Absorbable Hemostatic Polysaccharide (AHP)

Absorbable Hemostatic Polysaccharide (AHP) is a starch-derived, biocompatible material used primarily in endoscopic procedures to control gastrointestinal bleeding (Mourad et al., 2015, PMID: 25686608). When applied to a bleeding lesion, the hydrophilic particles rapidly absorb water from the blood, which leads to the localized concentration of platelets, fibrinogen, and other clotting factors, thereby accelerating the physiological coagulation process (Bustamante-Balén et al., 2019, PMID: 30545123). In addition to its biochemical effects, the material swells to form a tenacious, adhesive gel matrix that provides a mechanical barrier or tamponade against the bleeding vessel (FDA 510(k) K141544). This dual-action approach is particularly effective for treating diffuse mucosal bleeding or large-surface-area lesions where traditional mechanical methods like clipping are impractical. AHP is typically cleared from the site via natural enzymatic degradation and peristalsis within 24 to 48 hours (EndoClot Plus, Inc., 2023). It represents a significant advancement in non-contact hemostatic techniques for complex gastrointestinal hemorrhages.

Other names

EndoClotStarch-derived hemostatic powderPolysaccharide hemostatic systemAHP

The hydrophilic polysaccharide matrix rapidly dehydrates blood upon contact, concentrating platelets and clotting factors to accelerate the natural coagulation cascade while simultaneously forming a mechanical gel barrier over the bleeding site (Mourad et al., 2015, PMID: 25686608).