Phase II Amount
$1,054,785
Prevention of pressure-induced skin and soft tissue injuries and hypothermia is important to optimize patients outcomes in prolonged field care. In the Phase I SBIR effort, InnoVital Systems developed the AirSupport casualty transport pad. The AirSupport reduced pressure at the occiput, scapula, and sacrum compared to an existing aeromedical evacuation litter pad (WELP). The AirSupport is also lighter weight and a smaller packed size compared to the WELP and may be integrated / co-packaged with the collapsed Talon litter making it useful in far forward applications. The AirSupport allows pressure offloading and reduction of temperature and moisture at the high-risk sacral area by integrating a separable gap that permits air flow and fluid drainage. The system includes an integrated rugged, lightweight, and thermally efficient blanket with pockets that hold novel electric heaters. The heaters provide self-regulating warmth using a low voltage power supply such as a battery bank or vehicle power. These accomplishments set the stage for a Phase II effort to refine the AirSupport in preparation for independent comparative evaluations with the WELP and Talon litter. Following the evaluations, further maturation of the AirSupport will lead to a manufacture-ready design and preparation for FDA clearance as a 510(k)-exempt device.
