The Use of Evicel to Reduce Blood Loss in Total Knee Replacement Surgery

The Use of Evicel to Reduce Blood Loss in Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Application of "Evicel" hemostatic matrix during operation for unilateral total knee replacement surgery (TKA) will result in decreased bleeding and postoperative drain output, a reduction in transfusion requirements, and less reduction of hemoglobin.

No additional data desired

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of degenerative joint disease of the knee in patients medically suitable to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergies to human blood products.
• History of bleeding disorders.
• Patients with previous arthrotomy, however, with exception of medial or lateral menisectomy.
• Patients taking Lovenox, Plavix, Aggrenox or erythropoetin. (coumadin is acceptable)
• Additionally, any patient with an intra-operative complication (i.e bone fracture, vascular injury) or post-operative complication that would affect bleeding tendency will be excluded although data will be recorded for later analysis. Also, any patient who has a complication with the suction drain (eg inadvertently being pulled out, suction failing) will have the remaining data points recorded and drain measurements will be excluded from analysis.