Laboratory Model of a Collapsible Tube to Develop Bleeding Control Interventions

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• First Aid Research

Background:

• Investigating mechanical methods for controlling bleeding in first aid situations.
• Utilizing a laboratory model to simulate blood flow through a vessel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify volumetric flow reduction in a simulated artery under varying degrees of external compression.
• To assess the impact of compression length on flow reduction in a collapsible tube model.

Main Methods:

• A collapsible silicone tube model was used with water flow driven by gravity (100mmHg pressure gradient).
• Two experiments were conducted: (1) varying luminal area reduction (0-97%) and (2) varying compression length (5-70mm) at 74% area reduction.
• Flow volume was measured, averaged from six samples, and compared against mathematical calculations.

Main Results:

• Flow reduction followed a parabolic curve; >94% luminal area reduction was needed for >50% flow decrease.
• A 97% luminal area reduction resulted in a 95% flow decrease.
• Compression length (5mm, 20mm, 70mm) did not significantly affect flow rates at 74% area reduction.

Conclusions:

• Significant volumetric flow reduction (95%) was achieved with 97% luminal area compression in a simulated vessel.
• The degree of vessel compression is the primary factor influencing flow reduction, not the length of compression.
• Findings provide insights into mechanical hemostasis principles for first aid applications.