Transesophageal Aortic Flow Control Through Mechanical Esophageal Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage are inadequate, as they either require surgical removal, are limited to junctural hemorrhages, or can only be implemented in an operating room, failing to effectively stop internal bleeding in abdominal wounds.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive esophageal aortic flow control device with a mechanical actuator and magnets is inserted into the esophagus to apply posterior pressure to the aorta, reducing blood flow by up to 90% through radial pressure, allowing use by emergency services in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical expanding foam is inserted into the wound site to stop hemorrhage, then blood loss is controlled, but the foam is not biodegradable and requires complete surgical removal which can cause complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biodegradable foam composition that naturally decomposes in the body over time, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The foam is designed to degrade into harmless byproducts, making it a disposable solution that resolves the contradiction between effective hemorrhage control and surgical removal complexity.
2Reliability
If Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet is used to prevent blood loss, then junctural hemorrhage is controlled, but it is not effective in abdominal wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a foam system that can be adapted for multiple types of hemorrhage control including both junctural and abdominal wounds. The foam's ability to expand and conform to different anatomical spaces makes it a universal solution that addresses both external and internal bleeding scenarios.
3Reliability
If REBOA catheter is used to prevent blood loss, then abdominal hemorrhage is controlled, but it can only be implemented in an operating room by a surgeon requiring significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The foam system is designed for self-deployment by emergency personnel without requiring surgical expertise or operating room facilities. The foam automatically expands upon contact with body fluids or through simple mechanical activation, enabling rapid deployment in pre-hospital settings and eliminating the time loss associated with complex catheter insertion procedures.
4Ease of operation
If simple compression or tourniquets are applied to abdominal wounds, then external pressure is applied, but internal bleeding and organ damage cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The foam acts as an intermediary substance that can be introduced into the abdominal cavity through minimally invasive routes. Once inside, the foam expands to directly contact and compress internal bleeding sites and damaged organs, bridging the gap between external application simplicity and internal hemorrhage control effectiveness.
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 device effectively reduces aortic blood flow to the abdomen, preventing extreme blood loss and extending patient life until wounds can be repaired, suitable for use by a wider range of medical personnel beyond surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
A minimally invasive esophageal aortic flow control device with a mechanical actuator and magnets is inserted into the esophagus to apply posterior pressure to the aorta
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method is provided herein for esophageal impingement of a patient's aorta. The device may be inserted into a patient's esophagus and positioned at the location where the esophagus passes over the patient's aorta. In this position, an actuation device is used to apply pressure to the patient's aorta through their esophagus to impinge or occlude the aorta to stop or significantly reduce hemorrhaging. A manually operable actuator handle enables a physician to manipulate a head assembly of the device through three distinct degrees of freedom of movement so as to control placement and direction of force against the patient's esophagus and, in turn, their aorta.