Project Description: 

Team InnoVamp’s aim is to address inefficient hemostasis by cotton-tipped applicators (CTAs), which contribute to low field visibility and increased blood loss in minimally invasive small-scale cosmetic surgeries. Surgeons use CTAs to avoid using methods like electrocautery, which may be more damaging to the skin and soft tissues. However, CTAs are inefficient at absorbing blood and promoting hemostasis. They only absorb about 200 uL of blood and when they are removed from the surface, they can pick up developing clots, prolonging hemostasis. Their limited absorbency leads to the use of up to 150 CTAs in some procedures. CTA usage adds between 5-10 minutes to operating room turnover, which, on average, costs about $62/min. Identified critical design inputs are a clearing ability of greater than 218uL per use and full hemostasis of surgical incisions in less than 10 minutes. The proposed solution would be a semipermeable suction device that connects to suction equipment available at hospitals. The viscous liquid absorptive device (VLAD), would feature a soft semipermeable non-adherent tip and a mesh filter to prevent clots from being absorbed. These components would work synergistically, allowing surgeons to directly apply pressure to the wound while also removing blood from the area. Innovamp developed CAD models and built several prototypes to test the critical design inputs. This included flow rate measurements and field of vision clarity using both simulated blood and in vivo clot formation experiments. The VLAD is different from other surgical suction devices due to its combination of a non-adherent absorbent material and exterior filtration system. It makes surgical hemostasis a more efficient process by saving time, reducing waste, freeing up surgeons’ hands, and causing less surgical scarring.