ThermoGenesis' Thrombin Processing Device helps control surgical bleeding, research says

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., April 21 - ThermoGenesis Corp. said research data showed its new processing disposable medical device enables the preparation of thrombin, a clotting agent, from a patient's own whole blood in the operating room in 30 minutes and that the thrombin achieves rapid clotting of platelet concentrates, plasma and fibrinogen concentrates.

The data was presented at the American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology's annual conference in Las Vegas.

The current thrombin market, estimated at $180 million per year, is dominated by thrombin sourced from bovine (cow) blood, according to a company news release.

Surgeons use bovine-derived thrombin to stop minor bleeding during surgery and to release growth factors from concentrated autologous platelets (platelet gels) inserted into wound sites to accelerate healing of bone and tissue.

However, the company said bovine-derived thrombin can create cross-reactive anti-bovine antibodies that cause allergic reaction and inhibit blood clotting in humans, which can cause post-operative hemorrhage in a subsequent operation.

ThermoGenesis' Thrombin Processing Device is being used by European surgeons to produce autologous thrombin from a patient's plasma derived from their own blood to help control surgical bleeding and accelerate wound healing.

It is currently being marketed in Europe by Biomet, Inc. subsidiary Biomet Biologicals, Inc., and Medtronic, Inc. in conjunction with their platelet gel products, the release said.

Rancho Cordova, Calif.-based ThermoGenesis develops automated blood processing systems and disposables that enable the manufacture, preservation and delivery of cell and tissue therapy products.

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