Our First Patient!

Nonspec has just returned from a 2 week journey from India where we met our amazing new team members from the B.VB. College of Engineering and Technology and were able to work closely with the SDM Artificial Limb Center in Hubli. We were warmly welcomed into the clinic as observers at first, than active participants.  We were able to speak to 4 patients from the rural surrounding area about their experiences, needs, and desires regarding a prosthetic device.

During the trip we were able to attach our pylon design to the commonly used polyurethane foot in the area as well as to a patient’s socket.  Our 45 year old patient enjoyed our device!  He said it was more comfortable and lighter than either of his previous devices.  It held up to his weight (surprisingly to him), as well as to an unexpected force from an unfortunate socket flaw (which we were able to fix) and validated our design!

We have a few tweaks to make for assembly and handling some unexpected torques, but this trip was overall very successful.  We are excited to continue our relationship with both BVB and SDM and look forward to perfecting our design with the help of the BVB students who will receive updated parts from us to test in the clinic.

Thank you so much for Professor Nitin Kulkarni for organizing our visit to SDM, we cannot thank you enough for your imperative assistance.