A new plasma device developed by an Israeli firm can weld wounds from Cesarean sections with minimal scarring, according to reports.
IonMed says that the device could be ready for use by this autumn and could be used in surgeries for burn victims and cosmetic surgery patients as well.
The BioWeld gadget, which will cost hospitals around $4,000 uses plasma -- a charged form of gas normally used in welding torches -- to weld wounds together. According to The Telegraph in the UK, the low-temperature 40 degree C plasma welds a film of sugar-based material over the wound, closing it without pain, or staples or stitches.
So far, the technique has seen positive results in three clinical trials on women undergoing C-sections, with their wounds healing better than with stitches or staples currently being used. The company says that the procedure takes about four minutes to seal the C-section wound, which typically is about eight inches/30 cm long at the bikini line.
The company says that it takes just three or four minutes to seal a C-section wound and that scarring is minimal.
According to reports, the device has been submitted for approval by hospitals and physicians in Europe and could be ready for use in a matter of months.