Bioelectric Bandage Incites Army Interest
The positive effects of the Procellera bioelectric bandage include faster healing, greater pain control, reduced incidence of infection, and decreased scarring.The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command has initiated steps to evaluate a new bioelectric bandage with Prosit technology. Procellera, manufactured by Vomaris, is a bandage dressing that creates electrical impulses. Small silver and zinc dots embedded in cloth create micro-currents in the presence of moisture. The effect is anti-microbial and pain-reducing.
The positive effects of the Procellera bioelectric bandage include faster healing, greater pain control, reduced incidence of infection, and decreased scarring.
The use of silver on burns has a long history of preventing infections. Vomaris says its bandage dressing provides faster healing, greater pain control, reduced incidence of infection, and decreased scarring. The nature of the cloth conforms well to multiple surfaces of the body, and the bandage dressing’s antimicrobial properties are expected to work against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the device for antimicrobial wound care, which is the primary reason for the Army’s interest in the product. The bandage is currently being used on hard-to-heal wounds, with multiple research studies underway. Anecdotal results are promising, especially with regard to pain control. In some cases, wound pain is reported to be reduced dramatically.
Studies are underway with Ranger units. Recently, during a Ranger road march, a considerable number of Soldiers suffered blisters and were treated with the Procellera bandage. Many Soldiers reported dramatic pain relief and were able to return quickly to the march.
The bandage is unique in creating a healing bioelectrical pathway over the entire wound surface, enhancing the body’s natural healing environment.
Bioelectric bandages heal wounded soldiers quickly. The bandages function similar to batteries, creating micro-currents that mimic those found in the human body.
The uses of this product are expected to expand. Although more clinical efficacy studies are needed, indications for use are focused on all full- and partial-thickness skin wounds, from simple abrasions and skin tears to traumatic wounds and surgical sites. The battlefield may serve as the best proving ground in which to test this emerging medical device. (Courtesy : Daniel O. Kennedy)
Daniel O. Kennedy is Chief, Acute Care Division, Program Management Office Medical Devices, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, Fort Detrick, MD.
