Prosthetic Leg Connector

Dave King
Synergy Tech, Kelowna, BC Canada

This is a device to aid those who wear prosthetic limbs. The current state of the art is a multilayer system that consists of a cotton sock and a silicone rubber sock that fits over the limb. The prosthesis can attach to the silicone sock by means of a rod and ratchet device. In the case of an artificial leg, the user places the rod into a receptacle in the leg and steps into it. The ratchet then holds onto the rod. However, this can cause problems for patients who are physically weak or who suffer from tenderness in the remaining upper leg. That is enough to stop the patient from trying to use the prosthesis. This device replaces the silicone sock and allows for much easier “application” and better comfort.

The Prosthetic Leg Connector consists of a donut-shaped chamber on the bottom of a specially designed silicon sock that has several vertical expansion chambers. The donut-shaped chamber is a reservoir for fluid. When pressure, such as from standing, is placed on the socket, it compresses the donut/toroid, which pumps fluid into the vertical expansion chambers that grip the limb. When the weight is removed, the fluid returns to the chamber and the grip loosens as a result of the person walking and putting their weight onto the leg.

This will provide multiple beneficial effects; the most important is the increased comfort level. Second, is the massaging action. This will also provide tactile feedback that lets the patient know when he is putting weight on the limb. All of these effects will help someone walk faster with more comfort, and longer. And they will have tactile feedback to help relearn how to walk and balance.

For more information, visit http://contest.techbriefs.com/prosthetic 


Honorable Mentions


SwipeSense
Yuri Malina, Evanston, IL

SwipeSense is a portable, trackable hand sanitation device that clips onto the scrubs of a physician or nurse, and dispenses one dose of alcohol hand sanitizer with the squeeze of a hand. Embedded electronics in each device transmit individual hand hygiene data to a Web application in real time via a sensor network plugged into outlets throughout the hospital.

This enables the Web application to capture both hand hygiene frequency data and location data based on device proximity to various sensors. The Web application provides hospital administration with anonymous reports for infection prevention strategies, while providing personal rewards and incentives to individual staff members.

For more information, visit http://contest.techbriefs.com/swipesense 


V2 Renal Denervation System for Vessix Vascular
Stuart Karten, Marina del Rey, CA

The V2 Renal Denervation System™ performs a fast, one-time procedure called Renal Denervation (RD), which is clinically shown to alleviate hypertension. Used in hospital catheterization labs, it deactivates nerves at the base of the renal artery with a short pulse of radiofrequency energy, treating one of the physiological roots of hypertension in just 30 seconds per artery.

Single-button operation makes the GUI simple to navigate. Users are notified that the catheter is in place, prompted to push the button to deliver treatment, and then given an on-screen summary. The entire process happens in just four screens. Color, layers, and size create an information hierarchy that distinguishes between information displayed for knowledge and information that requires action.

For more information, visit http://contest.techbriefs.com/v2renal