AAJT-S developer Compression Works raises $3.5M in an oversubscribed seed round to drive global expansion of its hemorrhage control technology, the AAJT-S.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES, January 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Compression Works, Inc., maker of the life-saving Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT), announced the completion of its $3.5M over-subscribed seed round.

Initially targeting $2M, Compression Works extended the round due to exceptional investor interest, driven by the AAJT’s rapid adoption in U.S. EMS, military, and international markets, including conflict zones in Ukraine and Israel.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth across our market segments, with the AAJT now deployed in over 100 U.S. EMS agencies compared to just a dozen last year,” said Scott Dodson, President and CEO of Compression Works. “This life-saving device is quickly becoming a must-have for first responders and military medics treating severe bleeding at the point of injury. Additionally, hospitals are using the AAJT to manage trauma patients showing signs of shock due to blood loss.”

Dodson highlighted the AAJT’s growing international impact:
“Thousands of AAJTs have been deployed in Ukraine and Israel, thanks to our distribution partners and NGOs. Stories of lives saved and the device’s capabilities are now featured in peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences worldwide.”

Accelerating Growth and Innovation
Compression Works plans to use the funds to expand its global footprint and pursue additional FDA clearances for game-changing applications currently under review.

“We are grateful for the confidence our investors have shown,” said Dodson. “While we’re still at the seed stage, our achievements surpass many later-stage companies. Our mission is clear: to ensure that everyone who could benefit from this life-saving technology has access to it.”

About Compression Works
Compression Works develops the AAJT-S, a multi-use medical device addressing the most pressing needs of emergency and battlefield medicine. Trusted by the U.S. military, trauma centers, EMS, and law enforcement, Compression Works is a veteran-owned business proudly manufacturing life-saving solutions in the USA.

Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquets: Clinically Important Increases in Pressure in Aortic Zone 1 and Zone 3 in a Cadaveric Study Directly Relevant to Combat Medics Treating Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage
Smith T, Pallister I, Parker PJ 24(4). 17
Publication Type: Journal Article (Feature Articles)

Abstract:

Background: “Non-compressible” torso hemorrhage (NCTH) is the leading cause of preventable battlefield death, requiring rapid surgical or radiological intervention, which is essentially precluded close to the point of injury. UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) analysis 2002-2012 showed 85.5% NCTH mortality. JTTR vascular injury data 2003-2008 revealed 100% mortality in named truncal vessel injuries. Gas insufflation and hyper-pressure intraperitoneal fluid animal studies have demonstrated significant reductions in blood loss in splanchnic injuries. We hypothesized that the noninvasive Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet – Stabilized ( AAJT-S) would be a forward combat medic-delivered intervention to tamponade bleeding from vessels of the celiac trunk in descending aorta zone 1 by generating clinically significant proximal epigastric compartment pressure.

Methods: Four cadaveric donors each had two manometric water-filled balloons placed intra-peritoneally (1 epigastric, 1 retropubic), con- nected to manometer tubing. Baseline pressures of 8cmH2O were set (equating mean intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). AAJT-S was applied and inflated to 250mmHg. Pressures were contemporaneously recorded. AAJT-S was removed, along with the epigastric manometer. We added 500mL of water to simulate blood through the epigastric aperture. The manometer was replaced and reset to 8cmH2O. AAJT-S was reapplied to 250mmHg, and IAP steady pressures were again recorded.

Results: Proximal compartment pressures reached a mean of 54.6cmH2O (40.2mmHg); distal compartment pressures achieved a mean of 46cmH2O (34mmHg.) With 500mL intra peritoneal fluid, proximal compartment achieved a mean of 52.25cmH2O (38.4mmHg); distal compartment achieved a mean of 35cmH2O (25.7mmHg.) BMI had a statistically significant inverse effect on epigastric pressure, in this study range (BMIs, 16.7-22.9kg/m2). This proved clinically insignificant, with sufficient pressure still achieved in all tests.

