In Situ Foam Delivery System With Segmented Cartridge and Static Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems for in situ forming foams face challenges in efficiently delivering viscous gas-entrained formulations to specific anatomical sites, particularly in non-clinical settings like the battlefield, due to difficulties in air entrainment and rapid, safe deployment of the appropriate volume of foaming formulations.
Innovation Solution
A dual barrel cartridge system with a squeezable grip and static mixing nozzle, incorporating a helical mesh assembly for air entrainment and a ratchet mechanism for deployment, along with site access methods and static mixers for effective mixing and distribution, allows for safe and efficient administration of in situ forming foams in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas entrainment is used to create foam, then foam formation is achieved, but viscosity increases making delivery difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the foam formulation into multiple separate chambers within the cartridge, each containing different components (polymer solution, blowing agent, crosslinker). These segmented components are delivered separately and mixed in situ, avoiding the viscosity problem of pre-mixed aerated foam while enabling foam formation at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are prepared and separated in advance within the cartridge chambers before delivery. The blowing agent and polymer solution are pre-positioned in separate compartments, ready for rapid mixing and foam formation upon contact at the target site, eliminating the need to handle viscous aerated foam during delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are mixed to form foam, then foam properties are controlled, but mixing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary mixing chamber or delivery mechanism where the multiple components (polymer solution, blowing agent, crosslinker) from separate cartridges are combined. This intermediary zone allows controlled mixing without requiring complex mixing mechanisms in the delivery device itself, simplifying the overall system while maintaining foam property control.
3Productivity
If rapid delivery is achieved, then treatment effectiveness improves, but mixing completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or sequential delivery of different components rather than simultaneous mixing. Components are delivered in a controlled sequence through separate cartridges, allowing each to be introduced and mixed in a predetermined order, achieving both rapid delivery and complete mixing by the time the foam forms at the target site.
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 enables rapid and effective delivery of in situ forming foams to treat severe abdominal, junctional, and pelvic hemorrhages, providing a significant survival advantage by ensuring proper aeration, mixing, and distribution of the foam within the body cavity, even in remote settings.
Implementation Method 1
While blowing agents are effective to drive the foaming and expansion of in-situ forming foams, blowing agents or their byproducts may be toxic, and entrained gas may be preferred for applications in which such toxicity is preferably avoided
Implementation Method 2
In situ forming foams are typically generated by delivering and mixing multiple liquid-phase components (such as a polyol component and an isocyanate component, which form a polyurethane foam)
Implementation Method 3
Pores within the foam may be formed by a blowing reaction and/or by the entrainment of gas before or during foam formation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A medical device comprises a fluid cartridge (810) comprising a chamber (811, 812) and a piston (813). The medical device further comprises an impeller located within the chamber (811, 812) and a static mixer in fluid communication with the chamber (811, 812). A lockout mechanism is reversibly coupled to the fluid cartridge (810), wherein (a) the lockout mechanism is movable between a first configuration which prevents the movement of the piston (813) and a second configuration which permits the movement of the piston (813) and (b) the lockout mechanism moves from the first configuration to the second configuration after the impeller has undergone a predetermined number of rotations within the chamber (811, 812).