Published Jan 24, 2024 | 8:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 24, 2024 | 8:50 PM
Hemospray technology is a proprietary mineral powder that can be administered endoscopically and promotes hemostasis. (Supplied)
In a groundbreaking development in India, gastroenterologists at AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad have successfully employed Hemospray technology to halt upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding for the first time.
This cutting-edge endoscopic spray brings about a cessation of internal bleeding in under 10 minutes, significantly reducing the risk of death.
Emphasising the significance of this technological breakthrough, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman and Chief of Gastroenterology at AIG Hospitals, said in a statement, “We are entering a new era of endoscopic innovation, dedicated to providing optimal outcomes for our patients. In this regard, the transformative potential of the Hemospray — a mineral blend powder meticulously crafted for hemostasis (the process of stopping the bleeding).”
He further highlighted the reassuring attributes of this spray, including the absence of human or animal proteins, allergen-free formulation, and metabolic inertness. Dr Reddy asserted, “This spray represents a game-changer in ensuring both safety and efficacy in gastrointestinal interventions.”
The first use of Hemospray in India occurred during the treatment of a 49-year-old female liver cirrhosis patient. Dr Nageshwar Reddy and Dr Mohan Ramchandani, in the emergency setting, effectively demonstrated the ability of Hemospray to control bleeding in a patient presenting with black, tarry stools — an indication of active GI bleeding.
“The most important use-case of Hemospray would be in emergency situations, where even a resident doctor can use the device and stop the bleeding immediately, therefore saving a patient’s life,” Dr Mohan Ramchandani, Director, Therapeutic Endoscopy, AIG Hospitals, said in the statement.
Present at the occasion was Prof James Lau from the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, a pioneer of endovascular surgery for vascular diseases. Dr Lau commended Hemospray, saying, “Hemospray has excellent application, especially for active bleeding, and provides good primary control, enabling endoscopists to plan better to rectify the cause of the bleeding.”
Hemospray technology, a proprietary mineral powder administered endoscopically, facilitates hemostasis and is used for treating upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when advanced endoscopic equipment or expertise is not available.
Hemospray is easy to administer and may be used by endoscopists with minimal experience. The device consists of a pressurised CO2 canister, a delivery catheter, and a powder reservoir. The powder, inorganic and inert, forms an adhesive layer when it comes into contact with fluid. The adhesive layer provides mechanical compression and promotes hemostasis.
In addition, the powder absorbs water, increasing the concentration of platelets and clotting factors at the site of bleeding, which promotes the formation of an adherent coagulum. The powder and coagulated blood mixture remains in place for approximately three days, at which time it sloughs off from the mucosa and is eliminated from the GI tract naturally.
“GI bleeding poses a significant threat to life due to the potential for severe blood loss. When bleeding occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum, it can lead to a rapid and substantial loss of blood. This can result in a condition known as haemorrhagic shock, where the body is unable to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs,” said Dr Reddy.
He concluded that without prompt intervention to stop the bleeding and restore blood volume, non-variceal bleeding can be life-threatening, contributing to mortality. “We are happy to have an innovative product like Hemospray, which will greatly help our patients coming with an active GI bleed,” said Dr Reddy.
