Background

On future Exploration Class missions to Mars, the crew will provide their own health care. Medical emergencies will need to be addressed by crew members trained in emergency medical procedures without real-time support from the flight surgeons in the Mission Control Center. To accomplish this, medical equipment and treatment protocols must be adapted to a more autonomous, “smart” format. Equipment design must also be miniaturized to meet the stringent requirements of reduced up-mass. One focus of our research and technology development addresses the challenges of closure of traumatic wounds in emergency situations.

Solution

A unique collaboration between the Electromagnetic Systems Branch in the Engineering Directorate (EA) and the Biomedical Research and Countermeasures Projects Branch in the Space Life Sciences Directorate (SA) and USRA’s Division of Space Life Sciences is developing a novel approach for the immediate sealing of traumatic wounds. A portable microwave generator and hand-held antenna are used to seal wounds, binding the edges of the wound together using a biodegradable protein sealant or “solder”. This method 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.

Results

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.

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.
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.