Devices and methods for the delivery of molecular sieve materials for the formation of blood clots

Abstract

An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining molecular sieve material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a rigid or semi-rigid support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attached to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate molecular sieve material is in direct contact with blood.

1 . An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood, comprising: 
 a receptacle for retaining molecular sieve material in particulate form therein, at least a portion of said receptacle being defined by a mesh having openings therein;    wherein when treating a bleeding wound, application of said apparatus causes at least a portion of said particulate molecular sieve material to come into contact with blood through said openings.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 1 , wherein said molecular sieve material is a zeolite.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 2 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 2 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 1 mm to about 7 mm.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 2 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 2 mm to about 5 mm.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 1 , wherein said mesh structure is flexible.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood of  claim 1 , wherein at least one particle of said particulate molecular sieve material protrudes through one of said openings.  
   
   
       8 . A pad for controlling bleeding, said pad comprising: 
 a mesh structure;    particles of molecular sieve material retained in said mesh structure; and    a support attached to said mesh structure;    wherein said mesh structure is defined by openings sized to accommodate the flow of blood therethrough.    
   
   
       9 . The pad of  claim 8 , wherein said molecular sieve material is a zeolite.  
   
   
       10 . The pad of  claim 9 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm.  
   
   
       11 . The pad of  claim 9 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 1 mm to about 7 mm.  
   
   
       12 . The pad of  claim 9 , wherein said zeolite comprises particles having diameters of about 2 mm to about 5 mm.  
   
   
       13 . The pad of  claim 8  wherein said support is configured to have a pressure applied thereto to enable said pad to be retained on a bleeding wound.  
   
   
       14 . A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound, said bandage comprising: 
 a substrate;    a mesh mounted on said substrate; and    particles of a molecular sieve material retained in said mesh;    said mesh defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings, said openings being dimensioned to accommodate the flow of blood therethrough.    
   
   
       15 . The bandage of  claim 14 , further comprising an adhesive on said substrate, said adhesive being configured to facilitate the retaining of said bandage on the skin of a wearer.  
   
   
       16 . The bandage of  claim 14 , wherein said substrate includes holes.  
   
   
       17 . The bandage of  claim 14 , wherein said molecular sieve material is a zeolite.  
   
   
       18 . A method of dressing a bleeding wound, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a molecular sieve material in particle form and retained in a mesh structure;    placing said mesh structure on a bleeding wound such that said molecular sieve material contacts wounded tissue of said bleeding wound;    applying pressure to said mesh structure; and    removing said mesh structure from said wound.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of holding said mesh structure on said bleeding wound using a strapping device.