Hemostatic Implants

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Hi all, here's a question I've pondered for a couple of months that maybe one of you can help me out with.

When a surgeon asks for Surgicel powder for a procedure, it does not count as an implant at my facility; however, if we use VistaSeal it does. What is the rationale for this? The only thing I can think of is that the VistaSeal is human tissue, but what makes Surgicel not count as an implant?

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I'm not familiar with VistaSeal, but most likely because it contains human tissue it's considered an implant whether it breaks down or not. Surgicel has no human or other tissue (it's cellulose), and is absorbed within 8 weeks - it lasts less time than some sutures do, and we don't consider sutures as implants.

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Specializes in Operating room, ER, Home Health.

I am not sure why to since my facility does not track it and lists it as a medication. Not all items which are derived from human tissue has to be tracked. It depends on how the product is manufactured. 

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