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IV. Types of Hemostasis
Hemostasis can be achieved in various other ways if the body cannot do it naturally (or needs help) during surgery or medical treatment. When the body is under shock and stress Hemostasis is harder to achieve. Though natural Hemostasis is most desired, having other means of achieving this is vital for survival in many emergency settings. Without the ability to stimulate Hemostasis the risk of hemorrhaging is great. During surgical procedures the types of Hemostasis listed below can be used to control bleeding while avoiding and reducing the risk of tissue destruction. Hemostasis can be achieved by chemical agents as well as mechanical or physical agents. Which Hemostasis type used is determined based on the situation.


 * Chemical/topical- This is a topical agent often used in surgery settings to stop bleeding. Microfibriller collagen is the most popular choice among surgeons because it attracts the patients natural platelets and starts the blood clotting process when it comes in contact with the platelets. This topical agent requires normal hemostatic pathway to be properly functional.
 * Electrocoagulation-This type of Hemostasis uses radio waves to stimulate tissues near the sight that needs blood clotting. This process causes tissues to vibrate, causing heat to be given off which in turn promotes proteins to start the process of coagulation: A essential step in the events of Hemostasis. Electrocoagulation not only starts the process of coagulation, it also causes destruction of tissue to the area that was hit with the electrical current.
 * Direct pressure or pressure dressing- This type of Hemostasis approach is most commonly used in situations where proper medical attention is not available. Putting pressure and/or dressing to a bleeding wound only slows the process of blood loss, allowing for more time to get to a emergency medical setting. Soldiers use this skill during combat when someone has been injured because this process allows for blood loss to be decreased, giving the system time to start coagulation.
 * Sutures and ties- Sutures are often used to close an open wound, allowing for the injured area to stay free of pathogens and other unwanted debris to enter the site;however, it is also essential to the process of Hemostasis. Sutures and ties allow for skin to be joined back together allowing for platelets to start the process of Hemostasis at a quicker pace. Using sutures results in a quicker recovery period because the surface area of the wound has been decreased.
 * Physical agents (gelatin sponge)- Gelatin sponges have been indicated as great Hemostatic devices. Once applied to a bleeding area, a gelatin sponge quickly stops or reduces the amount of bleeding present. These physical agents are mostly used in surgical settings as well as after surgery treatments. These sponges absorb blood, allow for coagulation to occur faster, and give off chemical responses that increase the time it takes for the Hemostasis pathway to start.