In what situations should Arista AH be avoided?

• A. In slow venous oozing.
• B. In brisk arterial bleeding where rapid vessel occlusion is required; intravascular use; in the airways or contaminated cavities where inflammatory reaction could be problematic.
• C. In superficial skin lacerations.
• D. In closed, sterile cavities.

Answer: (B)

Arista AH is a topical, starch-based hemostat that helps control bleeding by absorbing fluid and concentrating clotting factors to form a physical barrier. It is not a rapid-occlusion device, so it should be avoided in brisk arterial bleeding where quick vessel occlusion is needed, because it may not stop high-flow arterial bleeding promptly and can be displaced. It should also be avoided for intravascular use, as particles can embolize to distant vessels. In the airways or in contaminated cavities, there’s a risk of inflammatory reaction or granuloma formation, and infection concerns can be worsened, so avoidance is prudent. In contrast, slow venous oozing and many local superficial wound sites can often be managed with topical hemostats, and closed, sterile cavities can be suitable contexts for their use, which is why these scenarios are not contraindications.