SUB-ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM SOCKET TECHNOLOGIES
The advent of liners as a limb interface brought to the field of prosthetics a wider array of suspension techniques and socket technologies, such as sub atmospheric socket designs, that greatly improve prosthetic function and subsequently the quality of life for an amputee. At Western Carolina O&P we excel in precise socket fittings and incorporate vacuum assisted socket design to maximize socket fit, socket security, increase intracellular blood flow, eliminate inner socket motion, eliminate bone motion in the soft tissue and unify the residual limb. The benefits of sub atmospheric vacuum assisted technologies for socket design are evident in the success of clinical trials for all mobility and activity level patients. There are a variety of options, operations and configurations for vacuum socket design. We select the appropriate vacuum design to optimize the overall prosthetic design for each patient based on many factors.
WILLOW WOOD LIMB LOGIC SYSTEMS
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Willow Wood offers distal and side mounted vacuum units that apply battery operated and sensory regulated vacuum to keep accurate and consistent vacuum levels inside the prosthetic socket. This ensures that the desired level of vacuum is always applied to the patient as we determine in fittings. The units are simple, durable and utilize a single button for on and off. These units also do not require tubing associated with other units which can be a weak link in the vacuum system. These units work great for all levels of amputation, especially above knee patients as they may not have distal clearance between the socket and the knee unit to provide other types of vacuum unit installments. These systems are referred to as the Willow Wood One Vacuum Systems.
OTTO BOCK HARMONY VACUUM SYSTEMS
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Otto bock offers a diverse series of kinetic or mechanically controlled vacuum units which do not require battery operation or charging. Patient candidates for these types of vacuum units are individuals that do not want to have to charge the unit and are active ambulators that can generate vacuum by walking regularly to maintain optimal vacuum levels. These units are ideal for below knee socket designs. These units use vertical compression to activate vacuum to the attached socket. These units can be integrated beneath the socket in the prosthetic assembly, and some offer direct linkage to the socket while P3 unit does use a short tube to apply vacuum to the socket. These units are simple and durable providing optimal vacuum levels during ambulation for active individuals.
OSSUR UNITY VACUUM SYSTEMS
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Ossur offers vacuum units that are extremely lightweight and are a part of their line of advanced carbon feet. These vacuum units are referred to as Ossur Unity Vacuums Units and can be attached to different models of feet Ossur offer at the posterior heel position or the anterior middle keel position. The Unity Vacuum Systems are kinetic or mechanically controlled vacuum units which do not require battery operation or charging. Patient candidates for these types of vacuum units are individuals that do not want to have to charge the unit and are active ambulators that can generate vacuum by walking regularly to maintain optimal vacuum level. These units are ideal for below knee socket designs.
ABILITY DYNAMICS EVAQ8 VACUUM SYSTEM
Ability Dynamics offer the Rush Hipro or Lopro feet with the Evaq8 Vacuum system which is incorporated into the rubber heel mechanism and act as a kinetic or mechanically controlled vacuum unit which does not require battery operation or charging. These units are ideal for below knee socket designs.
