Can Arista AH be left in place after hemostasis is achieved?

• A. Arista AH is absorbable and may be left in place.
• B. The material must be removed immediately after achieving hemostasis.
• C. Always leaves a sterile device that must be retrieved.
• D. Should be replaced with a new product after bleeding stops.

Answer: (A)

Arista AH is designed to be left in place after hemostasis is achieved because it is absorbable. This topical hemostat is made of plant-based microporous polysaccharide material that works by rapidly absorbing water at the site of bleeding, which concentrates platelets and clotting factors to reinforce clot formation. Since it’s biodegradable, it’s intended to be resorbed by the body over a short period (generally days to about a couple of weeks), so there’s no need to remove it once bleeding has stopped. You don’t have to retrieve a sterile device, and you don’t replace it with a new product after the bleed is controlled.