UC joins clinical trial to test treatment for abdominal injury

Injectable foam provides more time to get patients to life-saving surgery

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are part of a clinical study for ResQFoam, a new device for the treatment of life-threatening abdominal internal bleeding. UC Medical Center is one of a handful of Level I Trauma Centers in the United States selected to participate in the multicenter Reducing Exsanguination Via In‐Vivo Expandable Foam (REVIVE) study.

ResQFoam is an injectable biomaterial that expands within the abdomen, providing pressure on internal organs to stop bleeding. That provides enough time to get the patient into the operating room, where the foam is easily removed prior to surgery.

The objective of the REVIVE study is to demonstrate the safety, effectiveness and benefit-risk profile of ResQFoam for the in-hospital treatment of severe internal abdominal bleeding and shock as the result of a traumatic injury.

We hope to demonstrate that this foam can safely and effectively be used to help save lives, both in the hospital and on the battlefield

Timothy Pritts, MD

ResQFoam was developed by Arsenal Medical, a medical technology company, with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Patients enrolled in this study will be closely monitored for the first 30 days of their hospital visit. Pritts and his team will examine patient outcomes to determine the risks and benefits of the device in trauma patients.

The trauma physician will determine if incoming patients are possible candidates for this study and will enroll the patient if they are considered a good candidate. Unlike traditional clinical studies, this study will require the physicians to begin experimental emergency treatment without first obtaining an informed consent from the patient or a legal representative and/or family member.

All reasonable attempts will be made to contact a family member to discuss this study and obtain their permission for the patient to be in the study. All studies are voluntary and the patient or family members can decide at any time to withdraw from the study if they choose. Those who do not wish to take part in the study may opt out by requesting an embossed wristband.

“We hope to demonstrate that this foam can safely and effectively be used to help save lives, both in the hospital and on the battlefield,” said Timothy Pritts, MD, professor in the Division of Trauma Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the UC College of Medicine and chief of the section of general surgery at UC Medical Center, and principal investigator of the study.

Within 30 minutes of arrival in the emergency department, a determination will be made to enroll a patient in the study. At that point, enrolled participants will receive an abdominal injection of two liquid polymers that react when they come in contact with each other, forming a foam that rapidly expands and molds to the anatomy. It is easily removed when the patient undergoes surgery to repair the traumatic injury. Those not enrolled in the study will receive current standard treatment for abdominal traumatic injuries.

Anyone with questions regarding this study or who would like to obtain an embossed wristband to opt out of the trial can contact the REVIVE Study Hotline at 513-558-6332 or at REVIVE@uc.edu.

Lead Photo of Timothy Pritts, MD/Colleen Kelley/UC Marketing + Brand

Next Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.

Related Stories

1

Cincinnati Enquirer: Black doctors urge residents to vaccinate because 'goal is for all of us to stay alive'

May 7, 2021

In Ohio, 43 percent of the total population has started the COVID-19 vaccination, but just 23 percent of Black residents have gotten at least one shot. Hamilton County closely mirrors the state’s pace. A group of black physicians, including two University of Cincinnati faculty, have signed an open letter to the Greater Cincinnati Black community urging members to complete the COVID-19 vaccination.

2

WVXU: Preventing sports injuries and helping young athletes put mental health first

August 9, 2021

Brian Grawe, MD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery , and Bret Betz, MD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, both at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with WVXU's Cincinnati Edition about athletes facing injuries because of a lack of physical conditioning because of COVID-19 restrictions. The sports medicine experts also addressed mental health and its role in healthy sports competition.