Articles tagged with Prosthetics
Dr. Walter Voit received a DARPA Young Faculty Award to develop medical devices with greater control of prosthetics for wounded soldiers. The goal is to create chronic microstimulation devices that can survive implantation in the body for over a year.
Scientists have successfully restored behavior in rats using a neural prosthesis after brain injury. The device, a closed-loop microelectronic system, recorded signals from one part of the brain and stimulated another to facilitate repair. Two weeks after implantation, rat models recovered nearly all function lost due to injury.
A new retinal implant system called the Argus II has shown positive results in helping people with retinitis pigmentosa recognize common objects. The device uses a miniature camera and electrodes to stimulate cells in the retina, creating patterns of light perception.
Percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation can mitigate known risks associated with increases in implanted valves, particularly in patients at high-risk of cardiac surgery. The technique has shown durable symptom relief and reduced mortality rates in selected patients.
Two newly described electric fish from the Amazon produce different electric signals, with one species having a monophasic EOD that is unusual in its kind. This trait may have evolved to mimic that of the electric eel, while also providing stability and communication benefits.
A new study has designed and tested a vestibular prosthesis to help restore balance in individuals with Meniere's disease. The prosthesis uses electrical stimulation to activate the vestibular nerve, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo and tinnitus. However, further research is needed to fine-tune the device for individual cal...
A new minimally-invasive procedure, Valve-in-Valve, uses a collapsible aortic heart valve to restore function without cardiopulmonary bypass or chest opening. The results showed excellent outcomes for elderly high-risk patients with low procedural complications and improved functional status.
Researchers suggest using haptic devices early in children fitted with visual prosthetics and for older congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Haptics provide supplementary information that helps train the brain to understand electrical input from prosthetics, leading to improved outcomes.
Research shows that individuals with spinal cord injuries perceive their wheelchairs as a functional substitute for their affected body part. This perception is not limited by time since injury or experience with using the wheelchair, indicating a deeper integration of prosthetics into bodily awareness.
Researchers found that people naturally switch between walking and running when given optimal travel times, resulting in energy savings. The 'transition region' between 4.5-6.7 miles per hour showed consistent use of a mix of both gait patterns.
New IDSA guidelines provide a framework for diagnosing and treating prosthetic joint infections, which affect up to 20,000 people each year. The guidelines recommend multidisciplinary teams and evidence-based treatment, including debridement, prosthesis replacement, and amputation as last resort.
A UT Arlington research team is developing smart skin applications for robots that can perceive the environment and assist humans, with a focus on improving prosthetics and home assistance. The $1.35 million NSF grant will advance robotic technology and unlock new applications for sensor skins and clothing.
Researchers have developed improved artificial voice devices that can produce age-appropriate voices for children and women with vocal cord problems. The new technology enhances speech signal analysis by tackling the challenge of identifying glottal excitation signals in higher-pitched voices.
Researchers at the University of Manchester tested replicas of ancient Egyptian artificial toes, finding they may have been used as practical tools to help people walk. The tests showed that volunteers were able to achieve significant flexion with the prosthetic devices, indicating their potential use as early prosthetics.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center used an electronic prosthetic system to tap into existing brain circuitry and record neural pulses. The device restored and improved decision-making ability in monkeys, even when exposed to a drug that disrupts cognitive activity.
A neural interface has restored function in motor control brain areas of an amputee, allowing for natural control of a prosthetic hand. The study used multielectrode arrays to re-establish communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Researchers deciphered the neural code of a mouse retina and created a novel prosthetic device that restores normal vision. The device uses a chip to convert light patterns into electrical impulses, which are then sent to the brain via light-sensitive proteins.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have created a robot equipped with a tactile sensor capable of identifying natural materials by touch. The robot outperforms humans in identifying textures, enabling potential applications in prostheses and consumer product testing.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Stanford University have developed a prosthetic retina that can restore sight to patients with age-related macular degeneration. The device uses video goggles to deliver energy and images directly to the eye, eliminating the need for complex surgery.
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a method for training blind persons to use sensory substitution devices. Participants were able to read letters and words with sizes smaller than the international standard for blindness.
