The Return of Sci-Fi – Texas Hospital Patients May Soon Be Talking To Robots
Your doctor may soon be a robot, or so the whispers warn. Sound like something out of a bad science-fiction movie? Well, maybe you should ask whichever physician shows up on-screen of the RP-7 Remote Presence Robotic System by InTouch Technologies, a maneuverable robotic system designed to allow physicians to videoconference with their patients from remote locations.
Dr. Alex Gandsas, of Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital and holder of stock options with InTouch Technologies, introduced the machine to hospital administrators as a way to closely monitor patients after the weight loss surgeries in which he specializes. Since its introduction, the length of his patients’ stays has been shorter. In Gandsas’ study published earlier this month in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 92 of 376 patients had additional robotic visits, and all 92 of them were medically cleared to return home faster than those who did not receive check-ins with the teleconferencing system. Shorter patient stays would be a welcome change for hospitals, health insurance companies, and patients alike — all of which have a vested interested in sending patients home faster.
Advances in Prosthetic Devices Offer Increased Freedom for Amputees
Strong but lightweight materials and advances in technology have translated into more comfort and higher function for amputees.
In the past artificial limbs were made of wood and existed without moving joints, so that above the joint amputations in particular severely limited the mobility of the individual. In addition, the heavy wooden construction made the use of a prosthesis difficult and uncomfortable. Now, modern lightweight materials increase the comfort level of prosthetic use enormously, and new technology allows much more freedom of movement, even with above the joint amputations.
Prosthetic devices with moveable joints have gone through a number of transformations. Developing from a fairly clumsy mechanical joint to ones with robotic capability, joints have gone from operating using the musculature of the affected limb to being able to directly access electrical impulses from the body of the amputee, or from a computer within the artificial limb itself. In addition, robotic devices using built-in computer technology allow for much more subtle limb movements, allowing for more natural capability.
This new technology has translated into an immense sense of freedom for the amputee. People wearing these modern limbs are running marathons, participating in downhill ski competitions, and engaging in all sorts of sports and other recreational activities that were barred to them in the past. Perhaps even more importantly, they are more easily able to function in the everyday world, meeting work requirements along with their non-disabled coworkers, and keeping up with family and friends in their free time.
An Increase in Self-Esteem
When a previously able-bodied person is suddenly faced with amputation of one or more limbs, whether because of an accident, war injury, complications of diabetes, or cancer, the trauma of the situation is a blow to the individual’s core identity. One’s body image is shattered, and a host of fears set in: fear of losing mobility, becoming dependent on others for their basic care, of facing a lifetime of severely limited opportunities.
Being fitted with a modern, functional artificial limb and then learning to use it can seem like a kind of miracle. As people become more proficient and realize the possibilities opening up to them, their self-esteem soars, and they can begin to look forward to a productive, happy and option-filled life.
The Future of Prosthetics
The technology continues to improve in this important area of medicine. Currently, scientific researchers are perfecting a computerized robotic limb which can be directed by neuronal impulses in the brain – in other words by an individual’s thoughts. As the science of prosthetics progresses, it promises to further enhance the lives of those maimed by amputation.
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.
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Prosthetists and Prostheses
I have had a few minor headaches dealing with my Prosthetist, cost being the main one. To me industry sees the word health and they triple the price ++.
However the bottom line is, as amputees, that we need our prosthetist that is an absolute. Hopefully you get along with yours. It is that important.++
Both prosthetists and prostheses play an important role in the rehabilitation of amputees. The right time to think about prostheses is when amputation is undergoing healing. However amputees need to understand the value of a good prosthetist and about various designs of prosthetic aids.
A prosthetist is the person who works with doctor and therapist in the process of rehabilitation of amputees. He is responsible for the processes of design, fitting and training of prostheses. The prosthetist and his work are of great and life long value to amputees as he is responsible for the success of prosthesis.
1) Amputees have to decide whether he will use prostheses or other mobility devices like crutches and wheel chair. It is better to take this decision after surgery when wound is healing. A prosthetic aid gives you more freedom than other mobility devices. The negative aspect of prosthetics is that it needs more of amputee’s time, will power and resources to learn to adopt it. A good prosthetist helps you in this crucial phase by encouraging you to adopt to the prostheses.
2) Socket Design & Discernment of Measurement: Prosthetist needs to have an eye for measurement and amputees need. It might be helpful if amputees could see him work with other patients. A good prosthetic aid is something personalized for an amputee especially the design of sockets. The accurate measurement leads to a good and comfortable fitting.
3) Fitting of Prosthetics: The prosthetist fits the prosthetic aid. It is not a simple and mechanical process. It needs feedback from the amputee and prosthetist. He will analyze the amputee gait and look for any deviation and then tend to correct it. Sometimes it might appear tiring for the amputee. He needs all the support and encouragement.
4) Follow Up and Training for Using Prosthetics: Amputee needs to follow up the training with prosthetist and therapist. It is crucial for regaining of functioning through prosthetics.
5) The Cosmetic Aspect of Prosthetics: Amputees have choices to have the prostheses with a good look and feel. He should talk about available choices and about his need for a cosmetic prosthetics to prosthetist.
6) The Functionality of Prostheses: A prosthetic aid is the artificial replacement of part or whole of lower limb. How much functionality an amputee can get from it depends on the acumen of prosthetist, the good fitting of prosthesis and the will power and dedication of amputee for training? Normal walking functionality of the limb could be regained with only some understandable compromise.
Latest Designs Of Prosthesis:
1) Prostheses And Amputation: Below knee and above knee are the most common lower limb prostheses. Other types depend on the level of amputation.
2) Post-operative Prostheses: Immediate Post-Op Prostheses (IPOPs) is applied in the operating room or soon thereafter. It helps speed recovery time, protects the wound from trauma, and reduces pain and swelling after amputation surgery. IPOPs are available in hand molded and prefabricated types. They are replaced with normal prostheses after healing of wound.
3) Cosmetic Prostheses: The life-like limbs are made from silicon and PVC. Expensive designs are customized to mimic freckles, veins, hairs and finger prints.
4) Robotic or Interactive Prostheses: Robotic prostheses have three components – biosensors to detect amputee’s nervous and muscular signals, an actuator mimics the force and movement of muscle groups, and a controller monitors and controls the activity of biosensors and actuators. These are made to be more intuitive for personal needs and are considered more efficient.
5) Neurocognitive Prosthetics is under research and they are different from usually available prostheses. The available prostheses are intended to be used for neuromotor functions or for walking or doing something with muscles. The neurocognitive prostheses support the mental functions and perception of sensations.
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