J Visc Surg
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Surgical hemostatic agents are indicated to improve hemostasis when conventional techniques (compression, sutures or electrocoagulation) are inadequate. The National French Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de santé [HAS]) set out to assess these products (medical devices and agents) to determine their optimal utility. This evaluation included one class of products containing some form of human fibrinogen and thrombin and eight classes of medical devices and automated devices to prepare autologous fibrin. ⋯ The working group also distinguished several particular settings (mouth and dental care in patients under antiagregant or anticoagulation therapy, central nervous system surgery or acute aortic dissection). Comparative data are insufficient to determine if one product is superior to another for a specific use. To evaluate the clinical value of these products, methodologically sound clinical studies are necessary.