Fibrin Glue (Tissue Adhesive — Burns/Plastics)

How it works

Mixing the components reproduces the final stage of the clotting cascade, with thrombin converting fibrinogen to a fibrin clot that adheres tissues and stops bleeding.

Prescribing in practice

• It must never be injected intravascularly, as intravascular application can cause life-threatening thromboembolism.
• Being derived from pooled human plasma, it carries a theoretical infection-transmission risk and may contain components contraindicated in known hypersensitivity, including to aprotinin where present.
• Apply only to the tissue surface as a thin layer per the product instructions.

Monitoring

Monitor the application site for graft take, haemostasis and any hypersensitivity reaction.

Counselling the patient

• This biological glue helps hold the graft in place and reduce bleeding.
• It is absorbed by the body as the wound heals.
• Report any rash, swelling or breathing difficulty after the procedure.

Evidence & guidelines

Fibrin sealants are well established for graft fixation and haemostasis in burns and reconstructive surgery, with labelling warning against intravascular use.