1. What is an absorbable haemostat?

How does an absorbable haemostat differ from other bleeding control methods?

An absorbable haemostat is a medical device used during surgery to achieve local haemostasis which is the controlled cessation of bleeding at a surgical site. Absorbable haemostats are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body after use, eliminating the need for removal in most clinical scenarios. CuraMedical offers a range of absorbable haemostatic products, each designed for specific surgical applications including general surgery, dental procedures, ENT, and orthopaedic surgery.

Are haemostats a replacement for sutures, ligation, or electrocautery?

No. Absorbable haemostats are adjunctive haemostatic devices and are not intended to replace primary surgical bleeding control techniques such as suturing, vessel ligation, or electrocautery. They are designed to supplement standard haemostatic methods where capillary bleeding, parenchymal ooze, or diffuse bleeding from resection surfaces requires additional control.

Which surgical specialties use absorbable haemostats?

Absorbable haemostats are used across multiple surgical disciplines, including:

• General and abdominal surgery
• Dental and oral surgery
• ENT (ear, nose and throat) procedures
• Neurosurgery and spinal surgery
• Orthopaedic and bone surgery
• Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery

Product selection should always be guided by the clinical indication and the relevant IFU.

2. CuraMedical Haemostat Product Range

CuraSpon® – Absorbable Gelatin Sponge

What is CuraSpon® and what is it used for?

CuraSpon® is an absorbable gelatin sponge haemostat indicated for use during and after surgery to aid in achieving local haemostasis. It is suitable for use in dental, ENT, and general surgical procedures where control of capillary bleeding or localised oozing is required.

How does CuraSpon® achieve haemostasis?

CuraSpon® works by absorbing blood and wound fluids into its porous gelatin matrix, providing a physical scaffold that supports clot formation through tamponade effect. Its open-pore structure allows it to absorb many times its own weight in fluid, enabling effective haemostasis at the application site.

Does CuraSpon® expand after application?

Yes. CuraSpon® may swell as it absorbs blood and fluids, tending to return toward its original dimensions. This expansion property must be considered when applying the product in anatomically confined spaces, where swelling could exert pressure on adjacent structures. Always refer to the IFU before use.

Can CuraSpon® be left in the body after surgery?

CuraSpon® may be left in situ when clinically appropriate. It is typically absorbed within approximately 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the volume used, tissue type, and local environment. Refer to the product IFU for full guidance on in situ use.

When should CuraSpon® not be used?

CuraSpon® is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to porcine (pig-derived) products
• Closure of skin incisions
• Infected wounds unless managed with appropriate antimicrobial therapy

Always consult the full IFU for contraindications, warnings, and precautions prior to use.

CuraCel® — Oxidised Regenerated Cellulose (ORC)

What is CuraCel® and what is it used for?

CuraCel® is an oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC) haemostat indicated for controlling capillary bleeding, bleeding from parenchymal organs, and bleeding from resection surfaces during surgical procedures.

How does CuraCel® work?

When applied directly to a bleeding surface, CuraCel® forms a gelatinous mass on contact with blood. This mass provides a physical matrix that promotes platelet aggregation and supports clot formation, aiding in the control of local surgical bleeding.

How long does CuraCel® take to absorb?

CuraCel® is typically absorbed within 7 to 14 days. Absorption time may vary depending on the amount of product used, the tissue type, and the degree of blood saturation at the application site.

What precautions apply when using CuraCel®?

Important precautions include:

• Use only the minimum amount of product necessary to achieve haemostasis
• Avoid use in bony defects where it may interfere with healing
• Avoid placement near neural structures or in confined anatomical spaces where post-application pressure may occur
• Remove excess product once haemostasis has been achieved where clinically indicated

Refer to the CuraCel® IFU for complete instructions, contraindications, and warnings.

CuraTamp® — Oxidised Cellulose (OC)

What is CuraTamp® used for?

CuraTamp® is an oxidised cellulose (OC) haemostat indicated to aid in controlling capillary bleeding and bleeding from soft tissues and resection surfaces during surgical procedures.

How does CuraTamp® differ from CuraCel®?

Both CuraTamp® and CuraCel® are cellulose-based haemostats, but they differ in material composition. CuraTamp® is based on natural cotton (OC), while CuraCel® is made from rayon (ORC). These differences influence handling characteristics and structural properties. Product selection should be based on the clinical situation and a review of each product’s IFU.

What precautions apply to CuraTamp®?

Key precautions for CuraTamp® include:

• Use in the minimum amount necessary to achieve haemostasis
• Do not use for packing unless the product is subsequently removed after haemostasis is achieved
• Do not use in bony defects

Consult the CuraTamp® IFU for full prescribing and usage information.

CuraWax® — Bone Wax

What is bone wax used for?

CuraWax® is a non-absorbable bone wax used to mechanically control bleeding from bone surfaces and osseous structures. It acts by physically occluding bone canaliculi and vascular channels in cut or damaged bone, providing haemostasis through tamponade of bony bleeding points.

Is CuraWax® absorbed by the body?

No. CuraWax® is a non-absorbable device. It remains at the application site following use and is not broken down or resorbed by the body.

When should CuraWax® not be used?

CuraWax® should not be applied in situations where bone healing, fusion, or regeneration is required, as its non-absorbable nature may interfere with normal osseous healing processes. Refer to the IFU for full contraindications.

3. Safety & Clinical Consideration

Can haemostats cause complications?

As with all medical devices, the use of absorbable haemostats carries the potential for complications if used incorrectly. Appropriate product selection, correct application technique, and strict adherence to the Instructions for Use are essential. Material-specific properties — such as swelling, placement restrictions, or interaction with bone healing — should always be considered prior to and during use.

Is there a risk of using too much haemostat?

Yes. Many product IFUs specifically recommend using the minimum amount of haemostat required to achieve haemostasis. Overpacking — particularly in confined anatomical spaces, bony defects, or near neural structures — can result in pressure-related complications. Surgeons should apply the smallest effective quantity and remove excess material where appropriate.

Can absorbable haemostats be used in infected surgical fields?

This depends on the specific product. As an example, CuraSpon® should not be used in infected wounds unless the infection is being appropriately managed. Always refer to the individual product IFU for specific guidance on use in contaminated or infected surgical fields.

Do CuraMedical haemostats contain animal-derived materials?

CuraSpon® is derived from porcine (pig) gelatin and should not be used in patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to porcine products. CuraCel® and CuraTamp® are cellulose-based products. CuraWax® is a synthetic, non-absorbable material. Full material composition details are available in each product’s IFU.

4. Quality & Regulatory

What regulatory certifications do CuraMedical products hold?

CuraMedical haemostatic products are manufactured in accordance with:

• ISO 13485 — Quality Management Systems for Medical Devices
• CE marking under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) — Class IIb or Class III depending on the product
• MDR transition requirements as applicable

Are CuraMedical haemostats for professional use only?

Yes. All CuraMedical haemostatic products are intended for professional use only by trained surgical and medical personnel. They must be used in strict accordance with the Instructions for Use supplied with each product.

Where can I find the Instructions for Use (IFU) for CuraMedical products?

The IFU for each product is supplied with the device packaging. For additional copies or further information, please contact CuraMedical directly or visit www.curamedical.com/quality.

Important: This FAQ is intended for healthcare professionals only and is provided for informational purposes. It does not replace the Instructions for Use supplied with each product. CuraMedical products must be selected and applied using appropriate clinical judgment. This document forms part of CuraMedical’s quality management system under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).

© CuraMedical | www.curamedical.com | For professional use only