Injectable magnetic fluid to stop blood loss

To temporarily (30 minutes) stop hemorrhage in an emergency situation, MIT researchers have developed a magnetic fluid they call a “magnetorheological suspension.”  “The idea is that that two small but strong magnets get adhered to the skin, on either side of the laceration, after which the suspension is injected into the bloodstream directly upstream from the wound. As the fluid is subsequently carried into the magnetic field between the two magnets, it instantly solidifies as the particles are stopped, greatly reducing or even ceasing the blood flow.  It would be a temporary measure, intended to stabilize patients until they reach the hospital. There, the magnetized blockage would be removed, and the wound would be closed. The system wouldn’t work on internal injuries, but it could still definitely save lives.” MORE

Image Credit:  Abigail Eisenstadt, MIT