About AutoFlow

The Technology

The AutoFlow device consists of a patient interface unit (PIU) that attaches to the impaired region of tissue and a separate control unit that allows regulation of device parameters, such as volume of blood removed.

Autoflow control unit (left) and patient interface unit (right)

The PIU is a clear outer shell adhered to the skin over a bleeding wound that is created via an incision into the congested tissue. Inflow ports in the PIU allow a saline-heparin irrigant to continually wash the wound, and the administration of air into the shell to create turbulance within the irrigant.

The irrigant then acts as both a chemical and mechanical form of anticoagulation at the surface of the skin. The blood-irrigant mixture is removed from the PIU shell via suction.

Chemical and mechanical anticoagulation are also applied below the surface of the skin via a rotating cone/disk and the administration of concentrated heparin.

Accordingly, chemical and mechanical anticogulation are applied at the skin surface and below the skin surface to facilitate continued effective blood flow through the impaired tissue.

AutoFlow patient interface unit (Illustration by Garry Marshall. Appeared in Popular Science, May 2002, Vol. 260, Issue 5, p. 36) Tube delivers a solution containing heparin, an anticoagulant, to the wound. Miniature bellows move the tube up and down, preventing blood from clotting at the bottom. Actuator-driven disk rotates tube, also to prevent clotting. Holes in the cone release the solution to cleanse wound. Suction draws blood and solution out to promote circulation.

Product Development

AutoFlow will be brought to market in approximately 5 years, following Phase II prototype development and human studies. We envision wide acceptance of this product by the public and by physicians due to the interest generated thus far by Phase I development.

Although the market for this type of device is relatively small (i.e. 2,000 cases per year are estimated in the United States), the importance of developing this technology should not be underestimated. Our new method of effectively decongesting tissues is highly significant in that it will promote healing, reduce the risk of tissue injury and death, and will lead to improved rehabilitation and quality of life after surgery.