$3 Healing Device Speeds Up Wound Treatment

[Are_grits_groceries]

Fact: the healing process can be sped up dramatically by applying suction (AKA negative pressure) to bandage-covered open wounds. No one knows why this works, but doctors think it might keep wounds clean by drawing fluid and bacteria elsewhere. Whatever the case, negative pressure system dressings can be kept in place for days at a time, all while speeding up healing. Up until now, the $100 per day rental systems have been out of reach for the developing world, but MIT student Danielle Zurovcik recently developed a negative pressure pump that costs just $3 to build.


Zurovcik’s hand-powered suction-healing system is easy to use: just squeeze it and leave it in place on the wound. The plastic molded pump is connected to the underside of the wound dressing by a plastic tube. Zurovcik’s system can hold steady for days, so users don’t have to worry about it falling off. And while the device is somewhat clunky in its current incarnation, Zurovcik is already working on a pocket-sized version that can be concealed under clothing.

The doctoral student has already tested out the device on patients in Haiti with great success. Zurovcik’s next trip will take her to Rwanda, where she will test the smaller version of the system. And after that? Presumably Zurovcik will try to send her device to disaster-stricken locations around the world.
http://inhabitat.com/2010/04/15/3-healing-device-speeds-up-wound-treatment/

Now this has some real potential.

[Maru Kitteh]

1. "no one knows why this works" = false. I quit reading after that.

[Skittles]

2. I thought that sounded silly too

[xiamiam]

8. common sense version of expensive wound vac rental

I was forced to use one of these ..the wound vac..by my stanford doctor. I hated it as it hurt and doubled me over in more pain before i had my friend rip it out..the wound vac has to be inserted and supposedly removed by a technician...truth be told, the darned thing sped up the healing process for a nasty surgical wound...this do it yourself pump makes more sense to me since the vac wouldn't be running all the time and thus the pain level controlled..no doubt about it..the idea behind this is sound

[w8liftinglady]

13. I've used a wound vac on many patients=

hopefully,you'll never need another one,but you can adjust the
sucking pressure".I think this is a great idea,and hope more doctors will use it.I have seen many slow-healing wounds healed by this process.Wound vac rental is expensive.

[rucky]

12. why does it work?

[w8liftinglady]

14. stimulates granulation of healthy tissue

a link,if you want the science behind it
http://www.kci1.com/KCI1/sciencebehindthetherapy

[SoCalDem]

3. Here's another "free" treatment for cold sores..

The instant you feel the tingling on your lip. press an ice cube on it..for as long as you can stand..and with as much pressure as possible..

My middle son had them and this remedy always worked.. After Mom's ice treatment, the cold sore got "scared" and never popped up:)

Another weird treatment for headaches.. wrap a heating pad around your hands.. I can't imagine how this works, but it does:)

[spinbaby]

4. About the headache treatment

Migraines are largely the result swollen veins in the head--warming hands draws blood away from the head, so that makes sense.

[SoCalDem]

5. I always though it might be psychosomatic

you start thinking about the hot hands & forgot the headache.. But every time I tried it, it worked:)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

6. I use cold gel eye masks for my sinus headaches.The cold reduces swelling.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

9. And don't forget the other use of ice for what ails you

Although the cubes must be cleaned and sterilized in a potable spirit for full effect.

[tavalon]

19. Caught that

Cute

[madmom]

18. Hubby does the ice on cold sores all the time..it DOES work.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

7. WOW ! THIS is GREAT!

We apply the same device in our OR to non-healing wounds with the Wound-Vac- run on electricity and
battery- COSTS A FORTUNE!!!! The results are amazing.

3 BUCKS- Go screw yourselves Wound-Vac!

[IDemo]

10. I could see this having great benefits for diabetics

Wounds on the feet and legs eventually become very slow to heal because of diabetic neuropathy. This sounds as if it may help.

[NYC_SKP]

11. Only $3.00? This Device Will Sell for $350-$475 on the Medical Devices Market.

But you could probably rent one for $45/week.

No sarcasm tag: I wish I was kidding.

x(

[AnArmyVeteran]

15. Medicinal Leeches have been around for centuries...

Medicinal leeches are used to purge an area of blood thereby preventing gangrene and speeding up healing. Medicinal leeches have been used for centuries, primarily in Europe. I think we should all be able to go to a local pharmacy to buy our own leeches.

[Motown_Johnny]

16. anyone else notice that there is no ring on that finger?

Sorry for my typical male reaction but she is quite attractive and obviously brilliant. Now it looks like she is also about to become wealthy by helping poor people who are in need of medical attention.


What can I say?

[AnArmyVeteran]

17. How do you know the picture wasn't reversed? The print on the book looks backward..

Sorry to dash your dreams of finding your perfect mate, but that might be her right hand, or her fiance' or husband was too cheap to buy her a damned ring.