Development of an animal model for assessment of the hemostatic efficacy of fibrin sealant in vascular surgery.

Having a sound and reproducible animal model to test the value of an existing therapy beyond its initial application is certainly a step forward. Kheirabadi and associates have taken this step for us in a vascular surgery model for fibrin sealant use. Their results are consistent with what we have learned anecdotally in clinical practice — that the use of fibrin sealant secures a vascular anatomosis and stops needle-hole bleeding. The possibility that fibrin sealant also creates an environment that favors vascular healing is exciting. Could it be that the use of fibrin sealant will help us find an answer to the problem of neointimal hyperplasia?

– R. K. Spence.