Research Times Newsletter
Introduction from the Research Director
Advancing trauma care and emergency medicine requires innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of practical solutions for real-world clinical challenges. Multiple initiatives within the Department of Emergency Medicine and partnering institutions are addressing critical gaps in trauma management, medical device innovation, and thermoregulatory emergencies. Through funded research studies, collaborative laboratory environments, and cross-institutional partnerships, these efforts aim to improve patient outcomes in both conventional and austere medical settings.
Key initiatives highlighted include a TRC4-funded research study led by Dr. Ng evaluating adjunct therapies—Hydroxocobalamin and Methylene Blue—in combination with whole blood to reduce cardiovascular collapse following REBOA balloon deflation in a large animal polytrauma model. In parallel, the Medical Design Innovations Laboratory fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among engineering students to design and develop novel medical technologies addressing real clinical needs. Additionally, the THERMIC collaboration brings together experts in emergency medicine, engineering, and human physiology to address challenges in diagnosing and managing heat-related illnesses and other thermoregulatory emergencies. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the impact of collaborative, translational research in advancing medical innovation and improving
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REBOA
Dr. Ng and the Department of Emergency Medicine were awarded a 2024 TRC4 Research Grant for proposal entitled “Assessing Potential Adjunct Medications such as Hydroxocobalamin and Methylene Blue, with REBOA, in the Management of Hemorrhage in a Large Animal (Sus scrofa) Model of Polytrauma.” Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative (TRC4) was established in 2022 with a focus on improving trauma care in the United States.
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is a critical intervention for managing severe hemorrhagic shock, especially in trauma cases. The proper placement of a REBOA catheter can help stop and slow rapid bleeding, however, balloon deflation often results in cardiovascular collapse due to ischemia reperfusion injury.
Hydroxocobalamin (HOC) and Methylene Blue (MB) are adjunct therapies that may mitigate these effects. HOC, a vitamin B12 derivative, scavenges nitric oxide and supports vascular tone, while MB, a metabolic enhancer, reduces nitric oxide and improves mitochondrial function.
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of HOC and MB each in combination with whole blood (WB), to be used as adjunct resuscitative therapies to prevent cardiovascular collapse associated with deflation of a Zone I REBOA balloon after polytrauma in a large animal model (Sus scrofa).
2026 TRC4
UT Health San Antonio’s Dr. Patrick C. Ng on the 2026 UT System Trauma Research Symposium TRC4
Medical Design Innovations Lab Reimagines Student Research Experience
In an era where medical innovation is vital, the Medical Design Innovations (MDI) Laboratory is taking a novel approach to developing tomorrow’s healthcare solutions. The lab – which brings together over 25 students from diverse engineering disciplines – is breaking traditional academic barriers with its radically inclusive environment.
“Everyone is welcome here,” says Dr. Lyle Hood, the Principal Investigator. “We believe that groundbreaking ideas can come from anyone, regardless of their academic level or background.” This philosophy is evident in the lab’s unique structure where weekly meetings are open to all interested students – thus fostering an environment where even nascent ideas are given serious consideration.
The lab operates through specialized Project Teams, with each led by experienced graduate students who mentor undergraduate team members.
Unlike traditional research environments, team leads take on an additional responsibility by helping shape their team members’ career trajectories. Regular discussions about professional goals and development are built into the lab’s structure; in doing so, they address a critical gap in engineering education.
Current projects span various types of medical devices with teams comprised of students from mechanical, biomedical, electrical, and computer engineering backgrounds. The lab’s portfolio includes a novel fiberoptic microneedle device for targeted cancer therapy, an improved endotracheal tube system designed to reduce patient injury during intubation, and advanced thermoregulation devices – among other technologies. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that problems are examined from multiple angles, thereby leading to comprehensive solutions that address real clinical needs.
What sets the MDI Lab apart is its balance between openness and selectivity. While anyone can attend lab meetings, joining a project team requires a formal recruitment process. This system has created a dynamic environment where innovation thrives alongside professional development; this culture prepares students not just for technical challenges, but for leadership roles in their future careers. Our lab welcomes passionate individuals and teams to join our mission of developing innovative medical devices that improve patient care – whether you’re a student, professional, or research team interested in contributing your expertise.
THERMIC: Thermoregulatory Health Emergencies and Rapid Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration
By: Maria J. Londono
Heat-related illnesses claim approximately 1,220 lives annually in the U.S., with heatstroke being the most severe form. Marked by core temperatures exceeding 40°C, heatstroke can rapidly lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death without timely intervention. In military and trauma contexts – where intense exertion, extreme environments, and limited cooling resources intersect – the risks are amplified. Managing heatstroke in out-of-hospital settings – such as battlefields, EMS scenes, and sporting events – remains a significant challenge.
Key Gaps in Heatstroke Management & Current Efforts
- Core Temperature Assessment: Accurate core body temperature measurement is critical for diagnosis and treatment. While rectal thermometry is the gold standard, its practicality in EMS and field settings is limited due to privacy, hygiene, and acceptance concerns. Developing reliable, field-friendly methods is essential. We are currently applying for the IIMS-CTSA Pilot Grant – with Dr. Brian Everitt as the Principal Investigator – to study alternative body sites for core temperature measurement.
- Effective Treatment: Standard treatments – such as whole-body cold-water immersion –require substantial resources (e.g., 50 gallons of ice water); this makes them impractical in resource-limited settings. Alternative methods – such as cold packs and water misting – lack consistent effectiveness. There is a pressing need for resource-efficient, portable solutions. To address these challenges, we are actively collaborating with the Medical Design Innovations (MDI) Laboratory at UT San Antonio academic campus to develop and test engineering-based solutions and innovative cooling concepts that are portable, resource-efficient, and effective.
- Limited Understanding of Thermoregulation: The body’s responses during heatstroke and cooling are poorly understood, and existing models fail to guide consistent treatment. Addressing this gap is critical for developing optimized and reliable cooling strategies.
- Broad Thermoregulatory Challenges: Beyond hyperthermia, hypothermia poses significant risks, particularly for military personnel in arctic and northern operations. Integrated approaches are needed to address both conditions and support dual-use technologies.
Collaborative Solutions
To tackle these challenges, a transdisciplinary collaboration has been launched, involving three main institutions:
- The Department of Emergency Medicine at UT San Antonio health science center, featuring clinicians with expertise in emergency and military medicine.
- The Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering Departments at UT San Antonio academic campus, featuring engineers with expertise in product development and computational modeling.
- The University of Arkansas, featuring professionals with expertise in athletic training and human physiology.
Looking Ahead
Next steps include deepening our understanding of military-specific heatstroke needs, forming targeted sub-teams, and pursuing grant funding to develop field-ready solutions. Expanding the collaboration to include additional organizations will further strengthen this effort – thus ensuring development of innovative and effective solutions for managing heatstroke and other thermoregulatory challenges in extreme environments.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all our collaborators and team members for their contributions to this project. (1) DEM UT San Antonio health science center: Nicholas Gualtieri, Douglas Young, Stephanie Perez, Ryan Bierle, Lee Boyle, Steven B Moore, and Mark Sparkman; (2) UT San Antonio academic campus: Anjelyka Fasci and Angeles Gomez; (3) University of Arkansas: Rosie Perez.