Emergency Vascular Device Saves Limbs

Intended for the battlefield and other remote areas, the shunt temporarily maintains blood flow to the injured limb until the patient can be transported to a surgical facility.

The device has several features that optimize its use in a trauma situation, including a self-sealing elastomer membrane that permits drugs to be injected directly into the shunt without loss of blood; beveled ends that facilitate quick and effective placement of the device within the severed blood vessel; graduated markings that provide visual confirmation of proper device placement; and extra reinforcement in the center of the device so it can be cut to a shorter length if needed. The TLSS is made by Vascutek (Renfrew, Scotland). The TLSS was reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in less than one week, due to the critical need for such a device.

"This device offers surgeons a new tool to potentially avoid the need for limb amputation following traumatic injury,” said Daniel Schultz, M.D., director of the center for devices and radiological health at the FDA. "This device has been used successfully by other countries, and is particularly important to serve our men and women in the Armed Forces who are seriously injured in combat.”


Related Links:
Vascutek