Fast and Smart Cooling Equipment for Enhanced Neuroprotection

To address the DHP need for a deployable, controlled hypothermia device, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) will further improvise on our Fast and Smart Cooling Equipment for Enhanced Neuroprotection (FASCOOL) based on research results of a previously funded DARPA SBIR. The FASCOOL program will leverage findings from that program and augment the device by adding a new feedback/control mechanism to deliver controlled hypothermia, so the victim is not exposed to deadly side effects of uncontrolled cooling. The new FASCOOL is capable of reducing the brain temperature by 4degC within 20 min and maintaining it (3337degC) with high accuracy for an extended period of time (2496 hr) for effective TBI treatment. The FASCOOL design allows its use with little training in a broad range of military and civilian medical facilities by physicians and physician assistants in austere medical environments. The innovation in FASCOOL allows small form-factor packaging, making FASCOOL field deployable and adaptable to en route care. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate device feasibility, revise animal and human subject plans, and make initial contact with FDA to finalize an FDA approval strategy. At the end of Phase II, FASCOOL will reach technology readiness level (TRL) 5, ready for preclinical/clinical testing.