Hemostatic technique using cyanoacrylate for fingertip cut injury: A review of 21 cases

Aim

In the emergency department, fingertip cut injuries often involve skin loss and bleeding. Traditional hemostatic methods, such as applying simple pressure or using pressure combined with alginate fibers, are sometimes insufficient and require sutures or cauterization. To address these challenges, we explored the use of cyanoacrylate for hemostasis in fingertip cut injuries.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients aged ≥ 20 years who presented to our emergency department for fingertip cut injuries between April 2023 and March 2024. Injuries were characterized by skin loss without contamination, bone exposure, or fractures. We suggest the cyanoacrylate sealing method (CASM) in most cases. CASM involved wound cleansing, a proximal tourniquet with a rubber band, a thin cyanoacrylate coating on the wound, and observation for rebleeding.

Results

A total of 21 patients (mean age: 46.4 years) underwent CASM, achieving successful hemostasis in all cases. Compression hemostasis was attempted in 12 patients before CASM; however, no hemostasis was achieved. Five patients reported a tolerable stinging sensation at the wound site. The cyanoacrylate coating detached naturally within 4 to10 days, and complete epithelialization was achieved within 14 days. No significant complications, such as infection or delayed wound healing, were observed.

Conclusion

CASM is a simple and minimally invasive method to achieve hemostasis in fingertip cut injuries. It significantly reduces the procedure time compared with traditional methods such as suturing or cauterization.