Hextend[registered sign], a Physiologically Balanced Plasma Expander for Large Volume Use in Major Surgery

Abstract

Hextend (BioTime, Inc., Berkeley, CA) is a new plasma volume expander containing 6% hetastarch, balanced electrolytes, a lactate buffer, and a physiological level of glucose. It is as effective as 6% hetastarch in saline for the treatment of hypovolemia but has a more favorable side effects profile in volumes of up to 5 L compared with 6% hetastarch in saline.