Introducing our vital research
At RAFT we're working hard to develop groundbreaking new treatments, processes and preventions within 3 specific research areas:
Burns, chronic ulcers & wound healing
Victims of major burns urgently require life-saving skin cover; those with smaller wounds, especially patients with chronic non-healing wounds, also present a serious clinical challenge. Even with successful treatment, any injuries involving full-thickness skin loss will leave lifelong defects.
RAFT is working on an innovative skin replacement that could provide an improved solution to this life-threatening problem. To explore this research in more depth, please click here.
Prosthetics - RAFT's "Bionic" Limb project
With an estimated 300 traumatic upper limb amputations in the UK alone each year, and with this number rising due to the military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, there is an urgent need to provide a prosthetic with better movement and control for amputees.
Currently, patients with upper limb amputations are fitted with an artificial (prosthesis) limb which is attached to the body using a socket, straps and harness. However, most patients experience pain, chaffing and skin ulcer problems with their prosthesis and nearly all stop using the artificial limb within two years.
RAFT, however, is working on a technique which will hopefully change that. The prosthesis will be attached directly to the skeleton via an implant. Electrodes will be placed inside the limb to control movement, with the sensors directed by the patient, much like how nerves normally control muscle and limb movement. To expore this project in more depth, please click here.
Skin cancer - prevention, education & cure
Today's culture of sun worship, combined with the advent of cheap flights abroad, has left us badly exposed to the dangers of the sun. Recent decades have seen a dramatic rise in the incidence of skin cancer - and if action is not taken to turn back this trend, skin cancer may soon become widespread amongst our children's generation.
Research into prevention, education and treatment of skin cancers (particularly the aggressive melanoma) is a major programme at RAFT. To explore this research in more depth, please click here.
