The Development of a Fieldable Laser Diode Wound Stabilization System

With the development of compact, rugged laser diodes that can be powered with bateries, it appears that medical procedures that utilize lasers can now be brought into the field environment. The goal of this effort is to develop a fieldable laser diode tissue soldering system for wound stabilization. In this technique, a laser is used to thermally cure a protein solution placed onto a wound. This biological "glue" can be used to create an artificial "scab" that provides a high strength, water-tight seal that eliminates foreign body reaction. We believe that this technology can be successfully utilized by both military and civilian emergency medical units to quickly stabilize a wound so that the injured individual can be transported to a safer, more well-equipped location. The objectives of the Phase I portion of this proposed SBIR effort are to identify and evaluate the requirements of a tissue soldering system for field aplications, to begin the optimization of the laser tissue soldering process, to identify diagnostic techniques to enhance the process, and to develop conceptual designs for a field deployable system. Our experience in laser concept development will enable SEA to complete this effort quickly, effectively, and at a reasonable cost.