High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been investigated since early last decade, and has proven to be a valuable non-Invasive surgery technique. With currently available technology, HIFU energy can be precisely targeted to cure some cancers, cauterize tumors, and stop bleeding. The concept of non-invasive hemorrhage control is particularly significant in combat scenarios where immediate access to surgery is almost always impossible. HIFU has been shown to effectively control bleeding from vessels up to 2mm in diameter and the technology is evolving rapidly. It is expected that in the near future, HIFU will effectively control hemorrhage from vessels 8~10mm diameter.
The Army is interested in HIFU-based hemorrhage control on the battlefield by integrating a robotic teleoperated (where the surgeon is controlling the arm from a remote location) system with the LSTAT (Life Support for Trauma and Transport). The LSTAT is an advanced platform that allows monitoring and intervention on severely injured patients during transport. Energid is developing a robotic HIFU system that a) allows use of the device by remote users, b) integrates with LSTAT, and c) provides the dexterity and workspace necessary to apply HIFU on an extremity injury, femoral bleeding and some intra-abdominal injuries.
