HES
>> HES - from maize to infusion
The main application for Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is in volume therapy to improve the rheological properties of human blood.
In Linz, HES, the active ingredient, is manufactured from pure maize starch. The supplied starch is modified in a controlled chemical process under strict surveillance. This modification adjusts the ability of the molecule to decompose under physiological conditions. Subsequently the chains of the natural polymer are cut to the desired length in a chemical degradation process. In the final step, the product is carefully purified, dried in a clean room and immediately packed in containers.
The infusion solution produced from HES is used as a plasma expander in volume therapy and for cryoconservation. It is in standard use in emergency medicine for stabilizing the cardiovascular system, shock treatment and blood replacement.
The HES product developed by Fresenius Kabi is based on a new, patented type of hydroxyethyl starch with particularly favorable properties. A constantly growing number of doctors favor the use of this new type of HES.