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S J Sheredos

Publications and source records attributed to S J Sheredos.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Clinical evaluation of a new, above-elbow, body-powered prosthetic arm: a final report.

The AdVAntage Arm is an above-elbow (AE) body-powered arm designed to improve upon, and overcome, some of the major limitations of conventional prostheses. It is the result of research and development (R&D) accomplished at the Center for Engineering Design (CED), University of Utah and Sarcos Research Corporation (SRC), Salt Lake City, UT. The AdVAntage Arm was developed to provide the following main features: lightweight, independent elbow and terminal device (TD) control, and a cable recovery system for full TD actuation at any elbow position. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehab R&D Service's Technology Transfer Section (TTS), with collaboration from the VA National Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), managed a multi-center clinical evaluation of the precommercial AdVAntage Arm (the Arm). The purpose was to objectively assess and affirm the Arm's functional advantages, reliability, clinical application, and commercial readiness. Eleven VA prosthetic services served as evaluation sites with a total of 16 subjects with amputation (14 unilateral and 2 bilateral). Fifteen prosthetists provided their comments. Overall, the results demonstrated that the Arm could be fit for use by persons with transhumeral, and even with forequarter, amputation. Once the learning curve was overcome, the majority of subjects reported that the Arm offered several functional advantages over their conventional prosthesis. Its overall light weight, separation of elbow and TD function, and cable recovery system allowed opening and closure of the TD at any elbow position; resulting in a more fluid manner of use and allowing subjects to perform more activities from waist level and above (especially in the outstretched and overhead positions). At the conclusion of clinical trials, 10 subjects elected to keep the Arm for continued use. The manufacturer is committed to the commercial marketing and technical support of the arm. Based upon the clinical findings, the AdVAntage Arm was recommended for commercial production and availability, upon prescription, to appropriate veteran beneficiaries.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

Clinical evaluation of the Modular Electromechanical Lock Actuator (MELA) for above-elbow prostheses: a final report.

The Modular Electromechanical Lock Actuator (MELA) is the result of research and development (R&D) conducted under the direction of Dudley S. Childress, PhD, at the Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory (NUPRL), Chicago, Illinois. NUPRL, based upon experience with prostheses for persons with high-level, above-elbow amputations, developed the MELA to assist those persons with amputation who experience difficulty in operating existing manual elbows, whether with a conventional harness, nudge control, excursion amplifier, or other arrangement. Technology Transfer Section, VA Rehab R&D, with collaboration from Frederick Downs, Jr., Director, and John Clements, Prosthetic Regional Manager, VA National Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, managed a multicenter clinical evaluation of the MELA. The purpose was to objectively assess and affirm its performance, safety, clinical application, and commercial readiness. The following VA Prosthetic Treatment Centers served as evaluation sites: Baltimore, MD, Huntington, WV, and New York, NY. A VA-wide screening process yielded 10 candidates for review. A total of seven subjects met the selection criteria and were accepted for participation. In addition, several prosthetists provided their comments on the MELA. Overall, the performance of the MELA demonstrated that it could be fit to existing body-powered arms and used as an alternative control method for manual elbows. Consensus of participant feedback indicated general satisfaction and improved elbow lock function. In addition, several modifications were identified for the commercial version. The primary issues focused on 1) increasing speed (alternating response time); 2) unloading forearm (sometimes required to cycle the MELA); 3) providing mechanical back-up in case of unit failure; 4) reducing gear-motor noise; 5) improving integrity of wiring and retaining clip; and 6) marketing the MELA as a stand-alone product. Hosmer-Dorrance Corp., in collaboration with the developer, has indicated that resolution for most of the identified issues is readily achievable. Increasing speed (response time) and unloading forearm will require more investigation and consumer feedback from the commercial market. Based upon the clinical findings, the MELA was recommended for commercial production and availability, upon prescription, to appropriate veteran beneficiaries.

Arm↗
PubMed1995

Clinical evaluation of the Franklin Applied Physics Cosmetic Cover for lower limb prostheses: a preliminary report.

The Franklin Applied Physics (FAP) Cosmetic Cover is the result of research and development directed by Dr. Robert Erb at the Franklin Research Center, Norristown, PA. The FAP Cover is a silicone rubber cosmesis designed to improve the appearance of lower limb prostheses and provide wider social integration for the wearer. The Technology Transfer Section, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, coordinated a pilot study of four pre-commercial covers at selected sites. Participating prosthetists and subjects evaluated fit, relevant physical criteria, and overall potential value of the cover. The following statements summarize responses of the participants: 1) well accepted with regard to overall fit, appearance, and ease of donning/doffing; 2) lightweight, highly elastic, and easy to maintain; and 3) split toe and closed toe versions are needed for above-knee and below-knee models. Data gleaned from the pilot study were used to define dimensions for standardized off-the-shelf sizing and to make recommended modifications, resulting in pre-market models that are ready for a national field evaluation.

Artificial Limbs↗
PubMed1995

Ultrasonic head controller for powered wheelchairs.

