Wearable Hemorrhage Control Garment With Inflatable Bladders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hemorrhage from vascular injuries in the proximal extremities, pelvis, and abdomen is difficult to treat, especially in combat situations, and existing tourniquets are ineffective for wounds in the groin region, while cardiopulmonary resuscitation during emergencies often fails to maintain adequate blood circulation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with impact detection sensors and inflatable bladders that automatically inflate to apply pressure and seal wounds, optionally releasing a sealant to control bleeding and stabilize the body, integrated with a GPS and data transmission for emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tourniquets are used for vascular injuries, then bleeding from extremities can be controlled, but they are ineffective for wounds in the groin region and pelvis
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is divided into multiple independent inflatable bladders positioned at different anatomical locations (groin, pelvis, abdomen, extremities). Each bladder can be independently activated to apply pressure to specific wound sites, allowing the device to adapt to various injury locations that traditional single-location tourniquets cannot address.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single wearable system: impact detection, automated inflation of multiple bladders at different locations, sealant delivery, GPS tracking, and communication. This multi-functional integration makes the device universally applicable to various types of trauma (vascular injuries, blunt trauma, penetrating wounds) across multiple body regions, replacing the need for multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If direct manual pressure is applied to control hemorrhage, then some bleeding can be stopped, but it is insufficient for major vascular injuries and requires sustained manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by automatically detecting impact through sensors and immediately inflating the appropriate bladders to apply pressure to potential wound sites before significant blood loss occurs. This automated response eliminates the need for sustained manual pressure application, as the system initiates hemorrhage control automatically upon detection of trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is self-service in that it autonomously detects impact, determines which bladders to inflate, delivers sealant to wound sites, and communicates injury location to emergency services without requiring continuous human intervention. The system monitors and maintains pressure automatically, freeing the injured person from the need to sustain manual pressure.
3Reliability
If exploration and clamping of arteries is performed, then hemostasis can be achieved, but it requires surgical intervention and is not feasible in pre-surgical time period
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides preliminary hemorrhage control in the pre-surgical period by automatically inflating bladders to apply pressure to major vascular structures before surgical intervention is available. This temporary measure maintains hemostasis during the critical time delay before surgical team arrival, preventing exsanguination without requiring immediate surgical clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladders act as an intermediary mechanism between the external environment and the internal vascular structures. Instead of requiring direct surgical access and clamping of arteries, the bladders apply circumferential pressure as an intermediate step to control hemorrhage, bridging the gap between field treatment and definitive surgical hemostasis.
4Reliability
If CPR is performed during cardiac arrest, then blood circulation can be maintained, but blood flow remains well below normal levels (20-30%)
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by automatically detecting impact and immediately inflating bladders to apply pressure to the torso and extremities. This pre-emptive compression helps maintain blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest before formal CPR begins, and can continue to assist circulation during CPR by providing additional compression force that manual chest compressions cannot achieve alone.
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 minimizes hemorrhage and maintains blood circulation by applying pressure and sealant to wounds, providing immediate stabilization and communication during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
one or more impact detection sensors capable of detecting an impact
Implementation Method 2
two or more bladders...an inflation system including an air pump or cartridge including a gas or gas-generating agent...causing the bladders to inflate
Implementation Method 3
a sealant system including a container having one or more enclosed compartments including a sealant...causing release of the sealant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features methods and devices for controlling bleeding from blood vessels that may be damaged as a result of trauma or impact with an object, such as a bullet or shrapnel. The device may be wearable by a user and include one or more components, such as wound sealant and multiple inflatable balloons/bladders. The device may be integrated into a garment, e.g., a vest, jacket, trousers, or full body suit. Once triggered (automatically or manually), the device may be used to deliver wound sealant to a wound site and/or pressure to the wound site by selective inflation of one or more balloons over exsanguinating blood vessels that may be damaged, thereby stopping or minimizing the bleeding. Alternatively, or in addition, the device may be used to stabilize a wounded wearer for, e.g., transportation purposes, or to provide buoyancy. Devices of the invention may also be used as a blood pressure monitor, as a massaging device, and as a breast pump.Devices and methods of the invention may also be used for repairing or stabilizing machines, such as vehicles (e.g., automobiles and boats).