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The plasma knife – not a lightsabre, but a surgical tool
In addition to being cool, this technology will help save lives in a difficult situation:
U.S. Special Operations testing plasma knife in the field
By Andrew Nusca | Oct 16, 2009 |The U.S. Special Operations Command is field-testing a plasma knife to help medics in the field save more soldiers’ lives.
The plasma knife is intended to be used as a surgical tool that’s safer but as effective as a traditional steel scalpel. The knife’s blade is made of heated, ionized gas that can both incise and cauterize wounded flesh, protecting against infection and stopping bleeding.
That’s an important advancement for troops that find themselves in remote areas without medical help in the area.
The article includes a diagram from a patent on the technology, which is also very interesting.
It’s nice to see technology oriented towards saving lives.
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Cross-posted between Random Fate and The Moderate Voice.
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2 Responses to “The plasma knife – not a lightsabre, but a surgical tool”
Must be an adaptation of the Plasma Cutter commonly used in industry for cutting metals, etc.. Might make a decent torture device as well.
Breathes heavily while slowly examining the plasma knife. “Obi-wan has taught you well. Your training is complete.”