Conclusion: The AAJT-S at 250mmHg achieves proximal epigastric compartment pressures of 40mmHg, with or without 500mL simulated free blood in the abdomen. This represents a highly significant and titratable reduction in blood flow within the celiac trunk branches. BMI does not have a clinically significant effect. AAJT-S application also produces zone 3 aortic and inferior vena cava occlusion. AAJT-S may be a point-of-injury intervention for forward medics that contributes to non-surgical hemorrhage control and likely clot stabilization for zone 1 vascular and solid organ injuries.

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Birmingham, AL – A new study published in the Journal of Special Operations Medicine (JSOM) reveals that the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet–Stabilized (AAJT-S) by Compression Works is a groundbreaking tool for controlling Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage (NCTH), the leading cause of preventable battlefield deaths.

Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage is responsible for 85–100% mortality, as demonstrated in the UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) from 2002–2012. These injuries, which result in massive bleeding, are caused by penetrating trauma such as gunshot wounds, blasts, or shrapnel injuries. They are notoriously difficult to treat, and casualty mortality increases dramatically with extended evacuation times.

The study, conducted by Drs. Smith, Pallister, and Parker and published in JSOM, demonstrates the ability of the AAJT-S to increase intra-abdominal compartment pressures, effectively controlling life-threatening bleeding. This breakthrough could redefine trauma care for combat medics and emergency responders.

Dr. Parker, the British Army's most senior Consultant for Trauma and Orthopedic injuries and senior author on the study, stated: "We are thrilled with the results as they support our hypothesis that the non-invasive placement of the AAJT-S could tamponade bleeding from high-mortality, non-compressible torso hemorrhage injuries. The AAJT-S has demonstrated the ability to provide clinically significant Zone 3 aortic and vena cava occlusion while also achieving a Zone 1 compression effect. This non-invasive technology addresses the high-mortality challenge of non-compressible torso hemorrhage in ways we've never seen before."

When applied to the abdomen at the aortic bifurcation, the AAJT-S increased both proximal and distal abdominal pressures, significantly reducing blood loss—a critical factor in patient survival.

The First and Only Device of Its Kind The AAJT-S is the only FDA-cleared device for external aortic compression to control bleeding in the pelvis. Now, this latest study positions the device as a game-changing solution for NCTH as well.

Scott Dodson, CEO of Compression Works, emphasized the device's versatility and importance: "The AAJT-S is easy to apply, non-invasive, lightweight, and highly effective. It is the ultimate multi-use tool for managing life-threatening hemorrhage in military and civilian trauma care. With one device, you can treat pelvic bleeding, junctional bleeding in the axilla and groin, and now, non-compressible torso hemorrhage—without requiring invasive procedures."

As battlefield evacuation times grow longer and NCTH remains one of the most lethal challenges for combat medics, this study underscores the urgent need to equip every combat medic, forward aid station, and military treatment facility with the AAJT-S.

NLM 

Compression Works, Inc., www.compressionworks.com, the maker of the lifesaving AAJT-S (Abdominal Aortic & Junctional Tourniquet – Stabilized), has partnered with SICH-Ukraine to expand bleeding control capabilities in Ukraine. This collaboration addresses the urgent demand for advanced hemorrhage control solutions amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Together, these two organizations aim to deliver innovative and effective trauma care solutions to save lives on the battlefield and beyond (www.sich.ua).

“The AAJT-S was designed to control the most severe forms of bleeding on the battlefield and in the first responder community,” said Scott Dodson, President and CEO of Compression Works.“Since the Russian invasion, thousands of devices have been deployed at the point of injury to stabilize casualties, enabling evacuation and treatment. Countless lives have been saved, and we are humbled and honored to deliver groundbreaking medical solutions that make a difference where it matters most.”

