Application of Semiconductor Lasers to Stop Internal Bleeding

The goal of the program is a field-portable diode-laser system to treat emergency abdominal and thoracic trauma stopping internal bleeding and welding the wound shut. The Phase I option addressed the start of the transition from the Phase I laboratory system used in in vitro experiments to a compact, field-portable, user friendly system that could be used by military medical personnel on the battlefield and ultimately be used by EMT's in ambulances. The sys tem will be miniaturized with emphasis on user friendliness. The laser itself is inherently portable. Particular attention will be given to the laser power supply and the heat sink as well as to lasers that have higher operating temperatures. The additional features of irrigation and aspiration will be added to the in vitro experiments to simulate more closely the requirements of the field system. These visualization and pooled blood that may obsure the source of the bleeding. If required, the endoscope itself will be optimized.