FDA Approves Gel to Stop Blood Flow During Surgery
Posted on October 10, 2011
The FDA has approved LeGoo, a gel that enables surgeons to temporarily stop blood flow during surgery. The goo can be used intead of clamps or elastic loops. The FDA says LeGoo can minimize blood flow to the surgical area without causing damage to the blood vessels.
Christy Foreman, director of the Office of Device Evaluation in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said, "LeGoo is an innovative device that offers surgeons an additional aid during vascular surgery. The gel's unique properties may facilitate surgeries that entail the joining or grafting blood vessels."
LeGoo remains liquid at room temperature but solidifies at higher temperatures. The gel forms a plug that molds to shape of blood vessels when it is injected. The gel can stop blood flow for up to 15 minutes.