“Our greatest challenge has been ensuring sufficient product availability in Ukraine to meet the overwhelming demand from medical and evacuation teams on the ground,” said Dodson. “Given the nature of warfare and the severity of injuries in Ukraine, junctional tourniquets remain one of the most urgently requested products. The AAJT-S, uniquely cleared for use in pelvic bleeding situations caused by blasts, blunt force trauma, and penetrating injuries outside areas protected by body armor, addresses critical gaps in trauma care.

“By partnering with the team at SICH-Ukraine—creators of the high-quality and widely trusted SICH-Tourniquet for extremities—we are expanding their bleeding control capabilities. This collaboration connects Compression Works with a skilled, resourceful, and dedicated team that shares our mission: Stopping Bleeding & Saving Lives,” Dodson added.

Oleksandr Hadomskyi, Founder of SICH-Ukraine, said, “We are delighted to offer the AAJT-S as a part of our bleeding solution portfolio in Ukraine. This device has proven itself on the battlefields of our country’s war with Russia, and we consider it a great addition to our top-notch product offering,” said Hadomskyi. "'SICH' is a symbol of Ukrainian freedom, dignity, and strength, which is why the company proudly bears this victory-hardened name. The history of the SICH-Tourniquet is one of collaboration among designers, military personnel, and volunteers, united in a noble mission—to save lives."

About Compression WorksCompression Works is the developer and manufacturer of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet-Stabilized (AAJT-S) medical device. The company delivers innovative solutions to meet the most pressing and unmet needs of emergency healthcare providers and military medical caregivers. Compression Works is committed to hemorrhage control research, identifying capability gaps, and developing technologies and products to help facilitate the delivery of quality life-saving care. The life-saving, multi-use technology is used by the U.S. military, trauma centers, rural emergency departments, EMS, and federal and local law enforcement agencies. The AAJT-S device is proudly manufactured and assembled in the USA. Compression Works is a veteran-owned business dedicated to saving lives on and off the battlefield. HEMORRHAGE STOPS HERE!

About SICH-Ukraine

Founded in 2014 by a team of entrepreneurs and volunteers led by Oleksandr Hadomskyi, the company was born under the challenging conditions of hybrid warfare. The primary goal given to the designers and developers was to create a unique, robust tourniquet capable of controlling massive bleeding in any environment—whether wet, snow-covered, dirty, hot, or cold, and under extreme conditions. After extensive development, testing, and consultation, the team succeeded in producing an effective and comprehensive solution, realized in the original and patented SICH-Tourniquet. The SICH-Tourniquet—the No. 1 tool in modern civil and military first-aid kits—is an official supplier to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the National Police.

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Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquets: Clinically Important Increases in Pressure in Aortic Zone 1 and Zone 3 in a Cadaveric Study Directly Relevant to Combat Medics Treating Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage

2024.

PubMed Disclaimer

The field of hemorrhage control is experiencing rapid advancements, particularly in the area of abdominal bleeding. And on this episode of the EMS World Podcasts, we'll be taking a look at one product in particular—the AAJT-S tourniquet.

Live from the exhibit floor at EMS World Expo 2024, host Mike McCabe is joined by Dr. John Croushorn, an emergency medicine physician in Birmingham, Alabama, to explore this innovative abdominal tourniquet. 

Listen here

 Step into the vanguard of battlefield medicine with Dr. John M. Croushorn, an engineer-turned-emergency physician whose innovations are redefining trauma treatment. From his pivotal career switch of joining Army Medicine post-9/11 to creating the Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT-S), this episode weaves together the personal and the technical, providing an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of military medicine. 

Nicole Iezzi, the newly appointed Vice President of Global Sales at Compression Works.

Nicole Iezzi, with 20 years of experience, joins Compression Works to lead global sales for the AAJT-S device.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES, August 7, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Compression Works Inc., the medical device company behind the life-saving Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet – Stabilized (AAJT-S), is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Iezzi as the Global Vice President of Sales. Nicole brings 20 years of experience from leading-edge companies that have transformed the standard of care in pre-hospital, hospital and military medicine markets around the world.

