[AMP-L] Pneumatic Prosthesis to Reduce Pressure and Irritation for Amputees

[Wayne Renardson]

via Med Gadget:

At the University of Waterloo in Canada, researchers have developed a 
microfluidic-based pneumatic system that adjusts the pressure within 
the socket of a lower limb prosthesis.  

The aim is to achieve the ideal pressure and adjust the fit of the 
prosthesis to compensate for changes in the size of the residual limb 
because of swelling. Current lower limb prostheses require users to 
change silicone and fabric liners manually to adjust the fit of their 
prosthetic device. 

This is suboptimal, particularly in patients with diabetes who may 
have limited feeling in their residual limb, leading to chafing and 
ulceration. This new device contains miniaturized pneumatic actuators 
that can precisely control the fit of the  prosthesis, helping to 
reduce irritation.  

The rest of the story, with illustration, here:  

https://tinyurl.com/2pb5m6px

Wayne R.