Gelfoam was first marketed in 1945. It
is a sterile gelatin foam that promotes blood clotting and thus
stops the bleeding from a wound or surgical procedure. It has
the distinction of being the oldest product still being
manufactured at the
former Upjohn (now Pfizer) Portage manufacturing plant. This
means it has been in production for 79 years.
Gelfilm is a gelatin implant which has
a rubbery consistancy and can be easily cut to a desired size and
shape. It is often used in neurosurgery, thoracic and ocular
surgeries. Photos of different Gelfoam and Gelfilm packages are
shown below.