In her new role, Nicole will be responsible for spearheading sales strategies and driving market penetration for the AAJT-S device, which is designed to control non-compressible hemorrhages, a leading cause of death in trauma situations. The AAJT-S has been cleared by the FDA for both military and civilian use and is recognized for its effectiveness in managing junctional hemorrhage and pelvic bleeding.

“We are delighted to have Nicole leading our commercialization efforts around the world,” said Scott Dodson, President and CEO of Compression Works. “Her extensive experience in sales leadership within the medical device industry, coupled with her proven ability to navigate complex market dynamics in military medicine and the pre-hospital environment, makes her an ideal choice as we continue to expand the reach of our life-saving technology.”

Prior to joining Compression Works, Nicole led high-performing sales teams at Teleflex, a multi-billion-dollar global provider of medical technologies. Her career also includes sales leadership roles at Z-Medica, acquired by Teleflex for their industry-leading product QuikClot^® Combat Gauze^®, and ADS, a key supplier to the US Military and defense industry.

Nicole’s business acumen, strategic vision, and passion for healthcare innovation have earned her a reputation as a leader in the medical device market. “It is an honor to join Compression Works to help drive awareness and sales of the AAJT-S, a novel and innovative bleeding control device,” said Nicole Iezzi. “My personal passion to align my career with best-in-class medical products has only increased over the years. My husband served as a Special Operations Medic with five combat deployments. I have so much respect for our military, trauma care providers, and first responders”, said Iezzi. “It is truly an honor to play a role in getting lifesaving devices to those on the front lines of medicine.”

About Compression Works

Compression Works is the developer and manufacturer of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet-Stabilized (AAJT-S) medical device. The company delivers innovative solutions to meet the most pressing and unmet needs of emergency healthcare providers. Compression Works is committed to hemorrhage control research, identifying capability gaps, and developing technologies and products to help facilitate the delivery of quality life-saving care. The AAJT-S is used by the military, trauma centers, rural emergency departments, EMS, and federal and local law enforcement agencies. Proudly manufactured and assembled in the USA, Compression Works is a veteran-owned business dedicated to saving lives on and off the battlefield.

North Texas Angel Network, First Avenue Ventures, Atlanta Tech Angels, and Rockies Venture Club have increased their positions.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES, July 23, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Compression Works, Inc., www.compressionworks.com, maker of the life-saving abdominal aortic and junctional tourniquet (the AAJT), is pleased to report increased positions from existing investors in the company’s seed round.

The AAJT was initially designed to stop severe bleeding on the battlefield so that casualties could be stabilized and evacuated to awaiting surgical teams. The utilization of this device is now rapidly expanding into the first responder community, where bleeding is the #1 cause of death in ages 6 to 49 due to automobile accidents, blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma, and pelvic bleeding, which can be difficult to detect at the scene of an accident.

Additionally, Compression Works reports treatment success in new areas of traumatic cardiac arrest and non-compressible torso hemorrhage, which will dramatically increase the market application of this device.

Existing investors who have increased their investments include North Texas Angel Network, First Avenue Ventures, Atlanta Tech Angels, and Rockies Venture Club.

“We are excited at the growth trajectory and potential of Compression Works,” said Jeff Murphy, Executive Director at North Texas Angel Network. “The NTAN Team has seen the life-saving capabilities of the AAJT in the U.S. First Responder market and on the battlefields of Ukraine, where lives are being saved. NTAN is excited to support the scale-up and growth of Compression Works, and we want to continue to play a role in reducing preventable deaths by stopping bleeding at the point of injury,” said Murphy.

Mike Goodrich, Managing Director of First Avenue Ventures in Birmingham, AL, stated, “We are thrilled to participate again in this round in a significantly de-risked opportunity. Our confidence in management has only increased since our initial early position. In a challenging capital environment, having a company that continues to take risk off the table and hit their targets and milestones gives us comfort in increasing our position,” said Goodrich.

