Sussex IM Molds a Preventive Solution to Traumatic Brain Injury

The Q-Collar is described as the first device of its kind designed to protect athletes and military and civilian safety personnel from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Worn externally, the product developed by Q30 Innovations recently was cleared by FDA and had its commercial US launch last month. Contract injection molder Sussex IM has been involved with the project since its inception, some 7 1/2 years ago, and recently shared some insights on the evolution of the Q-Collar and how the role that Sussex IM played in bringing this product to market is shaping its future. Helmets protect the head from the outside, but that doesn’t prevent the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain that leads to the twisting and tearing of neurons, which may cause traumatic brain injuries, notes Q30. Even smaller, repetitive impacts to the head can result in structural changes to the brain, adds the company. The Q-Collar helps protect the brain by applying light pressure to the jugular veins, slightly increasing blood volume inside the head and helping to reduce brain movement, according to the company. More than 25 laboratory and clinical studies reportedly back these claims. The science behind the Q-Collar fascinated Greg Gierach, Strategic Account Manager, Medical Market, at Sussex IM, as did the manufacturing challenges it presented.