New Beginnings
Some time ago, Dr. Kim Manwaring and David MacNally stood in Manwaring's garage. The doctor showed him a ham radio with a wire attached. Manwaring heated the wire, explaining to his colleague the usefulness of his rudimentary new invention. It was on that day that a revolution in surgery was born.
Then, Manwaring learned of a new alloy called ferromagnetic metal. Curious, he contacted an engineer, who sent samples to Manwaring. Manwaring applied the alloy to the tip of the incision instrument, and the result was impressive. The device heated and cooled in less than a few seconds.
Now that the FDA has approved the new surgical implement, MacNally has begun to produce the ferromagnetic wand. Recently, neurosurgeon Dr. Joel Macdonald has used it on the first live human. The surgery was a success.
New Features
Unlike standard cauterizing scalpels, the new ferromagnetic wand is a cut above the rest:
- It both cuts and cauterizes, while leaving surrouding flesh unscathed
- The device utilizes what's called a feedback loop, which can detect when a surgeon is cutting too deeply, too softly, or even when he or she inadvertantly activates the device without tissue contact.
- The wand has an excision tip, perfect for scooping out tumors and unwanted tissue.
- It uses flash heating, which instantly cleans the device during excisions.
New Benefits
Such innovations have their perks. This cutting-edge creation is a obvious advantage to both the surgeon and the patient.
- A safer technology
- It does not use electricity, so surgeons can use it during delicate brain surgery
- No drag or pull
- Enables a faster surgery
- Causes less scarring
- Enables faster healing and recovery
Over the next three months, larger hospitals, including Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Columbia and Duke will use the new tool in their operating rooms. From there, other medical establishments will ideally follow suit.
The ferromagnetic wand is powerful new tool with astonishing potential. It boasts speed, safety, and precision in one handheld device. The small, surgical superstar could very well be a modern-day magic wand. If its success thus far is any indicator, it will have surgeons across the world performing their magic.
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