Bayer launches trial of Trasylol in spinal fusion surgery

“Trasylol has been proven safe and effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in coronary artery bypass surgery, and we are studying the drug to determine if it may play a similar role in spinal fusion surgery,” said Dr Michael Neuwirth, lead investigator of the study and director of the Spine Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Spinal fusion surgery involves ‘fusing’ together one or more of the small bones of the spine with bone grafts and devices. This fusion limits the motion between the vertebrae allowing surgeons to treat injuries to the spine, repair broken vertebra, and correct deformities.

Previous research found that the blood transfusion rate may be six times greater in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery than in those undergoing standard spinal surgery. Spine fusion surgery is also associated with more complications (such as infection, chronic pain and neural injuries) as it requires more extensive dissection and longer operative time.