RevMedX is developing a revolutionary new type of hemostatic dressing that can be used to seal gunshot wounds. These are used in controlling bleeding that cannot be normally controlled by tourniquet methods. The company has already received $5 million in funding from the American military in order to bring this concept into production.
The development of this was spurred by the thought of medics quickly dressing gunshot wounds on the battlefield. Previously developed products include foam that medics would spray directly onto the wound and would expand rapidly. This product failed since the blood pressure is so high, it would wash the foam away.
The new type of dressing that is currently under investigational use is called XStat dressing. It works by applying a group of small, rapidly-expanding sponges into a wound cavity using a lightweight applicator. These mini-sponges are coated with a hemostatic agent and compressed. Once inserted into a wound these mini-sponges expand and create a barrier to blood flow. No direct manual pressure is required when using these sponges. It should also be noted that each of these devices have a radiopaque marker for easy detection via X-ray.
The XStat is being developed in 30mm and 12mm diameter sizes so medics can tackle two types of wound sizes.
The company REvMedX also produces a few other products and works closely with US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and the US Special Operations Command in order to develop some revolutionary new medical devices.
Here are some of the other devices that they make:
AirWrap Bandage- It looks like a high tech pressure bandage. It’s a 4” compression bandage with an inflatable bladder in order to apply focused pressure on a variety of wounds.
XGauze Trauma Dressing – Similar to XStat it expands upon contact with blood or exudate.
TX2 and TX3 Tourniquets – Durable and unique “bite strap” prevents the slipping of the tourniquet when applying with one hand
SharkBite Modular Dressing – used for large blast injuries. The kit includes: AirWrap bandage, XGauze trauma dressing, and a large non-adherent burn/absorptive pad