Fibrin sealant

Fibrin sealant consists of fibrinogen and thrombin solutions, which generate a crosslinked fibrin clot in a process that mimics the last stage of the physiologic coagulation system. Fibrin sealants have been used widely in Europe in the past two decades for hemostasis, sealing, and as a vehicle for drugs and growth factors, and as a biologic glue. This review discusses the various types of fibrin sealants (autologous, homologous, commercial), their composition, mechanism of action, functional characteristics, experimental and clinical uses, limitations, complications, adverse reactions, and viral safety.