Wound Closer

In space, astronauts must close their own wounds because they do not have access to doctors or hospitals. Stitching up a cut or gash is difficult, time-consuming, and complicated. This device is a 3D-printable, ratcheting wound closer that allows astronauts to easily treat their own wounds. The two pads are attached on either side of the wound with a rapidly-curing, non-toxic adhesive (such as cyanoacrylate). The ratcheting mechanism is pulled tight, closing the wound securely. The device is designed to be printed in a slightly flexible material (such as nylon), in order for the pads to flex with the skin and for the ratcheting mechanism to function properly.

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