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?