This grant will complete research and conduct clinical trials on our proprietary Smart Variable Geometry Socket (SVGS) system for transfemoral amputees created and simplified in Phase I. SVGS, by maintaining good socket fit at all times, can improve amputee confidence, stability, comfort, hence productivity and, among geriatric amputees, encourage greater activity. The system employs a innovative socket liner and automatic control system yielding comfortable, secure fit of the residual limb in the socket even as the limb changes in volume. Light-weight, simple and requiring no external power, SVGS uses internal pumping action powered by the wearer's walking to adjust liquid bladder volumes automatically. Research proposed includes perfection of materials selection and liner fabrication process, extended human-subject clinical trials with measurement of both physical performance and psychological reaction of the amputee. The project will conclude with workshops, submissions of papers and patent applications.

Proposed Commercial Applications

This project will lead to major improvement in lower-limb prostheses by providing the advantage of automatically accommodating diurnal and longer-term volume variations of the residual limb. Because the SVGS is designed for fabrication cost-effectively by prothetists with conventional facilities, we expect wide-spread adoption valued in $l0s of millions annually.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
7R44HD036154-03
Application #
6430187
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-5 (08))
Program Officer
Quatrano, Louis A
Project Start
1998-04-01
Project End
2002-08-31
Budget Start
2001-01-01
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$296,672
Indirect Cost
Name
Simbex, LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Lebanon
State
NH
Country
United States
Zip Code
03766