Shape-Memory Wound Occlusion Device with Expandable Sealing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating massively bleeding external wounds, such as pressure dressings, are inadequate for controlling bleeding due to inflexibility and the risk of infection, and existing haemostatic compositions lack controlled removal and accessibility in deep wounds.
Innovation Solution
A wound occlusion device comprising a base element, a sealing element with a frame and layer made of shape-memory materials, and a release mechanism that expands to form a form-locked connection with the wound, allowing for easy application and removal, and potentially includes a dispensing mechanism for drugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure dressings are applied to mitigate bleeding, then bleeding control is attempted, but the dressings are inadequate and inflexible to adapt sufficiently to the specific wound cavity and often insufficient to stop bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be transformable between a contracted configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration for sealing. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to various wound cavity shapes and sizes while providing reliable bleeding control through the expanded sealing element that forms a form-locked and/or force-locked connection with the wound
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element changes its physical parameters (volume, shape, rigidity) through transformation from contracted to expanded configuration. This parameter change enables the device to adapt to different wound geometries while maintaining effective sealing pressure to control bleeding
2Reliability
If pressure dressings are used to stop bleeding, then acute haemorrhage mitigation is attempted, but the frequent necessity of repeated change of the wound dressing increases the risk for infection
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element provides excessive sealing action by expanding to fill and occlude the entire wound cavity, creating a form-locked and/or force-locked connection that ensures reliable haemorrhage mitigation. This comprehensive sealing reduces the need for repeated dressing changes, thereby lowering infection risk
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element undergoes a phase transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state within the wound cavity. This transformation allows the device to provide robust, long-lasting sealing that mitigates bleeding effectively and reduces the frequency of dressing changes, thus minimizing infection risk
3Reliability
If haemostatic compositions expand upon contact with liquid to fill the wound cavity, then haemorrhage control is achieved, but means for the controlled removal of the expanded articles at the hospital prior to any surgical intervention are not specified
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base element that remains in the wound for haemorrhage control and a sealing element that can be selectively removed. The retention mechanism is also separable, allowing the sealing element to be removed at the hospital prior to surgical intervention while leaving the base element in place, providing controlled removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealing element and the base element. It provides temporary anchoring during delivery and application, then can be selectively released to allow controlled removal of the sealing element at the hospital, facilitating the transition from haemorrhage control to surgical preparation
4Adaptability or versatility
If deep and narrow wound shapes are treated, then haemorrhage control in difficult-to-reach areas is attempted, but the accessibility of every sector of the wound cavity remains unspecified
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element transitions from a one-dimensional linear compressed state during delivery to a three-dimensional expanded state within the wound cavity. This dimensional transformation allows the device to access and seal deep and narrow wound sectors that would be difficult to reach with traditional linear dressings, ensuring complete haemorrhage control throughout the cavity
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 provides effective and controlled occlusion of bleeding wounds, reducing the risk of infection and allowing for easy removal, even in deep wounds, and can be applied by non-medical personnel, with the ability to be used in combat or emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element may comprise a frame element and a layer element. The sealing element has a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and can be transformed between the two configurations. The expanded configuration may be achieved by the release mechanism as soon as the wound occlusion device is placed into the wound.
Data Source
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AI summary
Novel wound occlusion devices (100') and methods for the acute treatment of massively bleeding external wounds are suggested. The novel devices which are insertable into wounds W are characterised by a base element (12'); a sealing element (3) and a release mechanism of the sealing element (3). The sealing element (3) comprises a frame element (31) and a layer element (32) and is transformable between a contracted and an expanded configuration (3') by the release mechanism. The sealing element (3) has in the expanded configuration (3') a shape adaptable to the shape of the wound W and forms a form-locked and/or force-locked connection with the wound W thereby occluding the wound and effectively stopping blood loss.