Traditional band-aids may soon be a first aid item of the past as doctors work on a new, electric bandage that can heal serious wounds up to 30% faster. The water-powered electric bandages, known as WPEDs, use an electric field to speed up the process of healing persistent and deep wounds. Users apply a dressing so that electrodes can come in contact with the wound, and then add a drop of water to the biocompatible battery to activate the electric field. The electrodes are flexible and conform to the wound as it heals. The invention is particularly useful for those with chronic wounds, such as sores that develop in diabetes patients. Electric bandages can help prevent recurring wounds from becoming infected, which can sometimes lead to amputation for patients. WPEDs are easy for people to use, extremely effective, and significantly less expensive than currently available treatment options for chronic wounds.
Image via SWNS
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