New Process Quickly Stops Bleeding from Stab Wounds

New research suggests that that a liquid form of chemical element gallium (Ga) can rapidly halt bleeding from deep wounds, without causing blood clots.

Researchers at Ariel University (Israel) have found that Gallium nitrate, the gallium salt of nitric acid, can stop bleeding by inducing flocculation of the clotting protein fibrinogen, resulting in an external clot formation at the site of injury not induced by activating the natural clotting mechanism of the blood. Additional benefits of using gallium nitrate are that it is a powerful anti-infective and speeds up the healing of injuries caused by deep gashes. As such, it could dramatically increase the chances of survival by victims of terror or accidents.

At this stage, the gallium solution has to undergo further studies to determine the optimal dose and delivery method. In addition, a comparative efficacy trial with other technologies for stopping bleeding needs to be performed. In an experiment conducted to test clotting times, warfarin did not negate or interfere with the blood-stemming property of gallium nitrate.

“Unfortunately, there seems to be no immediate end in sight to the kind of violent attacks facing Israelis; Gallium can provide instantaneous help to victims in Israel. Our goal is to place gallium in every first aid kit and every ambulance, ensuring that every stabbing victim has an increased chance of survival,” said lead author Moshe Rogosnitzky, PhD. “Moreover, as blood loss remains the leading cause of death from stabbings and other external injuries, it is our hope that this innovation can help innocent victims of violent crime or accidents throughout the world by significantly reducing mortality rate and providing an effective and safe answer for blood loss from wounds.”

Gallium nitrate is predominantly used to treat symptomatic hypercalcemia secondary to cancer. The postulated mechanism of action is that it prevents the breakdown of bone through the inhibition of osteoclast activity, thus lowering the amount of free calcium in the blood. Gallium nitrate has also been used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease.

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Ariel University