THE CHALLENGE
Make post-op veterinary care less intrusive
and more cost-effective.
Context
After surgical procedures, veterinarians bandage treated limbs with layers of gauze wraps and splinting materials to protect the healing wound.
The resulting bundle can cause further injury by impairing the pet’s ability to walk, and requires regular removal and replacement for inspection - a time consuming process which risks re-injury.
This is Sparky.
Sparky is a Springer Spaniel I lived with while studying abroad at the Dublin Institute of Technology. She returned from the vet one day with a leg covered in elastic bandages, and had a hard time climbing the steps to our front door.
The problem with post-op veterinary care.
Dr. Laura Cuddy
Veterinary
Surgeon
University College, Dublin
ACCORDING TO
Gauze bandages
WASTED MATERIALS
Large quantities of gauze bandages, elastic wraps, and tapes are a significant cost to the hospital and the owner.
Standard splints
FORCED FIT
Standardized splints fit a limited range of breeds and sizes. The forced fit can often cause more complications than they solve.
Custom splints
COST PREVENTATIVE
Custom splints and casts are enormously time consuming, and often cost far too much to be a viable option for the owner.
CONCEPT
Introduce a customizable polymer that will bring standardized splints the last-mile without leaving the vet's office.
Cushion
CLOSED-CELL EVA FOAM
Low working temperature (52 - 62° C)
Non-toxic / safe for chewing
Biodegradable
Moldable shell
POLYCAPROLACTONE
Low working-temperature (52 - 62° C)
Re-formable at skin-safe temperatures
Highly durable
Fastner
NYLON / POLYESTER
Water resistant
Highly durable
Non-toxic
Heel reduces waste of wraps and bandages. Straps are easily removed for recycling, and the shell is biodegradable.
The EVA foam liner is not yet repurposable, but companies like Nike and GreenMax are working on more sustainable alternatives.
A NOTE ON SUSTAINABILITY
Step 1
Vet trims the kit to appropriate length for particular injury.
Trim
Step 2
Kit is heated under warm water until malleable.
Heat
Step 3
Kit is fitted and fastened to pet's injured leg.
Fasten
