Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide obtained from chitin. Chitin can come from the shells of various crustaceans as well as some species of fungi. Chitosan has a fairly wide range of uses, but one of its best-known properties is its ability to stop traumatic bleeding.

The hemostatic effect of chitosan lies in its interaction with the surface of blood cells, forming a clot that seals damage in blood vessels. As a result, chitosan does not directly take part in the blood-clotting cascade, which allows it to produce a hemostatic effect in people with clotting disorders, unlike kaolin-based hemostatic agents, whose mechanism involves direct participation in the clotting cascade.

Another undeniable advantage of chitosan is its biocompatibility: it fully biodegrades in the body under the action of enzymes without forming toxic substances.

The hemostatic effect of Hemoflex® is based on the presence of chitosan in its composition. A distinctive feature of Hemoflex® is its structure: the bandage contains layers formed by chitosan nanofibers. By contrast, similar products are bandages with chitosan granules or powder fixed on the surface. The main drawbacks of such products are granule shedding, a fairly high product weight, and the inability of some products to work at low temperatures.

The structure of Hemoflex® has a highly developed framework due to the random arrangement of chitosan nanofibers: its porosity and large specific surface area account for its high effectiveness. That is why, in manufacturing Hemoflex®, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of active substance without reducing effectiveness and without falling behind similar products. Thus, the total weight of Hemoflex® does not exceed 11 grams, whereas comparable products start at 30 grams or more.

The effectiveness of Hemoflex® is associated not with a sorption mechanism, as in most similar products, but with the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan, that is, its ability to “stick” to a surface, which increases as the particle size of chitosan decreases—in the case of Hemoflex®, down to the nanometer range.

The use of local hemostatic agents (LHGs) has contributed significantly to success in controlling bleeding from injuries to the limbs as well as adjacent areas of the body. The effectiveness of LHGs continues to increase as more advanced products are developed.

So, first-generation LHGs, recommended in 2003 by the U.S. Committee on Tactical Medicine, were small HemCon Bandage dressings (HemCon Medical Technologies, USA) based on chitosan applied only to one side of the product. In addition, QuickClot granules (Z-Medica, USA) based on zeolite were recommended as a backup option in 2006; a major drawback of this product was its exothermic effect, which caused significant thermal burns at the application site.

The effectiveness of second-generation LHGs was significantly improved by increasing the size of the product. For example, HemCon Medical Technologies (USA) began producing roll bandages measuring 7.5 × 23 cm with chitosan applied to both sides. At the same time, TraumaCure (USA) developed WoundStat, an LHG based on smectite powder that does not cause burns. However, it is now known that WoundStat has a negative effect on soft tissues, causes distal vascular embolism, and is difficult to remove from the wound.

Third-generation LHGs have no side effects and are double-sided bandages impregnated with active substances, up to 3.6 m long, folded into a roll or Z-fold. The size of third-generation LHGs makes it possible to pack deep wounds in the groin and armpit areas, stopping massive bleeding.

Please note that the Hemoflex® label must include the following markings: manufacturing date, lot number (LOT), sterilization date, and QR code. Hemoflex® is also always supplied with a certificate confirming the quality and authenticity of the products.

Dear customers, please inform the manufacturer of any cases of products being sold past their expiration date, products without the required markings, or attempts to sell counterfeit goods. Information can be sent by phone at +7 (812) 385-14-15 or by email at: mail@hemoflex.com.