Baxter launches new Hemopatch haemostat in Europe

Baxter has introduced a novel collagen-based haemostatic device called Hemopatch, which leverages the company's expertise in collagen, internal coagulation processes and PEG (polyethylene glycol) technology platforms.

The CE Mark-approved device is being launched in Europe and is designed for use in surgical procedures when control of bleeding by pressure, ligature or conventional procedures is either ineffective or impractical.

A soft, thin and flexible collagen pad, it provides surgeons with control during application to gain haemostasis and firm adherence of the pad to the bleeding tissue surface.

In preclinical tests, Hemopatch was shown to be able to achieve fast and effective haemostasis, reaching a 97.5 percent success rate in fully controlling bleeding after only two minutes.

Russell Holscher, vice-president of research and development in Baxter's BioSurgery business, said: "This haemostat will offer surgeons a valuable new tool. We plan to support the registration and launch of Hemopatch in additional countries in the coming years."

Last week, the company announced that it achieved a nine percent year-on-year sales increase in the third quarter of 2013, thanks to recent acquisitions, collaborations and product initiatives.