July 20, 2007 – Cardinal Health recently announced an exclusive, four-year distribution agreement with HemCon Medical Technologies Inc. to provide its new line of hemorrhage control bandages to hospitals, surgery centers and physician offices in the United States.
HemCon Bandages, used by the U.S.military since 2003, have demonstrated a 97% effective rate in controlling bleeding on the battlefield[1]. HemCon recently reengineered its bandages to meet the specific needs of civilian trauma and emergency medicine. The new bandages, which control severe arterialbleeding, are thinner, more flexible and sized differently than the original HemCon military bandage. The technology used in the bandages is particularly useful in hospital settings, because it allows providers to standardize one hemorrhage control solution across multiple disciplines.
Using Chitosan, an extract from shrimp shells, the HemCon Bandage controls moderate to severe external bleeding within minutes of being applied directly to moderate- or high-pressure, high-flow external bleeds. It aggressively adheres to the site when it contacts blood or moisture. This adhesive-like action forms a strong, flexible barrier that seals and stabilizes the wound.
“Uncontrolled bleeding is the second leading cause of death in the United States, after trauma, and more than six million bleeding wounds are treated annually by trauma and emergency rooms in theU.S.,” said Mike Kaufmann, president of Healthcare Supply Chain Services – Medical for Cardinal Health. “That’s just one reason why we are thrilled to have the exclusive opportunity to bring this life-saving product to health-care providers throughout the United States. This partnership is a perfect example of Cardinal Health’s commitment to delivering innovative products that improve patient outcomes.”
By directly controlling blood loss, even in the case of severed arterial bleeds, HemCon Bandages reportedly reduce the need for transfusions and provide critical time to administer care (up to 48 hours from the point of placement).
For more information: www.hemcon.com and www.cardinalhealth.com