Hybrid Pump Technology

Description

Prostheses can be suspended from the amputated limb using a variety of techniques, such as straps and suction. Suspending the prosthesis by creating a vacuum between the prosthetic socket and limb using a pump has benefits over other techniques including improved limb health and mobility. A new pump design will be tested by prosthesis users in the laboratory to verify its functionality during walking.

Conditions

Amputation

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Prostheses can be suspended from the amputated limb using a variety of techniques, such as straps and suction. Suspending the prosthesis by creating a vacuum between the prosthetic socket and limb using a pump has benefits over other techniques including improved limb health and mobility. A new pump design will be tested by prosthesis users in the laboratory to verify its functionality during walking.

Hybrid Electrical-Mechanical Pump for Vacuum Suspension of Prosthetic Sockets

Hybrid Pump Technology

Condition
Amputation
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Chicago

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60612

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Ability to stand quietly and walk for 10 minutes continuously without an assistive device (e.g. cane or walker) and without undue fatigue or health risks
  • * Pre-classified clinically to be at least a limited community ambulator of Medicare Functional Classification Level (K)2
  • * Residual limb in good health
  • * At least six months experience with a definitive prosthesis that utilizes vacuum assisted suspension
  • * Pathologies aside from amputation or taking medicine that would influence walking or balance
  • * Poor prosthetic fit or poor residual limb sensation

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Matthew J. Major, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Study Record Dates

2025-09-30