Oxidised Cellulose
What is Oxidised Cellulose?
Oxidised Cellulose is a water-insoluble derivative of cellulose. The cellulose can be sourced from any natural source such as wood or flax, but is most commonly from cotton. It can also be sourced from pre-processed cellulose products, such as viscose or lyocell, in which case a regenerated product is made and it is known as oxidised regenerated cellulose.
Oxidised cellulose is an absorbable haemostat, is antimicrobial and acts as an adhesive barrier.
Our oxidised cellulose is derived from cotton. It contains no chemical additives or accelerants and is broken down and absorbed by the body. It is made using a controlled oxidation process that gives the product the characteristics required to provide an absorbable haemostatic dressing.
How does Oxidised Cellulose work?
Oxidised cellulose dressings work to stop bleeding by accelerating blood platelet aggregation and helping the blood clotting process to start. The fibres are able to absorb up to seven times their own volume in blood. When saturated the oxidised cellulose swells into a gelatinous mass. Oxidised cellulose is naturally acidic and it is this acid that starts to break down the blood cells triggering the clotting process in the body. The oxidised cellulose also lowers the pH within the wound due to its acidity. This creates a hostile environment for most bacteria and also gives it antimicrobial benefits.
What is Oxidised Cellulose used for?
Oxidised cellulose is commonly used to stop bleeding and is used in most areas of surgery. We supply three different formats of oxidised cellulose to meet different requirements.
- Standard – used to control minor diffuse bleeding
- Forte – when greater absorption is needed
- Fibrillar – for use in difficult to apply areas and large surfaces
Our oxidised cellulose is supplied as a sterile absorbable knitted fabric dressing under the brand name RESORBA®CELL.
Our dressings can also be cut to size for use within endoscopic procedures.
