Alternating Compression Pelvic Binder for Hemorrhage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pelvic binder devices cause pressure-induced skin and soft tissue breakdown due to uneven distribution of compressive force, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with severe pelvic ring injuries, necessitating early removal and potential complications from external fixator application.
Innovation Solution
A binder device with inflatable pressurized compartments of variable diameters that alternate pressure application to reduce skin and soft tissue pressure, maintaining pelvic compression while allowing blood flow through alternating inflation and deflation patterns, utilizing a flexible non-stretchable material and adjustable tensioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional pelvic binder is applied uniformly to compress the pelvis, then significant compressive force is applied to reduce pelvic volume and control hemorrhage, but pressure-induced skin and soft tissue breakdown occurs over bony prominences
Solution Approach 1:
The binder is divided into multiple inflatable compartments (first, second, third, and fourth compartments) that can be pressurized independently. This segmentation allows different regions of the binder to apply pressure at different times, preventing continuous pressure on any single area while maintaining overall pelvic compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder implements alternating inflation and deflation of adjacent compartments over time. When the first and third compartments are inflated, the second and fourth are deflated, and vice versa. This periodic action ensures that no single area experiences continuous pressure, allowing blood flow to occur during deflation periods while maintaining compression during inflation periods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pelvic binder is removed after 24 hours to avoid skin breakdown, then skin integrity is preserved, but the patient requires early surgical intervention with external fixator application which carries additional risks
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating inflation and deflation of compartments creates periodic relief from pressure, allowing the binder to be worn for extended periods without causing skin breakdown. This enables prolonged use beyond 24 hours, stabilizing the patient before definitive surgery without the need for early removal.
3Force
If adjacent inflatable compartments are inflated simultaneously, then maximum pelvic compression is achieved, but blood flow through the compressed area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent compartments are inflated alternately rather than simultaneously. When one set of adjacent compartments (first and third) is inflated, the other set (second and fourth) is deflated, and vice versa. This periodic action ensures that blood flow is not completely restricted, as at least some compartments remain deflated to allow passage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different compartments are pressurized at different times based on their location. The alternating pattern ensures that pressure is applied locally to different regions at different times, maintaining compression where needed while allowing blood flow through regions that are currently deflated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The alternating pressure system effectively inhibits intra-pelvic bleeding while preventing skin breakdown and necrosis, allowing prolonged use without compromising blood flow, thereby stabilizing the patient's health before definitive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
A binder device with inflatable pressurized compartments of variable diameters that alternate pressure application to reduce skin and soft tissue pressure
Implementation Method 2
maintaining pelvic compression while allowing blood flow through alternating inflation and deflation patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to systems, devices, and methods for compressing the pelvis with alternating compressive air compartments by encircling the hip region of the patient. In some examples, a device may be applied to a person with a traumatic pelvic injury. A main body may include a strong flexible material such as neoprene and may have the general shape of a wide belt or pelvic girdle. The interior or exterior aspect of the binder may be composed of one or many straps that extend from one end of the binder and are looped through buckles on the other end of the binder and may therefore allow for tightening of the binder upon itself for compression. The end of the strap may contain a fastening device to affix the end of the strap to itself after the strap has been looped through the buckle.