“Compression Works has a terrific group of active investors that are adding real value in helping us scale our operation around the world,” said Scott Dodson, President and CEO of the Company. “We are now commercial in over 23 countries outside of the U.S. and have started to realize multiple EMS agency conversions in the U.S. First Responder market," said Dodson. “As the delivery of whole blood to accident victims increases across the U.S., Compression Works is playing a vital role in the prevention of blood loss so that the tank can be refilled. We expect this trend to continue as at-the-scene treatment dramatically increases survivability for accident victims.”

The company anticipates closing this round, which is already oversubscribed and encourages interested accredited investors to contact Mr. Dodson, the CEO, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Article : https://www.alabamabusinessreporter.com/

Step into the vanguard of battlefield medicine with Dr. John M. Croushorn, an engineer-turned-emergency physician whose innovations are redefining trauma treatment. From his pivotal career switch of joining Army Medicine post-9/11 to creating the Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT-S), this episode weaves together the personal and the technical, providing an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of military medicine.

As we converse with Dr. Croushorn, you'll be transported to the front lines of tactical emergency medical solutions, where the origins of such practices in the military and law enforcement laid the groundwork for today's life-saving techniques. Discover the birth of the AAJT-S, spurred by tragedy and necessity, and how a chance encounter with a Special Forces Medic brought the device's development full circle. This narrative captures the essence of innovation - where creativity meets critical needs, and every step in the design process can mean the difference between life and death. The trenches of tactical medicine are filled with stories of lives saved and legacies forged, and each tale tightens the bond between trauma care advancements and those who stand ready at the front lines.

Dr. Croushorn continues to pull back the curtain on the dynamic field of military medicine, guiding us through the application of junctional tourniquets and their profound impact on saving lives in pre-hospital scenarios. We'll also cast an eye to the future, examining ongoing research and the global implications of these medical advancements. Hear tales of the AAJT-S's deployment in diverse environments, from the deserts of the Middle East to the conflict in Ukraine, and learn how this technology is not just a tool but a testament to human resilience and the relentless pursuit of advancing trauma treatment.

Take Home Messages:
1. The tragic events of 9/11 inspired a shift in career from electrical engineering to Military Medicine, highlighting the profound impact significant historical events can have on individual life choices.
   
2. The development of the Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT-S) marked a significant advancement in pre-hospital trauma care, particularly for severe hemorrhage control in areas where traditional tourniquets are ineffective.

3. Innovation in military medical devices can stem from unexpected places, including the adaptation of materials like bike shop inner tubes, demonstrating resourcefulness in the face of challenges.

4. Collaboration between medical professionals and those with hands-on battlefield experience, such as Special Forces Medics, is crucial for the practical development of life-saving medical technologies.

5. Tactical emergency medical solutions, like the AAJT-S, have evolved to meet the specific needs of military and emergency response situations, including combat scenarios and disaster relief efforts.

6. The versatility of junctional tourniquets makes them a critical tool not only for the military but also for civilian emergency services, as evidenced by their use by air ambulance services and fire departments.

7. Emergency Medicine is continually advancing, with a focus on developing solutions for non-compressible torso hemorrhage, which presents new challenges in the field of trauma care.

8. Groundbreaking research into the physiologic effects of medical devices in traumatic cardiac arrest scenarios is paving the way for updated emergency protocols and potentially higher survival rates.

9. The global impact of military medical innovations can be seen in various international settings, including conflict zones like Ukraine, where they play a vital role in saving lives on the battlefield.

10. Effective hemorrhage control, particularly in junctional areas, is essential for improving survival rates in trauma patients, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and application of medical devices in pre-hospital settings. 

Background: 'Non-compressible' haemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable battlefield death, often requiring surgical or radiological intervention, which is precluded in the pre-hospital environment. One-fifth of such bleeds are junctional and therefore potentially survivable.