Hemostasis, the physiological control of bleeding, incorporates both the formation of a blood clot and the dissolution of that clot when it is no longer needed. There are three major functional components of hemostasis: the coagulation proteins of the blood plasma (including fibrinogen), platelets, and fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) proteins of the plasma. Disruption of the functional balance of these elements leads to hemostatic disorders with either excessive bleeding or excessive clotting (thrombosis). These disorders, manifested as heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, excessive bleeding, and other conditions, are responsible for 30% of all deaths in the developed world.
Imbalanced hemostasis is either innate or acquired. Innate defects result from mutations of the genes that control the structure, production, or regulation of the elements involved in hemostasis. Acquired defects are more common and result from factors such as smoking, obesity, pregnancy, the use of oral contraception, and the use of anticoagulant therapy. More acute defects result from physical trauma, cancer, surgery, liver disease, and gynecological procedures.
| Clinical conditions affected by hemostatic disorders and current needs | |
|---|---|
|
Condition
|
Need
|
| Surgical
(Cardio-pulmonary bypass, |
Monitor anti-coagulation peri-operatively
Stratify clot risk pre-operatively Determine cause of post-operative bleeding Guide transfusion of blood products Assess risks of thrombosis (DVT and PE) |
| Procedural
(PTCA, Cardiac Catheterization) |
Determine efficacy of pre-existing therapies Assess risks of thrombosis (vascular blockage) Guide/Inform anti-coagulation therapy |
| Non-Surgical
(Septicemia, Dialysis, Cancer |
Determine efficacy of pre-existing therapies Guide transfusion of blood products Guide/Inform anti-coagulation therapy |
| Risk Stratification
(Hormone Therapy, Oral Contraception, |
Assess risk of thrombosis (DVT and PE) Guide/Inform anti-coagulation therapy |
Hemostasis should be monitored in a broad array of clinical settings. However, available technologies do not adequately assess hemostasis. By applying our proprietary technology, HemoSonics will become the gold standard for quantifying hemostasis. By focusing on point of care applications, we will not only provide more definitive information than current tests, but we will also provide it fast enough to allow proper treatment. In many applications the use of our technology will reduce costly, unnecessary transfusions. As our products gain acceptance we will expand to become the standard for screening the general population. Clinical success will save lives, reduce complications, and save costs.
