Ethicon Surgifoam Gelatin Sponge

Ethicon Surgifoam Absorbable Gelatin Sponge Features

• Indicated for use with sterile saline and thrombin
• Features hemostatic properties
• When excess amounts are not used, Surgifoam Sponge absorbs with little tissue reaction
• Completely absorbed within 4 to 6 weeks, when used in proper amounts
• Liquifies within 2 to 5 days, when applied to bleeding mucosal regions
• Packaged individually to prevent the risks of cross-contamination and product wastage
• Bovine-free

When to use Surgifoam Sponge?

Surgifoam Absorbable Gelatin Sponge may be used dry or can be saturated with a sterile sodium chloride solution. 

• It is indicated for hemostasis of surgical procedures except for ophthalmic. 
• This type of wound prep is usually useful in situations where control of arteriolar, capillary, and venous bleeding by pressure, ligature, and any other conventional procedures is impractical or ineffective. 
• Surgifoam Sponge may also be used with thrombin to achieve hemostasis.

What to buy with Ethicon Surgifoam Gelatin Sponge

• Hollister Restore Wound Cleanser
• Covidien Sterile Saline Water
• Dynarex Cotton Tipped Applicators

How to Use Surgifoam Dressing?

Ethicon Surgifoam can be used by following the below steps:

1. Inspect package for damage before use; do not use if damaged or wet
2. Use sterile technique to remove Surgifoam Sponge from packaging
3. Cut sponge to desired size; use minimum amount for hemostasis
4. Apply dry or saturated with sterile saline/thrombin solution to bleeding site
5. Each sponge is individually sealed; discard if package is opened or seal is broken
6. Cut sponge to desired size and shape
7. Compress sponge before applying to bleeding site
8. Hold in place with moderate pressure until hemostasis is achieved
9. Remove excess sponge by gently irrigating the site with sterile saline
10. Use only necessary amount; discard unused sponge; do not reuse or resterilize

Contraindications

• Avoid using Surgifoam Absorbable Gelatin Sponge for skin incision closure as it may hinder skin edge healing due to mechanical gelatin interposition
• Do not use in intravascular compartments to prevent the risk of embolization
• Avoid in patients with known allergies to porcine collagen
• Surgifoam Sponge is not a substitute for proper surgical technique or hemostasis procedures
• Do not use in the presence of infection; use with caution in contaminated areas
• If signs of infection occur, reoperation may be necessary for removal and drainage
• Inappropriate for pumping arterial hemorrhage, areas with pooled blood, or submerged hemorrhage points
• Does not act as a tampon or plug and should be removed after achieving hemostasis
• Remove Surgifoam Sponge if used near foramina, in bony confine, spinal cord, optic nerve, chiasm
• Safety and effectiveness not established for ophthalmic procedures, post-partum bleeding, or menorrhagia
• Not established for use in children and pregnant women

Precautions

• Surgifoam Sponge is supplied sterile and cannot be resterilized
• If the package is opened or the seal is breached, discard the unused sponge
• Use minimal compression when placing the sponge in cavities to avoid overpacking
• The sponge expands upon absorbing liquid and may swell, posing a risk of nerve damage
• Use Surgifoam Sponge for hemostasis, but do not overuse; remove excess sponge once hemostasis is achieved
• Avoid using it with autologous blood salvage circuits, as fragments may pass through transfusion filters
• Do not use with methyl methacrylate adhesives, as it may reduce adhesive strength
• Not for primary treatment of coagulation disorders
• Combined use with other agents like topical thrombin should be based on the physician's judgment and consulted for complete prescribing information
• Safety and effectiveness in urological procedures have not been established through randomized clinical studies
• In urological procedures, do not leave Surgifoam Absorbable Gelatin Sponge in renal pelvis or ureters to prevent calculus formation
• Take precautions to prevent aspiration of the material by the patient

Storage and Handling:

• Ethicon Surgifoam Sponge should be stored dry at a controlled room temperature of 15°-30° C (59°-86° F).
• It is recommended that the sponge be used as soon as the package is opened.