Work in the Medical Industry

APPF Inc. has had extensive experience in the development and manufacture of PVC and urethane medical products. We have assisted refining product designs that are now used on a daily basis in the medical industry. Below are just a few products that American Pacific has been involved with.

A vacuum-splint provides a quick form-fitting limb and/or spine immobilization during rescue and transportation to medical facilities. In many accidents broken bones are a concern due to the fact that additional injuries may occur due to movement. The immobilization of a patient is paramount in reducing transit-induced injuries when multiple injuries are present or when diagnosis is difficult. These bead filled devices also serve as an effective insulator from cold weather keeping the patient from suffering from hypothermia. The ease of use of these items and their effectiveness is the reason why they are used in many countries as well as in use by the U.S. military.

Operation of this family of devices is simple. When the valve is open, internal pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure allowing the device to be wrapped around the body part to be immobilized. Next, a hand vacuum pump is attached to the valve and a vacuum is created. This brings the walls of the device down on polystyrene beads internally which compress and form fit to whatever it is initially wrapped around. At the same time it becomes extremely rigid and can no longer be manipulated until the valve is open again allowing internal pressure to return allowing removal of the device.

The vacuum splint idea has been carried forward to create a body-contouring "blanket". This provides a means of evenly supporting a patient on their side during certain surgical procedures without introducing pressure points which can stifle or cut off blood flow. The picture at right shows a typical blanket in its rigid state. The patients' armpit rests on the air pillow seen at the left of the picture and the tube with bulb-pump inflates the pillow to the desired level. Proper blood flow is established providing a more natural and comfortable support during surgery.

In the pre-hospital transportation phase, the patient lies on a litter or gurney equipped with a mattress. A foam-filled mattress encased in thick pliable plastic sheet provides EMT and rescue services an easily cleaned and sterile comfort system which reduces shocks and vibrations to their patients. The plastic is impenetrable to water and a disinfectant bleach solution can be applied and wiped off eliminating a dry-out period and ensuring complete sterility. Air plugs are provided to maintain a constant thickness and support in varying altitudes and temperatures.

Wheelchair cushions offer an added level of comfort to those who must be confined to a sitting position for the entire day. Each cushion features a convoluted foam core with an air valve that allows firmness adjustment.

Catch bags are used to hold medical equipment such as gloves and/or used bandages etc. The bags are sized to fit on gurneys and provide a sterile space to store items. Clean up and sterility is simplified and items that need to remain clean can be sealed inside.

The image to the left depicts a vacuum valve installation on vinyl coated nyon medical product that was branded as "SecureVac". It also demonstrates some of our screening work.