"One way" valves(part three)

"One way" valves(part three)

Randall McFarland, CPO

More discussion of expulsion valves in TT suction sockets:

 I have used the expulsion valves, usually the USMC, with success. I use the
valve on patients with bony distal ends and patients that do not tolerate pin
suction systems. Bony distal ends do not always conform to the distal cup
comfortably and some patients can not tolerate the milking effect of the pin
system. As a rule I do not fit many expulsion valves because I live and work
in the deep south. It is hot enough with the 3-S system. Adding a sleeve is
unbearable if one is outside most of the time. Another reason for not using
the expulsion system is durability of the sleeve. The gel liners fail often
but the sleeves fail more often. What do you do if you put someone in a
valve suction system and the patient is constantly in your office for sleeve
replacements complaining about the cost of sleeves or dissatisfaction with a
particular system? I developed a product called the 4SN1 multipurpose
adapter. 4SN1 stands for Four Systems In One. With the 4SN1 you can switch
from one system to the other without changing the socket. The CP can set the
patient up in a test socket, try the different systems and let the patient
decide which system is best for him or her. I developed it so that one can
utilize popular existing products like the Fillauer Shuttle Lock and the USMC
expulsion valve. You can make your own lanyard and save money. Of course
I'll sell you one too. I use lanyards and the 4SN1 on AK's with great
success. The four hole euro pattern is great for AK's and one laminations or
thermoforming. I have attached a brochure. Please give me a call if you
have any questions.
Bobby Leaber, CP

Try an Active Sleeve for suspension and for suction without a valve. As
long as the sleeve contacts the skin this sleeve will be a great suction
device as well as an extension assist. ++ DAS MARS @ AOL

Before air tight clutch locks or clutch locks with expulsion valves were
available, I used mostly sleeve suspensions with valves because that was the
suspension that provided the least amount of movement.
     The reality , as many people have mentioned, is that once the sleeve has
a hole in it , that positive suspension is lost.
     I now use mostly pin suspensions with airtight shuttle locks and a
sleeve suspension.
This way the amputee has a backup system if the sleeve fails. Also, if the pt
feels they don't necessarily want the most positive suspension, then can roll
the sleeve down.
     If I don't use a pin, I make sure the person has a back up sleeve and
calls me when changing out the first one.
     The valve alone on a socket doesn't seem to be useful if you have a good
fit and are not using many socks. The more socks , the more air, the more
need for expulsion. However I have used a few valves that malfunctioned and
let air in and ended up plugging them.
     But then, you probably knew all this already!
     Was the original question, do people REALLY see the positive effects of
an expulsion valve when people are using several socks that is, does the
air really get expelled from those layers of socks? I am not sure I have seen
it , but I like the theory!
Mark Benveniste CP