Demystifying Topical Hemostatic Agents: A Mental Model for Surgeons
Demystifying Topical Hemostatic Agents: A Mental Model for Surgeons  
Podcast: Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Published On: Mon Oct 26 2026
Description: The scrub tech holds up two boxes, “SURGICEL or EVARREST?”, and you realize nobody ever taught you the difference. Patrick Georgoff, MD, John McClellan, MD, Kevin Kniery, MD, and Nick Teman, MD, break down topical hemostatic agents, one of the most used and least taught tools in the OR. You’ll get a simple two-question model for picking the right product: can your patient make their own clot, and can a patch reach the bleeding? Through trauma, vascular, and cardiac cases, the team covers when these agents earn their keep and when two minutes of pressure (no peeking!) will do the job. Bottom line: hemostatic agents speed up hemostasis, but they’re a targeted adjunct to good surgical technique, not a substitute for it!Hosts: Patrick Georgoff, MD, Duke Nick Teman, MD, University of Colorado John McCllelan, MD, UNC Kevin Kniery, MD, Madigan Army Medical Center Topical Hemostatic Agent PDF link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qv9V_0l20CTXKQ_83newveIahmxzlpcb/view?usp=sharingPlease visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewSurgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-reviewABSITE Question Bank: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/absite-question-bankEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US