Researchers have discovered that graphite carbon is a key component of the lubricating layer on metal-on-metal hip implants. This finding could lead to improved designs and longer lifespan for these devices, which are often used by younger, more active individuals.
Introducing new knee replacement models can lead to increased risk of early revision surgery, especially for the first 15 patients. A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that hospital staff must consider the consequences of their decisions when choosing implants and instruments.
Researchers used mathematical models to assess knee replacement implants and found that older patients or those with multiple conditions may not benefit from incremental gains in implant durability. This highlights the need for personalized approach to medical device development and evaluation.
After TAVI, patients experience improved hemodynamic values, including reduced valve gradients and increased effective orifice area. The study also found sustained reduction in end-diastolic septal wall thickness and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 12 months post-implantation.
Researchers develop a way to duplicate the neural mechanism of learning in rats, restoring memory function. The team's artificial hippocampal system can strengthen internal brain memory and enhance cognitive processes, paving the way for potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers recreated ancient Egyptian artificial toes and tested them on volunteers, finding they could help with walking. The toes date from before 600BC, predating the Roman Capula Leg as the earliest known practical prosthesis.
The researchers aim to understand how animals, including humans, quickly adjust to unexpected events. By studying the sea slug's ability to adjust its eating behavior, they hope to develop mathematical models that can predict how patterns of activity in the nervous system change over time.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that gender-specific total knee prostheses provide no clinical benefits for women, unlike what was initially hoped. In fact, standard prostheses fit women's knees better, resulting in less bleeding and improved outcomes.
A 26-year study found that 18 months of combined antibiotic therapy with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is sufficient to make infection undetectable in most patients, but six patients experienced serological relapse after 15-24 months. The optimal treatment duration may be longer for prosthetic valve patients.
Experts will present on techniques using digital technology to separate conjoined twins, develop facial prostheses, and analyze anthropologic specimens. The symposium aims to enhance outcomes through the use of digital tools, such as radiographic data and tactile medical modeling.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed an artificial foot that recycles energy wasted in between steps, reducing energy spent per step by 14% compared to conventional prosthetic feet. This innovation could significantly improve walking efficiency for individuals with lower limb amputations.
A study of 129 patients found high rates of infection and mechanical failure with inflatable prostheses; however, hydraulic devices remain the best option for achieving voiding while standing and sexual intercourse. The choice of device may favor two-piece over three-piece designs.
Developed by Arizona State University researchers, SPARKy is a smart, active, and energy-storing below-the-knee prosthetic that enables users to walk on various surfaces and navigate stairs. The device uses regenerative kinetics to store energy as the wearer walks, allowing for enhanced ankle motion and reduced fatigue.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a robot called CYCLOPS that simulates the visual experience of blind individuals with implanted visual prostheses, refining design and enhancing its effectiveness. The robot's camera system processes images, allowing scientists to test various enhancements without relying on actual blind users.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can relay motor and sensory electrical impulses, potentially improving fine motor control and restoring the sense of touch. The bioengineered interface was tested in laboratory rats and showed promising results.
Researchers found exceptionally low rates of complications and stable gradient release after one-year follow-up. Multiple vascular access sites are feasible, but periprocedural complications are considerable due to the high-risk patient population.
The study found that Pistorius' energy cost of running is similar to accomplished male distance runners but 17% lower than performance-matched sprinters. His ability to hold speed over longer sprint races is identical to intact-limb athletes, but his sprinting mechanics are dissimilar.
Scientists have developed a nano-sized agent that kills bacteria on implanted devices by penetrating their defensive wall and eliminating the threat. The discovery holds promise for treating infected implants with no effective antidote.
Medical students practice breast exams on a mixed reality human, improving their technical abilities and empathy towards patients. The system allows for unscripted interactions, teaching students to build their database of experience and respond to patient concerns.
Researchers at the SNM's 56th Annual Meeting found that PET scans can accurately diagnose infections in prosthetic knee joints, outperforming traditional methods. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients undergoing joint replacements.
Prosthetic ears have been shown to improve sound pickup by 8.1 decibels, benefiting patients with normal hearing who wear them.
