When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
A shout often heard on the battlefield when soldiers are wounded. If the injury is internal and there is significant hemorrhaging in the abdominal area, the chances of survival past the first hour are slim.
But thanks to a polymer foam developed by the Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) soldiers suffering these injuries have a 72% chance of survival past three hours, as opposed to 8% without the foam, reportsDailyTech. In the Wound Stasis System program, started by DARPA in 2010, medics have to inject the foam into the abdominal body cavity for the bleeding to diminish.
There are two steps: the first liquid injected is a polyol phase; the second is a isocyanate phase. DailyTech explains what takes place next:
When these two liquids are combined, the[n] two different reactions take place. The first expands the liquid to about 30 times its original volume where it fits the surfaces of the injured tissue. The second transforms the liquid into solid foam, which becomes a polyurethane polymer. It is capable of resisting intra-abdominal blood loss, and can expand through both pooled and clotted blood.
The foam, which can be easily removed by doctors once the wounded soldier is taken to a medical facility, reduces blood loss six-fold and heightens the rate of survival, especially during the so-called Golden Hour, the first and critical hour after an injury. Tests showed that the foam could staunch blood flow from a liver injury for three hours.
“Potentially, Wound Stasis provides an important addition to our ability to save life and limb. Getting after these heretofore difficult-to-stabilize, if not 
untreatable wounds, expands our options and effectively extends the ‘Golden Hour,’” says Maj. Gen. Bill Hix, director of Concept Development for the Army Capability Integration Center at Training and Doctrine Command, as quoted in a DARPA press release. “A capability like this is important in any operation, but would prove vital during operations in austere areas where military resources and infrastructure are at a premium.”
untreatable wounds, expands our options and effectively extends the ‘Golden Hour,’” says Maj. Gen. Bill Hix, director of Concept Development for the Army Capability Integration Center at Training and Doctrine Command, as quoted in a DARPA press release. “A capability like this is important in any operation, but would prove vital during operations in austere areas where military resources and infrastructure are at a premium.”
Internal bleeding is the leading cause of potentially survivable deaths on the battlefield, says Brian Holloway, DARPA program manager. The foam, therefore, could go a long way in preventing deaths from these injuries.
“If testing bears out, the foam technology could affect up to 50 percent of potentially survivable battlefield wounds,” says Holloway. “We look forward to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on future regulatory submission of this device, and with our partners, the Army Institute of Surgical Research and Special Operations Command, on getting this technology to where it’s desperately needed on the front lines.”
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