Reusable Thermal Contact Pad with Segmented Hydrogel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targeted temperature management (TTM) systems require frequent replacement of thermal contact pads, which can be costly for healthcare providers and lead to waste due to soiling and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A patient contact system that includes a gown assembly with thermal contact pads that can be reused multiple times, featuring a fluid compartment for TTM fluid circulation and a hydrogel layer for enhanced thermal contact and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal contact pads are replaced after each use, then hygiene and cleanliness are maintained, but cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad is divided into two separable components: a reusable pad body and a disposable hydrogel layer. The hydrogel layer is discarded after single use to maintain hygiene, while the pad body can be sterilized and reused, reducing waste compared to discarding the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable hydrogel layer is discarded after one use to ensure hygiene, while the reusable pad body is recovered through sterilization processes (autoclaving, chemical sterilization, or laundering) for subsequent uses on different patients.
2Loss of substance
If thermal contact pads are reused on multiple patients, then cost decreases and waste is reduced, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad is segmented into a reusable pad body and a disposable hydrogel barrier layer. This segmentation allows the hydrogel layer to be discarded after single use, preventing cross-contamination between patients while enabling reuse of the pad body.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel layer serves as an intermediary barrier between the reusable pad body and the patient's skin. It provides a sterile interface that can be discarded after one use, preventing direct contact and potential contamination of the reusable components.
3Reliability
If a hydrogel layer is added to the contact pad, then thermal contact and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel layer is merged with the pad body to form an integrated assembly that simplifies application. The hydrogel is applied directly to the pad surface and allowed to dry, creating a unified structure that combines thermal contact enhancement with hygiene functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel layer is designed to be self-applied by the user through a simple process of dispensing and drying, without requiring complex application equipment or procedures. This maintains ease of use despite adding functional complexity.
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 allows for multiple uses of thermal contact pads on a single patient or across different patients, reducing costs and waste while maintaining hygiene and effectiveness in temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a patient contact system for exchanging thermal energy between a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid and a patient
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogel applied to a patient contact side of the pad
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are medical systems, pads, and methods for exchanging thermal energy between a circulating fluid and a patient. Some pads are configured multiple uses on the same patient or across multiple different patients. Some pads include multiple layers of hydrogel disposed on one or both sides a fluid compartment. Removable hydrogel layers expose other hydrogel layers for subsequent uses of the pad. Removable storage liners encapsulate one or multiple hydrogel layers. Separation liners between adjacent hydrogel layers isolate the adjacent hydrogels from each other and removal of the separation liner extends the operational life a hydrogel layer. Adhesive patches secure the pads to the patient including adhesive patches extending through openings of a pad. Some pads are configured for disinfection, sterilization and/or laundering. In an embodiment, the fluid is air and a vacuum within a compartment of the pad secures the pad to the patient.