Can the U.S. Navy conduct successful select surgeries during high seas on alternative platforms? That was the question being asked in an experimental study, conducted at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD).

The study was a proof of concept performed by the Human Systems Integration Team, headed by Eric Pierce, at the NSWC PCD Biodynamics Laboratory between Aug. 31 and Oct. 9, 2015.

The study's end state delivered qualitative analysis to determine the feasibility of conducting select surgical procedures during high sea states. Alternative platforms were defined as platforms similar to the littoral combat ship or high speed vessels.

If ongoing studies determine the surgeries can be successfully performed in high sea states on alternative platforms, then the results will be reviewed by personnel at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) decision making level.

"Once we have the study's findings, we'll take that information and give [it] to leadership for further exploration to determine the feasibility on smaller navy vessels, using modeling and simulation of the high speed vessels and littoral combat ships," said OPNAV Medical Analyst Lt. Cmdr. Randy Dee.

The selected surgical procedures for this study included stabilizing a fractured pelvis, treating a displaced femur fracture, treating an open wound of the abdominal wall, and the treatment of an amputated leg. Medical team specialties included a surgeon, nurse, surgical technician, and anesthesiologist. The tests were conducted with medical personnel simulating medical treatments in sea states between three to five.

"We were using surgical equipment with a tabled anesthesiology machine to make the environment as real as possible," said Dee. "It's important to determine the outlook for future Navy capabilities for the next 15 to 20 years. Our Navy is creative and we are creative and will always find new ways to push the envelope and find new ways to save lives."

Dee said NSWC PCD's Biodynamics Laboratory was selected because a similar study was conducted in Panama City, Fla. in 2013.

The study also included personnel from Naval Sea Systems Command, OPNAV, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and Strategic Operations, Inc., who provide Hyper-Realistic™ training environments for military, law enforcement and other organizations, using state-of-the-art movie industry special effects, role players, proprietary techniques, training scenarios, facilities, mobile structures, sets, props and equipment.

For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/.