The Magic Cuff

Recently, Siemans Healthcare acquired a contract from U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop a new technology to quickly stop severe bleeding in battlefield casualties. It is called the Deep Bleeder Acoustic Coagulation (DBAC) cuff, and is essentially an ultrasonic tourniquet. The purpose of the cuff is to be placed over a wound to a limb, using ultrasonic waves detect where the bleed is originating, and then use high-energy waves to quickly clot the blood. Even though this may stop the bleed, it does not necessarily mean it will save the affected limb; but still may save the soldiers life. In animal studies, such technology has proven successful in stopping bleeds in major blood vessels, as well as organs. Siemans is hoping to have the prototype ready in about 18 months, at which point it will be sent straight into the field.

I think this is a great idea, though the technology seems a bit far-fetched even for our time. To have such a complex device in a rugged environment does not sound like a very good match. Also, taking into consideration that soldiers already have 40+ pounds of equipment to carry, I doubt that every one of them will be able to carry this as well. Assuming this, only certain personnel (probably medics) will carry the cuff, thereby defeating its' self-automated purpose of anyone being able to use it.