Measurement and use of in-socket residual limb volume change data for prosthetic fitting
US8142369B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/7615
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Changes in the volume of residual limbs on which prosthetic sockets are worn can be measured based on bioimpedance measurements along one or more segments of the limb. A current at an appropriate frequency (e.g., in the range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz) is injected at two current electrodes that contact the skin of the residual limb. The voltage at the voltage electrodes disposed between the current electrodes is measured and using an appropriate model, the change in the segmented volume of the limb can be determined during periods of different activity and at different times during the day. This information can be used for assessing the fit of the socket and can also provide a feedback signal for automatically controlling volume management devices, to ensure a more comfortable fit when the volume of the limb is changing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.