Tool Can Heal Sick, Wounded
posted 11/26/02
A disposable plastic bag is the latest tool for healing
the sick and wounded. The U.S. federal government has licensed the special
technique for use among the nation's military. It is also being tested for use
in the elderly and should be available for general home use in 2004. The bag's
interior is fed by an oxygen canister. The heightened oxygen content helps
oxidize, or burn up, organisms on the skin or in wounds and to heal injured
flesh. The device has been shown in studies to minimize scarring and shorten
treatment times for skin wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers,
severe burns and plastic surgery. The product -- called the Numobag after its
creator and distributor, Numotech Inc. of Northridge, Calif.,-- was made
commercially viable with the aid of inexpensive sensors and safety features
developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The technique is of further interest
to the military because it is also considered an effective treatment for
smallpox and dermal anthrax. "The same characteristics that make Topical
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy an effective treatment regimen for diabetes-related
necrotizing fasciitis make it effective for treating biological-warfare related
lesions," said Ray Shaum, a senior administrator at Sandia. Because the process
kills bacteria, expensive hospital disposal procedures are not needed, and the
bags are discarded as trash, he said. The Numobag is being used in hospitals in
Florida and California, soon will be used at the University of New Mexico
Hospital, and by early 2004 is expected to be avail-
able in simplified form for home use.
Source: United Press International.
Home - Table of Contents - Donate Now - About Diabetes - Warning Signs - Complications - Screening Test - Diabetes Terms - Site Search - Meet Mr. Diabetes® - Wake Up And Walk® Tour - Latest News - Headlines & News Stories - Health & Fitness - About Us - FAQ - Research Form - - Message Board - Privacy Policy - Legal Notices - How to Contact Us - Comments form - Suggestion Form - Our E-Mail Addresses - Our Address and Phone Numbers - Links - Contact Us