FIBRIN SEALANT IN VASCULAR-SURGERY - A REVIEW

Fibrin sealant (FS) is a mixture of concentrated fibrinogen and thromb in that creates a fibrin matrix that is slowly degraded by the body's fibrinolytic system. FS is currently being used in the clinical arena for many applications. Perhaps the most relevant indication for vascul ar surgeons concentrates on FS's hemostatic properties. Current resear ch in many centers is investigating FS's capability to incorporate dru gs and cytokines into the fibrin matrix for slow release as a drug del ivery system for future clinical use. This review will focus on three main uses of FS: as an anastomotic sealant, as an antibiotic coating, and as an agent for endothelialization of grafts.