Thermosensitive Hydrogel Foam Ocular Shield for Trauma Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for managing undifferentiated ocular injuries, particularly full-thickness corneal and corneoscleral wounds, in out-of-hospital settings due to limited diagnostic capabilities and inadequate treatment options for far-forward medical providers.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method utilizing a thermosensitive hydrogel foam that can be easily applied by first aid personnel to stabilize, seal, and preserve ocular tissues, while also delivering therapeutic agents to promote wound healing and prevent infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid eye shield is placed over the injured eye, then additional trauma is prevented, but therapeutic benefits are not provided and tissues are not stabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the eye shield into multiple functional layers: an outer rigid shield for trauma prevention, an intermediate therapeutic chamber for delivering wound healing solutions, and an inner interface layer for patient comfort. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between protection and therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges previously separate functions (physical protection and therapeutic delivery) into a single integrated system. The eye shield combines the protective barrier with an embedded delivery mechanism for wound healing solutions, allowing simultaneous trauma prevention and active tissue stabilization.
2Reliability
If far-forward providers are trained to apply treatment to specific orbital laceration sites, then treatment effectiveness may improve, but the complexity and training requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service treatment delivery where the therapeutic system automatically dispenses wound healing solutions without requiring the provider to manually apply them. The provider simply positions the shield, and the integrated delivery mechanism handles the complex task of administering therapy, reducing training requirements while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye shield is designed as a universal device that can treat multiple types of orbital injuries (lacerations, abrasions, contusions) with a single platform. The therapeutic chamber can deliver various wound healing solutions applicable to different injury types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices or extensive diagnostic training.
3Reliability
If wound healing solutions are delivered directly to the injury site, then healing effectiveness improves, but the risk of infection and harmful factors increases without proper stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies beforehand cushioning by placing the rigid eye shield over the injured area before delivering therapeutic solutions. This protective barrier is established first to prevent additional trauma and reduce infection risk, creating a safe environment for subsequent therapeutic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The therapeutic chamber acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the injured tissue. It controls the delivery of wound healing solutions, allowing therapeutic agents to reach the injury site while filtering out harmful contaminants and maintaining a sterile environment.
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 stabilizes ocular injuries, prevents further trauma, and delivers therapeutic agents to promote healing, all while being simple to use, store, and transport, making it suitable for expeditionary use.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a thermosensitive hydrogel foam that can be easily applied by first aid personnel to stabilize, seal, and preserve ocular tissues
Implementation Method 2
delivers therapeutic agents to promote wound healing and prevent infection
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and device are provided for treating wounds. The device generally comprises a wound chamber and/or deployment system. The provided assembly substantially improves wound treatment.