Energy-Activated Patch for Hemostasis via Dielectric Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling blood loss, such as tourniquets and zeolite-based coagulants, often cause collateral tissue damage and are not feasible for all types of wounds, particularly chest wounds, and do not actively coagulate the wound effectively.

Innovation Solution

An energy delivery system comprising an energy-activated patch with an energy-delivering layer, an energy-activated gel layer containing a coagulant, and a tissue support layer, which uses a portable energy source to deliver energy and promote coagulation at the wound site, along with an occlusive dressing to create a seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tourniquets and compression bandages are used to control blood loss, then bleeding can be controlled, but collateral damage to surrounding tissue occurs and active coagulation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood loss controlVSAvoidcollateral tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical compression methods (tourniquets and bandages) with an energy-based system. The energy-delivering layer uses electromagnetic energy (microwave or RF) to heat and activate coagulants at the wound site, eliminating the need for mechanical compression that causes collateral tissue damage while achieving effective hemostasis through thermal activation of coagulation agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and activity of coagulants through temperature parameter changes. The energy-delivering layer heats the coagulant-containing gel layer to activate the coagulation process, transforming the coagulants from inactive to active state, thereby achieving effective blood clotting without mechanical compression damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If zeolite coagulants are used to promote clotting, then coagulation is promoted, but the method is not feasible for all types of wounds particularly chest wounds and does not actively coagulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation promotionVSAvoidwound type applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal wound treatment system that can be applied to various wound types including chest wounds. The energy-delivering layer with microwave or RF capability and the gel layer with coagulants provide a multi-functional solution that works for different wound locations and types, overcoming the limitation of zeolite coagulants which are not suitable for chest wounds and cannot actively coagulate without activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates coagulants in advance within the gel layer of the patch, positioned ready for activation. The energy-delivering layer is pre-configured to activate these coagulants upon application to the wound, enabling immediate active coagulation for any wound type including chest wounds, rather than relying on passive coagulant materials that require specific conditions to work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional coagulants are used, then clotting is promoted, but the system lacks portability and active coagulation capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemostasis effectivenessVSAvoidsystem portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the energy source, energy-delivering layer, and coagulant-containing gel layer into a single integrated portable patch system. This combination allows the device to be easily transported and deployed while providing active coagulation capability through the integrated energy delivery mechanism that activates the coagulants at the wound site, achieving both portability and effective hemostasis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively seals and coagulates wounds, minimizing blood loss while being portable and suitable for various types of injuries, including chest wounds, by using energy-activated patches and gels that promote hemostasis without causing collateral damage.

Implementation Method 1

The energy-delivering layer includes a microstrip antenna or electrodes. The energy-delivery layer can include a microwave mesh patch or a grid of active and return RF electrodes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

The energy source is portable and can be a microwave generator or a RF generator.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

The energy-activated gel layer includes a coagulant. The gel layer includes a heat-activated coagulant.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal activation of coagulant: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS9168178B2Energy-delivery system and method for controlling blood loss from wounds

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An energy delivery system for controlling blood loss is provided. The system includes an energy-activated patch configured for placement on tissue. The patch includes an energy-delivering layer configured to deliver energy to the tissue. The system also includes an energy source in operative engagement with the energy-activated patch for energizing the energy-delivering layer.