Progress in medicine is moving at a high speed, and scientists have invented another innovative way to heal wounds - surgical glue. The invention was done by scientists from the US and Australia.
Now, instead of stitches and staples, you will need to apply a small amount of glue on the skin and within 60 seconds the walls of the wound will tighten itself.
A special glue is called MeTro (methacryloyl-substituted tropoelastin) - a gel that contains tropoelastin and photosensitive particles. Tropoelastin refers to natural monomers, which is converted into a protein of connective tissue as a result of the polymerization process. The adhesive property acts effectively in combination with ultra-violet radiation. It is used to make strong bonds in the materials that connect the skin, but the tissues themselves do not harden and possess good elasticity.
The phenomenon of glue is that it can be used not only for external injuries, but also for internal organs that contract (such as the heart or lungs). Thus, scientists and doctors put their hopes on this tool as the ones, which would be capable of saving lives. Especially this applies to situations where time is counted by seconds: emergency incidents, accidents, military injuries, etc.
In addition, the gel-glue contains a special enzyme that allows to create a time frame before splitting occurs. Depending on the desired period for wound healing, the glue can stay in the tissues for several hours or longer for several months.
According to the researchers, the gel is fairly simple to use and unpretentious in storage. Therefore, for sure it will be part of the first aid kit of rescue services. To all other things, after resorption, no toxic substances enter the body.
At this point, the research is actively going on. Today experiments are conducted on animals (in particular, on rodents and pigs), but soon it is planned to involve a human. The results showed that absolutely all animals who suffered surgical interventions with the use of MeTro felt well, their blood circulation, breathing and lung function were normal.
True, there are certain parameters under which glue should be used:
- The wound length does not exceed 5 cm.
- The wound has sharp edges, which can be put easily together by simple movements.
- It is suitable for working on soft areas of the body.
- It is necessary to adhere to all rules of hygiene before, during and after application of the glue.