EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS ON ABSORBABLE ALGINATE PRODUCTS IN SURGERY*

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Abstract
The author proposes the use of alginate products as absorbable clots, films or gauze in surgery. Alginic acid is obtained by the hydrolysis of brown seaweeds or kelp. The Na salt of the acid will undergo instantaneous coagulation when acted upon by ionic Ca. The latter reaction serves as the basis for preparing films and filaments (gauze) which are absorbed in animal tissues. Data are presented on the behavior of Ca alginate products in animal tissues. These studies involved the use of the clot formed by injn. of Na alginate and CaCl2; effects of prepared Ca alginate film inserted into tissues; behavior of locally clotted Ca alginate and of Ca alginate plasticized with plasma on denuded surfaces, and the results of the use of Ca alginate gauze in internal hemorrhage. Tissue reaction to it is minimal and the rate of absorption can be controlled. These factors along with the fact that alginate products can be sterilized by autoclaving and will not interfere with the antibacterial action of penicillin favors their use over protein films and oxycellulose.