You are here

Immediate fit using innovative technology, transtibial prosthetic system

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R41HD069067-01
Agency Tracking Number: R41HD069067
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: NICHD
Solicitation Number: PA10-051
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
N27 W23655 Paul Rd
Pewaukee, WI -
United States
DUNS: 617510149
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 TIMOTHY DILLINGHAM
 (414) 805-7343
 tdilling@mcw.edu
Business Contact
 TIMOTHY DILLINGHAM
Phone: (414) 805-7340
Email: tdilling@mcw.edu
Research Institution
 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN, INC.
 
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN 8701 WATERTOWN PLANK RD
MILWAUKEE, WI 53226-0509
United States

 () -
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Prosthetics Our goal is to create a transtibial prosthesis in a kit that can be inexpensively manufactured using modern technology and advanced polymer materials. This system will be immediately fit on the residual limb and aligned for optimal gait without specialized tools or labs. Such a system alleviates the many steps involved with conventional prosthesis construction which is costly and labor intensive. The primary market for the proposed prosthetic system is impoverished third world countries. The market for such a system is large and consists of foreign healthcare organizations and ministries, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Military which frequently supports humanitarian missions. A secondary marketis in the early rehabilitation of amputees when the limb is changing size and shape in more economically advanced nations. Transtibial amputations due to trauma and dysvascular diseases are the most commonly performed levels of amputation in this countryand worldwide and are the focus of this project. Our four year collaboration with Advanced Design Concepts (ADC) engineering firm has been quite successful to date in developing our preliminary prototype design. Continued collaboration with the principal business interest in this study, iFIT Prosthetics, LLC will enable us to develop the second generation prosthetic system. In this project, our aims are; i) to design and build the next generation prototype transtibial prosthetic system building on our experience and using a focus group of amputees for consumer input, ii) to conduct a pilot feasibility study on 10 volunteer subjects using biomechanics testing and quantitative surveys, and iii) to derive a final prototype and retest it using finite element analyses in preparation for ISO testing and commercialization. The results of this STTR project could change the way in which lower limb prostheses are provided in underdeveloped nations. The field of lower limb prosthetics can benefit greatly from advancedmaterials and fabrication techniques. Such innovations hold considerable promise to advance the science and practice of rehabilitation for these individuals. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Prosthetics Our company's goal is to create a transtibial prosthesis in a kit that can be inexpensively manufactured using modern technology and advanced polymer materials. This system will be immediately fit on the residual limb and aligned for optimal gait without specialized tools or facilities. Such a system willbenefit amputees in impoverished countries as well as amputees in economically advanced nations. This innovative, highly-functional alternative to the current state of prosthetic fabrication holds great potential to advance the quality of life for amputeesworldwide.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government