Week 2: My First Interaction with iLimb!

Hello once again!

After my second week on site, I have been lucky enough to see two rare iLimb devices. The prosthetic industry is dominated by lower extremity prosthetics because of the prevalence of diabetic amputations to lower limbs. Amputations are most commonly a last case scenario after diabetic sores develop then become infected with gangrene and the only option at that point is to remove the infected portion of the limb. Many patients even start with a below the knee amputation and must have further amputation (above the knee) because of more infection. Upper extremity devices make up a very small percentage of the prosthetic field.

On Tuesday of this week I was fortunate in that a Touch Bionics Sales Representative stopped by the office to show off the latest and greatest new devices. The newest prosthetic is called the iLimb Quantum. The difference between this form and the previous model is the newly added gyroscope feature which allows for more options for movement. The device works with the myoelectric signals that come from the muscles. For an above the elbow amputation specifically, the user is able to flex the bicep to perform the movement and flex the tricep muscle to release the movement. With a held flex, the digit will make a small twitch which tells the user that they are able to switch between the four hand functions which are picked up by the gyroscope. For movement in up, down, left, and right directions, a different hand function can be set using the phone application. It is astounding the quick response and movement that the new prosthetic hand offers. Even the hold strength has been quadrupled allowing the hand to bear a weight of approximately 200 pounds. 

Above is a representation of what the iLimb device looks like and the variability of the hand based upon your other hand's size. 

Although just a demo hand, I was able to see the functionality of the iLimb device and see the effectiveness of such a device. My second encounter came in the form of an arm which had been completely taken apart to add a design on the exterior of the socket. Unfortunately in doing so the user accidentally lost parts and needed the limb fixed. As a company that creates custom made prosthetics, one option for patients is to add a graphic. From sports teams to TV shows, people have a huge variability in what they want upon their prosthetic. A press is used to copy the printed image onto a t-shirt and from the t-shirt it is able to be used to make the image upon the device itself. 

That’s all for now, I’ll see you next week!