The Art of Saving Lives🩸

A Journey Through the Evolution of Bleeding Control 💦       

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Blood is life, and in the world of surgery, stopping bleeding is an art. For centuries, surgeons have searched for ways to control hemorrhage and save lives. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the evolution of techniques used in hemorrhage control and the emotional impact it has had on the medical profession.

bloody Hands joining together to control bleeding
The Art of Saving Lives
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash


The ancient Indian text, Sushruta Samhita, provides valuable insights into the evolution of techniques used in hemorrhage control in surgical practice. By studying this text and combining it with modern medical knowledge, we can gain a deeper understanding of the best practices for managing hemorrhages.

A page from Sushruta Samhita about the bleeding control in surgical practice
The ancient Indian text, Sushruta Samhita


The Sushruta Samhita describes various techniques for controlling hemorrhages, including the use of pressure, cautery, and ligature. These methods were groundbreaking for their time, but as medical science has advanced, so too have the techniques for controlling hemorrhages.


Maharshi Sushruta doing surgical procedure
Maharshi Sushruta- Father of Surgery

Behold, the roadmap to mastery of hemorrhage control!

  1. The importance of hemorrhage control in surgery
  2. Methods of hemorrhage control
  3. Evolution of hemorrhage control techniques
  4. Importance of hemostatic agents
  5. Role of minimally invasive procedures
  6. Future of hemorrhage control
  7. Conclusion - progress in the fight against blood loss.
  8. FAQs 
  9.  

The Beginning


#Primitive Techniques:


In the beginning, primitive techniques were used to control hemorrhage. These techniques included using hot irons, boiling oil, and even cow dung to cauterize bleeding vessels.

Cow posing to the camera orange colour
Use of cow dung to cauterize bleeding vessels

 The emotional toll on patients and surgeons alike was immense, as these techniques often caused significant pain and led to a high rate of mortality.


 The Age of Innovation


# The Introduction of Tourniquets:


As the knowledge of vascular anatomy was gaining importance and so was the invention of the tourniquet for stopping bleed by applying external pressure. It revolutionized hemorrhage control in surgical practice. By applying pressure to a limb, surgeons were able to temporarily stop bleeding, allowing them to work on the affected area without excessive blood loss

orange tourniquet tied over left arm
Tourniquet for hemorrhage control


# The Emergence of Sutures and Ligatures:


As medical knowledge and technology advanced, the use of sutures and ligatures became the preferred method of hemorrhage control. Surgeons began to use silk, catgut, and other materials to tie off bleeding vessels, allowing for more precise control of bleeding. The emotional impact of these advancements was immense, as surgeons were able to save more lives and patients experienced less pain. 
   
Sutures used to stich a wound
Sutures used to stich a wound


 Revolutionary Advances 


# Electro-surgical innovation:💦

Mono polar cautery and bipolar cautery is the leading hemorrhage control devices now a days.
No major or minor surgery begin without the touch of these instruments.
Other recent advances in electro surgery are ongoing. Ligasure and enseal are some of the examples.




Ligasure vascular sealing agent
LigaSure™ uses a combination of pressure and continuous bipolar energy to create vessel fusion



Bipolar Electro-surical prob
Bipolar Electro-surgical prob 


# Ultrasonic energy devices:

Harmonic scalpel is the leading instruments in specific places to gain control over the bleeding particularly the paranchymal region of solid organ like pancreas.




Harmonic scalpel
Laparoscopic Harmonic scalpel 


# Hemostatic Agents:

The development of hemostatic agents such as collagen and thrombin also helped control bleeding and reduce the need for blood transfusions. Some brand with name such as surgicel, Angel etc. Now some adhesive are also available in the name of tissue glue that helps in bleeding control. 

Surgicel


The emotional impact of these advances cannot be understated, as surgeons were able to save even more lives and patients experienced less pain and trauma.

Using thrombin as a method to control

Using thrombin as a method to control bleeding aneurysm


Cutting-Edge Technology:


# The Rise of Minimally Invasive Surgery


In recent years, minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized the field of hemorrhage control. Using tiny incisions and specialized tools, surgeons are able to access and operate on internal organs without the need for large incisions or extensive bleeding control. Ligasure, Harmonic scalpel and other energy sources are also available for laparoscopic use.

Endovascular repair of anurysm
Endovascular aneurysm repair - example of minimally invasive procedure

Endovascular repair is a minimally invasive procedure done under general anesthesia. A surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area to access the artery and then threads a catheter to the site of the aortic aneurysm.
A stent graft, made of a thin metal mesh and polyester fabric, is sent through the catheter and opened inside the aorta to protect and prevent the aneurysm from bursting. This modern procedure treats complex conditions with precision and care.

 The emotional impact of these advances is significant, as patients experience less pain and trauma and are able to recover more quickly.

Benefits of minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures
Benefits of minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures


The Future of Hemorrhage Control:


# Advances in Robotics and Nanotechnology

As technology continues to advance, the future of hemorrhage control looks promising. Robots and nanotechnology are being developed to perform surgery with even greater precision and control, reducing the need for human intervention and improving patient outcomes.


 
nanotechnology infographics for bleeding control

Injectable Nano Whitlockite Incorporated Chitosan Hydrogel for Effective Hemostasis


The emotional impact of these advances is yet to be fully understood, but it is clear that they have the potential to save even more lives and transform the field of surgery.


size-matters-in-nanoparticle-treatments-to-stop-internal-bleeding-from-traumatic-injuries/
nanotechnology for hemorrhage control


 Conclusion: The Art that is Saving Lives

# to be continued...


Hemorrhage control is a fundamental part of surgical practice, and the evolution of techniques used to control bleeding has had a significant emotional impact on both patients and surgeons. From primitive techniques to cutting-edge technology, the art of saving lives has evolved over time, and the future looks bright for those in need of hemorrhage control. 

Let us remember the emotional impact of these advances and continue to push the boundaries of medical innovation.

*FAQs*: Frequently Asked Questions 


1. What is hemorrhage control?

Hemorrhage control refers to the techniques and procedures used to stop bleeding in surgical practice.

2. What were some of the primitive techniques used for hemorrhage control?

Primitive techniques used for hemorrhage control included using hot irons, boiling oil, and even cow dung to cauterize bleeding vessels.

3. How have advances in hemorrhage control impacted patients and surgeons emotionally?

Advances in hemorrhage control have led to increased survival rates and reduced pain and trauma for patients. They have also had a significant emotional impact on surgeons, who are able to save more lives and feel a sense of fulfillment in their work.

4. What is the future of hemorrhage control?

The future of hemorrhage control looks promising with advances in robotics and nanotechnology, allowing for even greater precision and control in surgical practice.

5. How important is hemorrhage control in surgical practice?

Hemorrhage control is a fundamental aspect of surgical practice, allowing surgeons to perform procedures with greater safety and precision, and ultimately save more lives.

As we reflect on the evolution of hemorrhage control, we cannot help but be moved by the emotional impact it has had on the field of surgery. From the primitive techniques of the past to the cutting-edge technology of the present and future, the art of saving lives continues to evolve and inspire.

Let us honor the bravery and dedication of those in the medical profession who have made these advancements possible, and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the quest to save lives.

Devoted
to

HEALTH-TECTURE

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"Your well-wisher"

MBBS, MS general surgery, DNB general surgery Laparoscopic and general surgeon, Member of ASI ( association Surgeon of India).

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