Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing issue on the modern battlefield as well as training facilities. The brain experiences damage, inflammation, and termination of cell functions when a patient has a TBI. Infection, usually accompanied by an increase in temperature, can exacerbate the after-effects. Studies have shown that cerebroprotection such as quickly cooling the brain can reduce long term effects of brain trauma. The key to therapeutic hypothermia is in the ability to reduce the brains temperature while maintaining a normal 37C in the extremities and core. Often times these injuries are a result of a blast or in conjunction with other peripheral injuries, and the body must maintain its temperature to repair elsewhere. Wolf has conceptualized a non-invasive, therapeutic, neuroprotective solution that can quickly cool the brain temperature while actively monitoring the patients core temperature and thereby regulating the device. The concept is lightweight, portable, and adaptable to all patient sizes and body types. Wolfs cryogenic intranasal cooler utilizes proven chilling technology and readily available materials to maintain a low end user cost. The device is modular and components will be easily field serviced if damaged.
Benefit: Wolfs device will be marketed toward military and civilian markets. There is an immediate need in battlefield trauma and training facilities for all branches of the military. Permanent hospitals, both civilian, and military can benefit from this technology. Emergency medical services can implement the system into their trucks for onsite trauma care. The device can be used to treat stroke victims and premature babies as well. Sports such as racing, football, soccer, and basketball can reduce TBI with the use of this technology. The device will be marketed to the NFL and other professional and amateur organizations. The added benefit of the cooler is the ability to treat overheating during these activities. This can also be expanded to firefighters and other workers in high heat environments.
Keywords: traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, neurotrauma, cryogenic therapy, Therapeutic Hyperthermia, intracranial edema, neurorecovery, nasopharyngeal cooling, encephalopathy, Cryogenics
