Microwave Wound Welding Kit
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Microwave Wound Welding Kit- A novel Technology for Wound Care !
About this project
The Microwave Wound Welding Device was licensed by Meridian Health Systems, P.C., from NASA Johnson Space Center for further development and Commercialization. The device could be used for repairing wounds in emergency settings, by restoring the wound surface to its original strength within minutes. This technique could also be utilized for surgical purposes involving solid visceral organs (i.e., liver, spleen, and kidney) that currently do not respond well to ordinary surgical procedures. Several laboratory experiments conducted by NASA Scientists have demonstrated that this method of wound care could be safe and cost effective. The experimental approach utilized was to produce a “test wound” in bovine muscle using a scalpel. Once the incision or cut was made, different candidate protein solders and varying microwave parameters/frequencies were tested for wound closure efficacy. To date, over 200 tests have been performed. Once sealed, the effectiveness of wound closure was measured using a tensile strength meter. Welds stronger than the uninjured (uncut) muscle have been consistently and precisely achieved. The next step is to progress to in vivo animal testing.
Benefits
Beyond addressing the needs for manned space exploration, this technology will have many applications on Earth.
1. It would provide a new, more efficient means of closing traumatic wounds caused by accidents or violence. When necessary, wound sealing could be performed at the site of accidents.
2. Current surgical procedures for the repair of large solid human visceral organs (liver, spleen, and kidney) can be significantly improved as these organs cannot currently be sutured effectively.
3. In military battlefield situations, emergency medical care must often be performed under suboptimal conditions and in isolated areas. This technology could be widely applicable to assist in the care of the wounded for the military. This novel countermeasure can facilitate wound repair, minimize infection, enhance recovery, and restore function
4. The benefits of rapid wound closure would also be useful in veterinary medicine for surgical procedures and traumatic wounds in both large and small animals. Since this will require minimal contact with the animals as well as less traumatic. It also has an anti-bacterial potential.
Risks and challenges
Meridian Health Systems, P.C., will use the full specifications of the existing Brass-Board Prototype Microwave Wound Welding Device (MWWD) and accessories developed by NASA Engineers, to develop a prototype of this device for testing purposes, using off-the shelve components (Microwave Heat Generator) and other sub-assemblies. The initial prototype will be used in Veterinary Medicine for animal wound care. The next Generation of the device will be used to conduct limited Clinical Trials in Humans, under Investigational Device Exemption by USFDA.
We do not anticipate any major challenges in developing this device, since a working brass-board prototype used in the laboratory experiments by NASA Engineers will be used as a model for the new prototype we plan to develop for trials.
About this project
The Microwave Wound Welding Device was licensed by Meridian Health Systems, P.C., from NASA Johnson Space Center for further development and Commercialization. The device could be used for repairing wounds in emergency settings, by restoring the wound surface to its original strength within minutes. This technique could also be utilized for surgical purposes involving solid visceral organs (i.e., liver, spleen, and kidney) that currently do not respond well to ordinary surgical procedures. Several laboratory experiments conducted by NASA Scientists have demonstrated that this method of wound care could be safe and cost effective. The experimental approach utilized was to produce a “test wound” in bovine muscle using a scalpel. Once the incision or cut was made, different candidate protein solders and varying microwave parameters/frequencies were tested for wound closure efficacy. To date, over 200 tests have been performed. Once sealed, the effectiveness of wound closure was measured using a tensile strength meter. Welds stronger than the uninjured (uncut) muscle have been consistently and precisely achieved. The next step is to progress to in vivo animal testing.
Benefits
Beyond addressing the needs for manned space exploration, this technology will have many applications on Earth.
1. It would provide a new, more efficient means of closing traumatic wounds caused by accidents or violence. When necessary, wound sealing could be performed at the site of accidents.
2. Current surgical procedures for the repair of large solid human visceral organs (liver, spleen, and kidney) can be significantly improved as these organs cannot currently be sutured effectively.
3. In military battlefield situations, emergency medical care must often be performed under suboptimal conditions and in isolated areas. This technology could be widely applicable to assist in the care of the wounded for the military. This novel countermeasure can facilitate wound repair, minimize infection, enhance recovery, and restore function
4. The benefits of rapid wound closure would also be useful in veterinary medicine for surgical procedures and traumatic wounds in both large and small animals. Since this will require minimal contact with the animals as well as less traumatic. It also has an anti-bacterial potential.
Risks and challenges
Meridian Health Systems, P.C., will use the full specifications of the existing Brass-Board Prototype Microwave Wound Welding Device (MWWD) and accessories developed by NASA Engineers, to develop a prototype of this device for testing purposes, using off-the shelve components (Microwave Heat Generator) and other sub-assemblies. The initial prototype will be used in Veterinary Medicine for animal wound care. The next Generation of the device will be used to conduct limited Clinical Trials in Humans, under Investigational Device Exemption by USFDA.
We do not anticipate any major challenges in developing this device, since a working brass-board prototype used in the laboratory experiments by NASA Engineers will be used as a model for the new prototype we plan to develop for trials.
Organizer
Anthony Dike
Organizer
Hawthorne, CA