This report describes an evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Technology Transfer Section (TTS). The Ultrasonic Head Controller Unit (UHCU) is the result of research and development conducted by the Palo Alto VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, under sponsorship of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service. The UHCU provides an alternative to currently available human/machine interfaces for severely disabled individuals. Unlike switches or proportional joysticks, the UHCU operates without physical contact between the unit and the user. The UHCU produces analog signals in direct response to changes in the head position of the user. These signals can be used to control a variety of communication, robotic, mobility, and recreational devices. This clinical evaluation explored the use of the UHCU for powered wheelchair control by quadriplegic individuals.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1994

Clinical evaluation of the modular electromechanical lock actuator for above-elbow prostheses: a preliminary report.

The Modular Electromechanical Lock Actuator (MELA) is the result of research and development (R&D) conducted under the direction of Dudley S. Childress, PhD, at the Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory (NUPRL), Chicago, Illinois. NUPRL, based upon their experience with prostheses for persons with high-level, upper-limb amputations, developed MELA to provide users with more efficient, versatile control and operation of their existing, cable-operated, positive-locking elbow and wrist components. The design of MELA has advanced to the point where it has the potential to improve the functionality and effectiveness of existing, body-powered or manually positioned above-elbow prostheses. This R&D effort has resulted in a pre-market model that is now ready for the national field evaluation part of the technology transfer process coordinated through the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Technology Transfer Section.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1994

Report on the evaluation of the DAV/Seattle Knee.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Technology Transfer Section (TTS) managed a clinical evaluation of the DAV/Seattle Knee with collaboration from the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), VA Central Office (VACO) at 16 VA Medical Facilities, recruiting 46 subjects. The DAV/Seattle Knee was designed to provide a functional, lightweight artificial knee that would give veterans, with above-knee amputations, greater mobility than they experienced with other comparative man-made knees. This national evaluation was conducted to determine the acceptance of the DAV/Seattle Knee by veterans prescriptive criteria and to determine what modifications, if any, were needed to improve the product for optimal use by the targeted population and to enhance its marketability. TTS, with collaboration from PSAS/VACO, managed a clinical evaluation on 28 units with fluid swing control. The evaluation trials were conducted between May 1992 and May 1993. During the initial phase of the clinical trials, a common problem of the piston shaft end breaking was identified. This was a fail-safe situation; the knee support structure maintained its integrity and did not cause the subject to fall. All units were immediately returned to the manufacturer for installation of new damper mounts. Forty-six subjects were accepted; 28 fitted; 23 completed evaluation for 30 days, 8 subjects are currently wearing the DAV/Seattle Knee. The subjects' responses from the clinical trials successfully demonstrated that the DAV/Seattle Knee is safe and reliable when properly matched to the user's weight, stump length, and activity requirements.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Workstation robotics: a pilot study of a Desktop Vocational Assistant Robot.

Rehabilitation robots are increasingly being viewed as an appropriate assistive technology interface for persons with disabilities. The Desktop Vocational Assistant Robot (DeVAR) system is a voice-controlled robotic workstation designed to enable persons with severe mobility impairments to function independently in a work environment. This study examined the overall efficacy of the DeVAR system, the level of expertise required for therapist and support personnel, routine maintenance requirements, and the readiness of the device for a multicenter evaluation. Two precommercial DeVAR workstations were installed at selected sites. The pilot study spanned 8 months in which staff members and four subjects with high-level quadriplegia evaluated the systems extensively. Responses were generally favorable regarding ease of use and overall training process. Subjects recommended modifications, including incorporation of a noise cancellation microphone, more effective use of workstation space, and addition of vocational tasks. All respondents thought that if the recommended changes were implemented, DeVAR would have potential as a vocational assistant. The small number of subjects was due to the limited subject pool available for the study. On the basis of pilot results, the Veterans Administration Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Baltimore, Maryland, is conducting a national multicenter evaluation to determine the overall utility and commercial readiness of the DeVAR system.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1993

Report on the evaluation of the VA/Seattle below-knee prosthesis.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Rehabilitation Research and Development (Rehab R&D) Service, Technology Transfer Section (TTS) with collaboration from the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) managed clinical trials to evaluate the VA/Seattle Below-Knee (BK) Prosthetic System. The clinical trials were held at the Prosthetic Treatment Center (PTC), VA Medical Center, Hines, Illinois. Five other VA medical centers participated in the outreach program of the trials as satellite stations, with PTC Hines as the central fabrication facility. The VA/Seattle BK system is the first complete prosthetic system designed and developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It consists of a socket designed and fabricated using computer-aided, automated technology, and off-the-shelf modular components: a lightweight pylon and an ankle unit, and a lightweight, energy-storing foot. The computer-based socket design software, the modular components, and the prosthetic foot were developed with funds from the VA Rehab R&D Service. The evaluation trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of the VA/Seattle prosthesis, its reliability, and acceptance by veterans. The clinical trials began in April 1991 and were completed in August 1992. Forty-six BK amputee veterans were fitted with the VA/Seattle prosthesis. Their progress with the prosthesis was followed for a period of 6 months and data were gathered at intervals of 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Forty sets of subject data instruments were collected. In order to maintain the accuracy of the results, TTS used the 22 sets that were complete for data analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