The Laser Medical Pac, being developed in-house by the
USAF's Phillips Laboratory, is a very compact device that provides the field
paramedic or physician a unique, portable, and battery-operated laser capability.
The laser is able to cut like a scalpel, as well as coagulate bleeding,
and close wounds. The laser component is now commercially available. The
commercial variety, however, requires an electrical power hookup.
The Phillips Laboratory system consists of a completely self-contained laser package that fits inside a beltpack. Laser energy is delivered to the instrument by a fiber-optic cable, the fiber providing very intense power density at the tip of the instrument. The output wavelength, which ranges from visible red to the mid-infrared, can be designed to provide different tissue interactions.
The Pac is powered by two 2-volt batteries to operate the laser and one 9-volt battery to power the electronics. It features a unique phase change heat sink that allows 20 minutes of continuous operation. (Under normal usage the heat capacity should allow unlimited thermal capacity.) The laser is protected against over-temperature by a thermal switch. A battery recharger port is also provided, as is a key lock for safety and security reasons. The fiber-optic is pig-tailed into the laser array and "pipes" the laser light to the variable focus lens. The light at the tip of the fiber is very intense (one kilowatt per square centimeter).
Different disposable tip designs that can be directly applied to the wound are being evaluated. Seeding the infrared beam with a single red diode for visual operating cues is also being evaluated. The actual dimensions are currently 7" x 3" x 2.5", which will easily fit into a small beltpack. only the fiber and lens will extend from the beltpack. An alternate package is being developed to operate with common camcorder batteries. These 12-volt batteries provide two amp hours and are quickly removable.
This device is being evaluated as a means of stopping bleeding. Currently it takes a 2-watt Argon laser about l0 seconds to stop a bleeding artery. The Argon laser is roughly half the size of an office desk and requires a wall plug. In comparison, the Medical Pac laser delivers l0 watts and fits into a beltpack.
Phillips Laboratory is currently working with the Air Force's Armstrong Laboratory at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, to expand the engineering, manufacturing, and development of this new semiconductor laser for medical purposes. This team is currently seeking industry partners for continuing research and development of lightweight, semiconductor laser technology that will benefit Phillips and Armstrong laboratories, the partners involved, and end users of any products produced.
United States Air Force
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
Office of Public Affairs, Phillips Laboratory,
3550 Aberdeen Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776
http://www.plk.af.mil/PA/FACTSHEETS/medpac.html
Laser, Medical, Portable Electronics, Military Rescue