The In Situ Self-Expanding Polyurethane Polymer Foam

1. The In Situ Self-Expanding Polyurethane Polymer Foam By Robert Valenti

2. Who developed it? Why? • The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) • Soldiers/Hemorrhage wounds • Current technology isn’t effective on intracavitary hemorrhaging. • “Golden Hour”

3. How does it work? • A syringe in inserted into the body and injects a mixture of polyol and isocyanate • The polyol and isocyanate mix and form a foam that expands to approximately 30x its original size

4. How does it work?(Cont.) • While expanding, the foam forms to the insides of the body, filling in gaps (preferably the sources of bleeding) • Surgical incision can remove foam in minutes

5. Shortcomings of Modern Methods • Field dressings and pressure dressings sometimes cannot stop profuse bleeding • Tourniquets can only be used on limbs, and they have a limited time-span until amputation is then required.

6. Shortcomings of Modern Methods (Cont.) • Blood clotting bandages are situation dependent • Capable of blocking entire veins and arteries, which can cause worse complications than the initial injury

7. Testing Results • DARPA tested the foam on the closed abdominal cavity injury of a swine. Compared to a control group (using conventional treatment methods). survival rates increased by almost 300%, and blood loss was decreased by approximately 84% while using the foam • The foam isn’t stiff, nor does it cause burning sensations like other polymer foams

8. Advantages • Expedited treatment by medics • Knowledge of wound isn’t entirely necessary • Individual soldiers could carry their own syringe • Maintain fire superiority • Increased survival rates • Higher unit morale, which in turn affects efficiency • Civilian applications as well

9. Questions?