VHP: Using 3D Printing to Change the Fate of Amputees
3D printing is becoming increasingly popular in the medical field. For example, the Victoria Hand Project (VHP) is leveraging this technology to develop groundbreaking prosthetics for people in developing countries, improving the lives of amputees. Recently, the project was selected as one of the top ten finalists for the "Google.org Impact Challenge in Canada," a competition to find and fund the most innovative non-profit organizations. Let's take a look at their story below~
The Challenges Faced
The VHP team uses Ultimaker 3D printers to create custom prosthetics at a fraction of the usual cost. However, the team faces many challenges when working in the field. Here are a few:
Design and Functionality. Undoubtedly, most amputees want their prosthetics to function like a normal person's hand. In some countries, prosthetics often carry a negative stigma, so patients often want to conceal the fact that they are amputees. This is the challenge for the VHP project – they must design fully functional prosthetics that also maintain the appearance of a real hand.
Traditionally, gloves are used to cover prosthetics and match the amputee's skin tone. However, these gloves stain, crack over time, and can affect the prosthetic's function. VHP proposes a good solution – painting the prosthetic.
Interestingly, in Canada, some amputees are happy to show off their prosthetics, and even some artists in Victoria are creating more designs for prosthetics!
Aesthetics. Because amputees are often ostracized in some socio-cultural contexts, the VHP team must pay great attention to aesthetics. People with prosthetics often find it difficult to find work, so they can only find low-income labor jobs, but such work is often limited by the presence of prosthetics. In other cases, the prosthetic does not look good, and the amputee will not wear it at all.
Financials. Cost is a very important key factor, especially when working in developing countries. Previously, donated second-hand prosthetics were sent from developed countries to developing countries - but these prosthetics could not meet the personal needs of amputees (in developing countries). The Guatemala Project (in cooperation with VHP) has done a very good job in North American prosthetic work in Nepal, repairing second-hand prosthetics and matching them to their needs, but a better solution is still needed.
VHP's Patients
Where VHP focuses is best explained through the people they partner with. Here are some case studies.
Aaitaram, Nepal
"It's a challenge for me and any disabled person. If you don't have confidence and willpower, you don't exist."
Aaitaram, from Kathmandu, was born missing part of his left arm. This congenital defect made it difficult for him at work and gave him very low self-confidence. He had a cosmetic prosthetic, but it was not an assistive device and was not functional. Aaitaram longed to be a "normal person" and to be able to perform basic general movements with ease.
Fortunately, one day he met Paulo Thiago, who was living in Kathmandu at the time. Paulo told Aaitaram about VHP's 3D printing project at the Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital, which he thought would be very helpful to him.
Initially, Aaitaram's case was problematic because the 3D printed socket did not fit his arm. So, the Nepalese team developed a new type of socket to ensure Aaitaram could receive a prosthetic.
Since receiving his new prosthetic, Aaitaram's life has changed dramatically. He can now perform simple everyday tasks, and he says the new limb has helped him find new work. He wears it at all times (except at night) and is happy to have a functional prosthetic.
Isabel, Guatemala
Isabel lives in Guatemala and lost her arm at work 12 years ago. Since the accident, she has been using a traditional iron hook device, which, although functional, is quite heavy, not to mention its aesthetic appeal.
For Isabel, a prosthetic is very important because she needs to continue working to support her family. When she first encountered VHP, she was very impressed by the functionality and appearance of their prosthetics, not to mention how lightweight and versatile they were. Isabel was one of the first people in Guatemala to work with VHP and had the opportunity to try out all the different devices. She was the first to be fitted with a Voluntary Open device in February of last year and proudly wears it when she goes out.
Cristian, Ecuador
Cristian is a double amputee living in Quito. He lost both hands in an accident and spent a long time recovering in the hospital. After being discharged, Cristian was unable to get a prosthetic and suffered from severe depression. Finally, he received a prosthetic, but it was only aesthetic and could not be used for daily work. He wished he could receive a prosthetic that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In 2016, VHP and the Range of Motion project provided Cristian with a pair of 3D printed arms, offering good functionality and aesthetics. They were printed and assembled in the Range of Motion lab. The hands were developed using 20 bolts, which means Cristian can swap out the hand hooks according to his needs. This can be done in just a few minutes.
Cristian is very satisfied with his prosthetics and can't wait to start working with them (he is a receptionist at an office). In fact, he loves his prosthetics so much and constantly tests their functionality, such as zipping up his jacket, writing with a pen, picking up objects, and so on.
Cristian is one of the first people in Ecuador to be fitted with VHP. Both the Range of Hand project and VHP hope that he will benefit from this project.
Bun, Cambodia
During the Cambodian Civil War, Bibre Vibol lost his right hand due to a landmine explosion. The country has one of the highest rates of landmine-related amputations in the world - but most people there cannot afford prosthetics.
VHP created a lightweight and functional prosthetic arm for Bun on an Ultimaker 3D printer, using biodegradable plastic and corn. The cost to manufacture the prosthetic was only $320, and printing and assembly took 40 hours.
You can hear more about Bun's story here.
Learn More
VHP continues to achieve amazing results in Egypt, Nepal, Ecuador, Cambodia, and Guatemala.
Selected as one of the most innovative companies among over 900 non-profit organizations, VHP now has the opportunity to receive $750,000 in funding from the Google.org Impact Challenge. This grant will enable them to:
Help over 750 amputees in 5 new countries and 5 existing partner countries for over 3 years;
Establish local 3D printing centers equipped with all the tools for printing 3D prosthetics and employ full-time technicians from local communities;
Provide necessary training to all local partners in Guatemala, Ecuador, Nepal, Cambodia, and Haiti.
If you would like to learn more about VHP and help them, you can vote now.
[3D Printing News] What's Changing the Destiny of Amputees?
3DMART |