A comprehensive study of hip and knee replacement surgeries in England found that one in seventy-five patients require revision after three years. The research suggests that different patterns may emerge over a longer follow-up period, emphasizing the need for further research to evaluate surgical procedures and types of implants.
The transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) technique offers a direct and antegrade approach to the aortic valve, minimizing manipulation in the aortic arch and reducing stroke risk. This method is performed as an off-pump procedure, utilizing high-quality imaging and fluoroscopic visualization.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that humans inspect objects more thoroughly when their hands are near them, indicating a new insight into brain wiring that could impact rehabilitative therapy techniques and prosthetic design.
Recent studies at George Mason University found pregnant women face judgment and obstacles when applying for jobs, particularly in traditionally masculine fields. They experience overt hostility and patronizing behavior, hindering their success.
A rare case of ADF was reported, where the prosthesis was detached from the duodenal wall and a pediculated fragment of the greater omentum was placed to relieve mechanical bowel obstruction. The clinical suspicion for ADF is essential, with esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and CT scans being the most commonly used diagnostic techniques.
Prof. Hugh Herr's groundbreaking work in biomechatronics has led to the development of new prosthetic innovations that enhance mobility and quality of life for thousands of people with physical challenges. His research focuses on human amplification and rehabilitation systems, enabling leg amputees to walk faster and more stably.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a new diagnostic test to detect infection in prosthetic joints, which samples bacteria adhering to the prosthesis surface. The new method detected more infected cases (78.5%) than conventional tests (60.8%), offering improved treatment options and patient outcomes.
Researchers at ASU and Walter Reed Army Medical Center are creating a smart, active, and energy-storing transtibial prosthesis called SPARKy. The device has been shown to amplify motor power by three-fold in experiments with able-bodied subjects, enabling it to revolutionize prosthetics for military personnel and others.
Research reveals that athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains have significantly weaker balance ability when their eyes are closed. Wheelchair provision varies by demographic characteristics, with disparities found in the standard of care within the Veterans Health Administration. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures cerebral oxygenat...
Dr. Feine has made significant contributions to prosthodontics through her research on implant-supported prostheses and maxillary implant prostheses on speech. She is recognized for her outstanding research accomplishments in the field of prosthodontics with the Research in Prosthodontics and Implants Award.
Researchers have made significant advancements in managing chronic pain in spinal cord injury patients. Studies show that specific pain patterns are stable over time, while others can be improved through treatment. Additionally, virtual reality systems have been shown to provide natural movement control and flexibility for balance trai...
Scientists found that African and South American fish independently developed electric organs by altering sodium channel proteins, allowing them to generate and sense electric fields. This convergent evolution of molecules provides valuable insights into the role of genes in human health and disease.
Scientists at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam developed a new type of valve producing its own vocal sound by a small silicone rubber flap acting as an artificial vocal chord. Female patients with weak voices benefit from this prosthesis, regaining a natural female pitch.
USC researchers successfully implanted six blind patients with a retinal prosthesis, enabling them to detect light, identify objects, and perceive motion. The device shows promise for treating degenerative eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.
A study found that NICE guidelines on surgical procedures had no significant impact on the adoption of recommended practices. In contrast, an increase in non-cement prostheses for hip replacements was reported after the guidelines were issued. The researchers suggest using more active dissemination methods to promote effective uptake.
A study found that MDCT was more accurate than plain film in detecting bone loss near the prosthesis (100% vs 67%) and fractures (100% vs 94%). MDCT also showed improved detection of loose components (61% vs 54%). The study suggests MDCT should be performed for patients with questionable x-rays or those needing surgery.
Groundbreaking research has developed implantable microelectrode arrays that can record neural sensory responses from paralyzed individuals, allowing for accurate prediction of leg positions. A sterile surgical procedure implants the devices, which track the position of the leg using a digital camera and mathematical analysis.
The USC Biomimetic MicroElectronic Systems (BMES) center will develop biomimetic devices replacing damaged human body parts, with potential treatments for blindness, paralysis and memory loss. The $34 million grant enables industry partnerships and educational programs in Los Angeles-area schools.