One new company in Oregon may have completely revolutionized the way we treat bullet wounds during critical emergency situations. Commonly known as the “bullet wound tampon” or officially known as the XStat Rapid Hemostasis System, this new innovation is giving gun shot victims across the border a higher chance of survival.
Created by company RevMed X, the XStat works by filling a syringe with dozens of small expanding sponges and injecting them into the open wound. Instead of trying to pack wads of gauze into the area the mini sponges heal from the inside out, which overall is a much less painful process for the victim. To add to the efficient nature of this product, they are also marked with what is known as a “radiopaque marker,” which will show up on x-rays for a quicker and easier removal upon arrival to the hospital.
Here is the XStat in action:
The product is currently for military use and for first responders who in critical situations may not have access to the necessary tools to remove the bullet and/or stop bleeding. These sponges will maximize the chances of survival for the victim and buy medical professionals a little extra time when trying to move the patient to the ER. The company has received a 5 million dollar grant from the US Army to finish the product alongside a seed grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to further develop the XStat for use in stopping postpartum bleeding.
Although not yet FDA approved, this little innovation is bound to catch big attention.
Sources
http://observer.com/2014/02/this-high-tech-injection-heals-gunshot-wounds-in-15-seconds/