Name a procedure in cardiac surgery where Arista is applied?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Pacemaker insertion
• C. Heart transplant
• D. CABG or Valve Repair/Replacement

Answer: (D)

Arista is a topical hemostatic sponge used to control diffuse oozing on raw surfaces exposed during open cardiac surgery. In procedures like CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or valve repair/replacement, there are large, newly exposed surfaces and frequent oozing, especially after coming off bypass when anticoagulation is still a factor. Applying Arista provides a scaffold that concentrates platelets and clotting factors, promoting rapid clot formation and helping achieve hemostasis at the bleeding sites. It’s left in place to be absorbed as healing progresses. Angioplasty and pacemaker insertion are less invasive and involve less extensive raw surfaces, so they don’t typically require this type of topical hemostatic application, whereas CABG or valve procedures routinely use it to manage the diffuse bleeding encountered.