The American military department Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) has merged with one of its commercial partners in the development of a new medical device, which can have a huge impact on the treatment of wounded in combat conditions. Created by TDA Research and funded as part of an innovative research program of the Ministry of Defense, Lactated Ringer's Solution Generator is a light portable device that can produce a sterile solution of Ringer's lactate (LR-Solution) in difficult conditions from local available fresh water sources. The device uses patented technology for the production of packages for intravenous infusion of one liter size from a concentrated salt solution of Ringer's lactate.
Consisting of sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride and calcium chloride LR-solution is used primarily for the treatment of dehydration, input of drugs and restore liquid balance after body damage. It is also used to treat moderate hemorrhagic shock, as it has been shown that it increases the initial survival in patients and reduces the likelihood of damage to organs.
According to the USAMMDA project division manager, Austin Langdon,
This small device will significantly reduce the material and technical load of the army associated with the transportation and storage of the ringer lactate solution, which is used as a blood replacement. A new device can produce LR-solution from almost any source of water, including water from the ditch. For the LR Solution Generator army will increase our rescue possibilities, helping to reduce the needs for logistics supply chains.
The device weighs less than 5 kg and is stored in a rigid case of a width of about 25 per 45 cm and a total of 15 cm. The cleaning system works on a lithium-ion battery that can produce more than 30 lr bags per single charge.
* Ringer lactate solution (also known as sodium lactate solution and Hartman solution) - sodium chloride mixture, sodium lactate, potassium chloride and calcium chloride in water. It is used to replace liquids and electrolytes in those who have low blood volume or low blood pressure.