Partners at the University of Washington’s Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, the Texas A&M University’s Institute for Preclinical Studies and Siemens Corporate Research (SCR) will work together with Siemens Healthcare to achieve Defense Advance Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) goal of producing a prototype in 18 months.
The cuff is designed to limit blood loss from penetrating wounds to limbs in fast and slow bleeders, significantly reducing the risk of limb loss and death resulting from irreversible hemorrhagic shock. The device is intended for use by minimally-trained operators, curtailing bleeding in a minimal amount of time with automatic treatment and power shut-off, the company said.
The team will be working in collaboration with future users of the technology to maximize its potential, including the Combat Casualty Care Group at the US Army Medical Research and Material Command, surgeons from the Madigan Army Medical Center, and the US Army Institute for Surgical Research.
Frank Sauer, department head of imaging and visualization at Siemens Corporate Research, said: “We are very pleased that DARPA has recognized the expertise of the Siemens team to deliver on this ambitious vision. The development of this ultrasound technology will allow military personnel to begin treating blood loss injuries right at the front lines, potentially saving lives.”