MHRA Drug Safety Update: Sprayable fibrin sealants (Evicel, Tisseel and Artiss)-updated guidance on minimising risk of life-threatening and fatal air embolism

Source: MHRA Area: Evidence > Medication Safety The February Drug Safety Update from the MHRA includes updated guidance on reducing the risk of life-threatening and fatal cases of air embolism that have been reported with incorrect use of sprayable fibrin sealants administered using a pressure regulator device.   Fibrin sealants (also known as tissue adhesives or glues) are used in a wide range of surgical procedures to rapidly arrest bleeding and assist in subsequent wound healing. They can be applied by dripping the solution, or by spraying the solution using a pressure regulator, onto bleeding tissue where they form a fibrin clot. Four sprayable fibrin sealants are authorised in the UK: Evicel, Tisseel Lyo, Tisseel Ready to use and Artiss solution for sealant, deep frozen.   The update advises healthcare professional that in order to prevent life-threatening air embolism during spray application of a fibrin sealant during surgery, they should not exceed the maximum recommended pressure for the regulator ...
Source: NeLM - Patient Safety - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news