absorbable gelatin

Absorbable gelatin is a sterile, water-insoluble, hemostatic agent prepared from purified porcine skin gelatin. It is primarily utilized as a medical device to control capillary, venous, and arteriolar bleeding during surgical procedures when conventional hemostasis methods like pressure or ligature are ineffective. Beyond its use as a topical hemostat (e.g., Gelfoam, Surgifoam), it is frequently processed into gelatin sponge particles (GSPs) for use as a temporary embolic agent in interventional radiology. In this capacity, it is injected intra-arterially to treat conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma (TACE) or hypersplenism (PSE) by inducing localized ischemia. The material works through a mechanical mechanism, providing a porous matrix that promotes platelet aggregation and the formation of a physical clot, and is typically absorbed by the body within 4 to 6 weeks.

Brand names

GelfoamSurgifoam

Other names

明胶海绵gelatin spongegelatin sponge particlesGSPsGSabsorbable fluid gelatin