Hydrogel-coated needles prevent puncture site bleeding.

Abstract Introduction : Incomplete hemostasis after vascular cannulation can cause a hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. We hypothesized that a hydrogel-coated needle would effectively and rapidly stop bleeding after vascular cannulation. Method : A hydrogel composed of sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and calcium carbonate was coated onto the surface of suture needles. Needles were observed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence. Cannulation was performed in both mouse and rat models; the liver, kidney, jugular vein, inferior vena cava and aorta were punctured using uncoated and hydrogel-coated needles. Needles coated with a hydrogel with and without CD34 antibody were used to puncture the rat jugular vein and aorta. Tissues were examined by histology and immunofluorescence. Result : The hydrogel was successfully coated onto the surface of 22G and 30G needles and confirmed by SEM. Hydrogel-coated needles rapidly stopped bleeding after cannulation of the liver, kidney, jugular vein, inferior vena cava and aorta. Hydrogel-coated needles that contained CD34 antibody attracted vascular progenitor cells near the puncture site; there were fewer M1-type macrophages and more M2-type macrophages. Conclusion : Hydrogel-coated needles can effectively and rapidly stop puncture-site bleeding. The hydrogel that contains CD34 antibody attracted vascular progenitor cells, potentially promoting healing of the site after cannulation. Statement of Significance : Incomplete hemostasis after vascular cannulation can cause a hematoma or pseudoaneurysm, we developed a hydrogel-coated needle that can effectively and rapidly stop bleeding after vascular cannulation. The hydrogel composed of sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and calcium carbonate was coated onto the surface of suture needles. Needles were observed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence. Hydrogel-coated needles rapidly stopped bleeding after cannulation of the liver, kidney, jugular vein, inferior vena cava and aorta, with significantly less blood loss compared to uncoated needles. Hydrogel-coated needles that contained CD34 antibody attracted vascular progenitor cells near the puncture site; there were fewer M1-type macrophages and more M2-type macrophages.