Ethicon Johnson - W31C - Bonewax W31C

This product is a sterile, non-absorbable hemostatic agent designed for the management of bleeding from bone surfaces during surgical interventions. Its composition primarily includes beeswax and paraffin, along with softening agents, which work in conjunction to create a physical barrier. This barrier effectively seals the bleeding site, thereby controlling hemorrhage from cancellous bone.

The formulation is intended to provide hemostasis without adversely affecting the natural bone healing cascade. The material is processed to offer a consistent texture that facilitates ease of manipulation and application by the surgical team. It is supplied in a ready-to-use format, requiring no prior preparation before administration.

The product is packaged to maintain sterility until the point of use. Its non-absorbable nature ensures that the hemostatic effect is sustained for as long as necessary. The biocompatibility of the components is a key consideration in its design for surgical applications.

The product is available in different quantities to accommodate varying procedural needs.

The mechanism of action relies on the physical occlusion of bleeding vessels within the bone matrix. When applied to a bleeding bone surface, the wax deforms and fills the porous structure, creating a seal. This mechanical blockage prevents further blood loss from the cancellous bone, which can be challenging to manage with conventional hemostatic methods.

The wax remains in place, providing a stable barrier until the body's natural healing processes can adequately address the bleeding. The formulation is designed to be pliable, allowing it to be molded to the contours of the bone defect or surgical site, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the bleeding area. The consistency is optimized to prevent it from fragmenting or becoming difficult to handle during the procedure.

Key features and benefits of this bone wax include its efficacy in providing mechanical hemostasis for bleeding bone. Its non-absorbable and biocompatible formulation is suitable for direct application to bone tissue. The smooth texture aids in easy application and molding, allowing for precise placement by the surgeon.

It is provided sterile and ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for any preparation steps in the operating room. This contributes to maintaining a clear surgical field by minimizing blood seepage. Furthermore, it assists in reducing intraoperative blood loss, which can be critical in lengthy or complex procedures.

The product's versatility makes it applicable across a range of surgical specialties.

This hemostatic agent is utilized by a variety of medical professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and craniofacial surgeons. It is also employed in dental bone surgeries and any other surgical discipline where control of bleeding from bone surfaces is required. Typical applications encompass procedures such as joint replacements, spinal surgeries, cranial procedures, and sternotomies, where bone bleeding is a common occurrence.

Patients benefit indirectly through improved surgical outcomes and potentially reduced need for blood transfusions due to effective intraoperative hemostasis. Caregivers may be involved in the preparation and handling of surgical supplies, ensuring the product is available and sterile for use.

Important usage notes include opening the sterile package immediately prior to use to maintain aseptic technique. It is advisable to slightly warm the wax between the fingers to achieve optimal pliability for application. A small quantity should be applied directly to the bleeding bone surface and gently pressed until adherence is achieved and bleeding is controlled.

Surgeons are advised to use the minimum amount necessary to achieve hemostasis, as excessive application could potentially impede normal wound healing. The product is intended for topical application on bone surfaces only and should not be used if the packaging is compromised. Storage should be in a cool, dry environment.

The product is for professional medical use and should be kept out of reach of children.