| abstract |
This invention concerns a method of preparing a cryoprecipitated suspension containing fibrinogen and Factor XIII useful as a precursor in the preparation of a fibrin glue which involves (a) freezing fresh frozen plasma from a single donor such as a human or other animal, e.g. a cow, sheep or pig, which has been screened for blood transmitted diseases, e.g. one or more of syphilis, hepatitis or acquired immune deficiency syndrome at about =80 DEG C. for at least about 6 hours, preferably for at least about 12 hours; (b) raising the temperature of the frozen plasma, e.g. to between about 0 DEG C. and room temperature, so as to form a supernatant and a cryoprecipitated suspension containing fibrinogen and Factor XIII; and (c) recovering the cryoprecipitated suspension. The invention also concerns a method of preparing a fibrin glue useful in surgical procedures which comprises: (a) preparing a cryoprecipitated suspension as described above; (b) applying a defined volume of the suspension to a desired site; and (c) applying a composition containing a sufficient amount of thrombin, e.g. human, bovine, ovine or porcine thrombin, to the site so as to cause the fibrinogen in the suspension to be converted to the fibrin glue which then solidifies in the form of a gel. The thrombin-containing composition may also contain a suitable amount of an anti-fibrinolytic substance, e.g. aprotinin and a suitable amount of CaCl2. The invention also concerns the cryoprecipitated suspension, the fibrin glue formed therefrom, fibrin glue kits and a method for sealing surgical wounds. |