Doctors at Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) have developed an innovative handheld device that can detect internal bleeding in trauma patients, offering a potential breakthrough in emergency and pre-hospital care.
The device has been created by Prof. Prem Raj Singh, Chief Medical Superintendent and trauma surgeon, along with Prof. Amiya Agarwal, Medical Superintendent at KGMU. Designed primarily for trauma and accident victims, the portable probe helps identify abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, including hidden internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent after an injury.
Medical experts note that while external bleeding can often be controlled with first aid and compression techniques, internal haemorrhage is much harder to diagnose, especially in ambulances, primary healthcare facilities, district hospitals, and rural settings where advanced imaging equipment may not be available.
The newly developed device is intended as a simple point-of-care solution that can be operated by ambulance personnel, paramedics, and emergency responders with minimal training. Unlike traditional ultrasound systems, it does not require a display screen or highly specialized operators.
To use the device, the probe is placed on the patient’s abdomen, where it analyzes fluid levels and provides an alert if abnormal fluid, such as blood, is detected. The device can function using either battery power or an electrical supply, making it suitable for use in both urban and remote healthcare environments.
According to Prof. Singh, a significant number of trauma patients suffer from internal blood loss that remains undetected during the crucial “golden hour” following an accident. Early identification of such cases can help healthcare workers make timely decisions regarding referral and transfer to advanced trauma centres.
Doctors estimate that nearly one-third of trauma patients may experience internal bleeding, making rapid diagnosis critical. The device can also be used repeatedly to monitor patients and track whether internal blood loss is increasing over time.
Prof. Agarwal highlighted that the innovation could be particularly beneficial for smaller hospitals that lack advanced diagnostic facilities. By identifying high-risk patients early, emergency teams can ensure faster referrals and improve treatment outcomes.
The inventors have already filed a patent application for both the device’s concept and design. While the application has been published, final patent approval is still pending.
