Through its Preclinical Translational Research funding mechanism, the Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative (TRC4) is investing in the H-CARE initiative to combat a leading cause of preventable trauma death. Led by Primary Investigator Dr. Patrick C. Ng at UT Health San Antonio, and conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and Brooke Army Medical Center, this project addresses the life-threatening organ damage that can occur when the REBOA device is used for prolonged periods to stop severe bleeding. By testing novel therapeutic interventions designed to mitigate these side effects, Dr. Ng and his team aim to safely extend the window for REBOA use. This vital research promises to dramatically improve survival rates for severe polytrauma patients when transport times are delayed in austere and military environments.
What Does this Funding Mean to You or Your Team?
Our team has a focus and mission to work toward benefiting patients with trauma in both the civilian and military settings. This collaborative effort brings together dedicated team members working toward that goal. This investment from TRC4 will support building this collaboration to better prepare us to address various gaps in trauma care for the benefit of those around Texas, the US and that can translate to the battlefield.
What Do You Hope to Accomplish Through This Project?
In this study, we will strengthen a collaboration between investigators. We will further develop a translational model to serve as a robust platform for translation studies. Additionally, we will gather data on potential interventions that may mitigate against ischemia/reperfusion injury and the inflammatory cascade that is seen in patients with polytrauma. These data have potential to support translation of these interventions to the clinical setting and, if the data supports it, eventually providing medical professionals with effective, practical interventions to help save lives of patients suffering from trauma.
How Could this Work Impact Care for the Broader Community?
Data from this study has potential to support the development of interventions that can lead to improved trauma care for patients around Texas, the US and those serving on the battlefield.