Description:
Inventor:
Donald Solomon, MD – Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Overview
A moldable magnetic compression device designed for treatment of auricular hematoma ("cauliflower ear") following hematoma drainage. The system combines dual magnetic compression with a heat-moldable EVA plastic overlay that conforms to the patient's ear anatomy, helping restore the ear's natural shape while preventing hematoma recurrence.
Clinical Need
Auricular hematomas require prompt drainage followed by effective compression to prevent reaccumulation of blood and permanent ear deformity. Current treatment options rely on either sutured compression bolsters or rigid magnetic compression discs. Sutured bolsters can be painful, increase infection risk, and require removal by a healthcare provider. Existing magnetic compression systems are easier to apply but do not conform well to individual ear contours, potentially limiting cosmetic outcomes and effectiveness.
Solution
The moldable magnetic compression device combines the convenience of magnetic fixation with customized compression tailored to the patient's ear anatomy. Following drainage, a heat-moldable compression surface is shaped to the contours of the ear, providing uniform pressure while promoting restoration of the ear's pre-injury form.
Technology
The device consists of paired magnets connected by a silicone band. The front-side magnet incorporates a heat-sensitive EVA molding material that can be customized to fit the patient's ear after warm-water activation. Once molded, the device sandwiches the ear between the magnetic components, delivering sustained compression without the need for sutures. The technology was developed in collaboration with mechanical engineering and medical device design expertise utilizing both magnetic and polymer engineering principles.
Advantages
- Custom-moldable design tailored to individual ear anatomy
- Helps restore the ear to its pre-injury shape
- Eliminates the need for invasive compression sutures
- Reduces pain associated with traditional bolster placement
- May lower risk of infection compared with sutured approaches
- Simple application and removal without procedural intervention
Development
Stage: Bench-Tested / Preclinical Validation
IP: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Filed (February 2025); Patent Pending
Opportunities
Co-development and licensing partnerships.
Contact
Neal Lemon, PhD, MBA
AVP, Innovation & Technology Commercialization
Cooper University Health Care
lemon-neal@cooperhealth.edu