Easy-Cooling Hypothermia Device

To address DARPA need for a combat-deployable hypothermia device, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Easy-Cooling Hypothermia (EZ-COOL) Device based on a unique feedback mechanism and microfluidic heat-exchanger technology. The innovation in EZ-COOL will enable the device to support first-aid responders’ effort to quickly determine the most likely treatment regime, and to render medical care even in doctor’s absence. As a result, EZ-COOL is compact (8 in. x 6 in. x 4 in.), lightweight (8 lb), and capable of maintaining the required cortical temperature (33-37 deg C) with a high accuracy of +/-0.01 deg C. A real-time feedback system allows EZ-COOL to effectively deliver treatment that is difficult to achieve in current systems. Not requiring consumables or replenishment, EZ-COOL is highly suitable for combat-deployment because it provides 6 hours of continuous operation on battery (while evacuating the wounded soldier) and can continue operating on AC power. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate device feasibility and plan animal and human subjects studies. We will determine a calibration method to account for variability in injury types, locations, and individual neurophysiology. At the end of Phase II, EZ-COOL will reach technology readiness level (TRL) 5, ready for preclinical/clinical testing.