Lucknow: Doctors at KGMU have developed a portable, screen-free device capable of detecting internal bleeding in trauma patients, an innovation that could significantly improve emergency care for road accident victims during the critical “golden hour” after injury.The device has been developed by chief medical superintendent and trauma surgeon Prof Prem Raj Singh and medical superintendent Prof Amiya Agarwal.Designed specifically for trauma cases, the probe can detect abnormal fluid in the abdomen, including internal bleeding that often goes unnoticed in accident victims.According to doctors, while external bleeding can be controlled through compression bandages and first-aid measures, internal haemorrhage is difficult to diagnose, particularly in ambulances, district hospitals and rural healthcare centres.The handheld device has been designed as a simple, point-of-care tool that can be used by ambulance drivers, paramedics and emergency responders with minimal training.Unlike conventional ultrasound machines, it does not require a display screen or specialised operators.The probe is placed over the affected area, where it analyses fluid within the abdomen and alerts users if abnormal fluid, such as blood, is detected. The device can operate on both electricity and battery power.“Many trauma patients suffer internal blood loss that is not immediately visible. Early detection can help healthcare workers decide whether a patient requires urgent transfer to a specialised trauma centre,” Prof Singh said.Doctors estimate that nearly 30% to 35% of trauma patients experience internal bleeding, which often requires specialised treatment. The device can also be used for serial monitoring to assess whether blood loss is increasing over time.Prof Agarwal said the innovation could prove useful in situations where patients are first taken to smaller hospitals that lack facilities to detect hidden injuries.“The device can help emergency teams identify high-risk patients at an early stage and ensure that they are referred to specialised centres without delay,” he said.The inventors have filed a patent covering both the concept and the design of the device. While the patent application has been published, final approval is awaited.
