs,” said Kevin C. Welch, M.D., Northwestern University. “During procedures where bleeding is a possibility, I trust in the efficacy of a product like Floseal to help me stop the bleeding in a controlled and effective manner.”
 
Regardless of the surgical specialty, addressing intraoperative bleeding effectively and quickly is important in preventing major complications for patients and reducing the total cost of care. Individuals with uncontrolled intraoperative bleeding are up to four times more likely to die from their surgeries, may need more blood transfusions, and are more likely to have an extended hospital stay.¹ With more than 180 published clinical studies² across spine, cardiac and other surgical specialties, Floseal has proved to be an effective adjunctive hemostatic product in helping to address intraoperative bleeding and continues to be the most frequently chosen active hemostatic agent in the United States.³
 
Baxter is committed to partnering with clinicians to make a meaningful impact on patient care in operating rooms (OR) in nearly 60 countries. Surgeons rely on the company’s hemostats to stop bleeding during surgery, its sealants to close wounds, and repair patches and biologics to promote healing. Every day, millions of patients and caregivers rely on Baxter’s portfolio of critical care, nutrition, renal, hospital, and surgical products. For more than 85 years, the company has been operating at the critical intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the healthcare providers that make it happen. With products, technologies and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter’s employees worldwide are now building upon the company’s heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative healthcare innovations.
 
Floseal Matrix is indicated in surgical procedures (other than ophthalmic) as an adjunct to hemostasis when control of bleeding by ligature or convention procedure is ineffective or impractical.
 
Baxter and Floseal are registered trademarks of Baxter International Inc.

References
¹ Stokes, Michael & Ye, Xin & Shah, Manan & Mercaldi, Katie & Reynolds, Matthew & Rupnow, Marcia & Hammond, Jeffrey. (2011). Impact of bleeding-related complications and/or blood product transfusions on hospital costs in inpatient surgical patients. BMC health services research. 11. 135. 10.1186/1472-6963-11-135.
² Brand name search in PubMed (filters: human, as of 12-Apr-2018).
³ 2017 total unit sales (DRG data).