Reply summary: Vacuum assisted suspension systems
Ted Trower
Description
Collection
Title:
Reply summary: Vacuum assisted suspension systems
Creator:
Ted Trower
Date:
8/19/2008
Text:
My original question was:
I'd like to ask that anyone with experience with more than one of the
vacuum assisted suspension systems share their impressions of the
advantages and disadvantages of the various systems. I'd be
especially interested in your impressions regarding the durability of
the units.
I will post the responses to the list without names unless the author
requests it be included.
Thank you,
Responses follow:
=================================================
Get up with Craig at Velocity Labs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm anxious to see your results. We have had good results with the
Harmony system, bad results with the Otto bock E pulse and good results
with Limb-Logic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have only used the suspension sleeves from Alps with the built in
expulsion valves. Works well, some patient find very easy, simple, good
alternative to even pin system !!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've used the Harmony red units, the HD, the Otto Bock e-Pulse, and
the Jim Smith Evac.
Jim Smith's system, from my experience has been the least reliable
and least durable. Problems often seemed to arise for no reason
reflecting on the manufacturer's quality control which hasn't been
very impressive.
The Harmony pump systems have come a long way from that of the red
units first designed by TEC. The new HD and P2 appear to be favorably
more durable requiring fewer repairs to both the valve and suction
assemblies as well as to the shock system now that it has been
replaced with the urethane rod design over the air shock. My only
complaint is the new urethane shock system isn't as adjustable in
relation to vacuum draw as the air shock was. Some of my patients
have complained that it draws too much vacuum even when set with the
least amount of travel.
The e-Pulse however has been a great system to work with. The four
vacuum adjustments are easy to navigate and the design itself is very
intuitive incorporating an on-board diagnostic alert system. Otto
Bock has done a pretty good job with the unit however there are some
minute issues with the system. The pre-filters tend to leak after
awhile unless they're very well protected. In a temporary prosthesis
it is something to consider if you're having problem maintaining
vacuum. The e-Pulse is relatively quiet which I can't really say for
the Evac. I feel that the next generation of e-Pulse will be welcomed
although for the time being the first design works great. The only
other drawback is the lack of shock absorption designed into the
system. Adding a modular shock is easy enough but for a longer BKA
I've found that using a good shock absorbing foot makes the entire
system that much nicer. I've used the Renegade with the e-Pulse and
have had great results. Lastly, as far as finishing both the Evac and
e-Pulse present some challenges in comparison to the Harmony inline
systems but it can be done.
I hope this is useful.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have fit several of the E-Vac units and have heard the same thing from all
of the patients. They love it when it is working. There has been some
durability problems with the E-Vac systems except that Jim Smith Global is
more than willing to repair or replace the units when they go bad.
I am impressed with the Limb Logic from OWW. It seems like it is more
durable. The downfall of both systems is finding a sleeve that is more
puncture proof. I have worn both and the suspension is unbeatable when
It's working.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Epulse: advantage- adds no build height, user adjustable.
Disadvantage- hard to mount or carry in pocket. Filter leaks occasionally.
Limb logic: advantage- solid piece (no tubes). Disadvantage- adds
build height. Leaks if socket not fabricated correctly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>I assume you are referring to powered vacuum assisted systems.
>
>We have found the OWW unit to work quite well although they need to make
>improvements to the port options, allowing additional attachment
>configurations, which I understand is being resolved. It has proven to work
>very well in two very difficult fitting cases to maintain a very stable
>socket environment and has withstood heavy body weight in one case. The
>four hole attachment screws will bind if you are not very careful during
>fabrication.
>
>The Otto Bock unit is a piece of !@%#!$#@ and from my understanding is not
>being sold while it is redesigned....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>have used the smith global EVAC, the Otto Bock Epulse and the OWW
>Limblogic. First I will say that the patients I have on them for the most
>part really love them and will gladly put up with some of the inconviences
>associated with them. I used the EVAC for several months with very good
>success. They are pretty easy to maintain and Smith Global will send out a
>loaner when there are problems. I had very little success with the e-pulse
>by Otto Bock. They seemed to malfunction more then EVAC. The limblogic is
>the pump I am using the most now. It is very nice in that it is integrated
>into the system, and you don't have to Velcro it to the side of the pylon.
>I will say however I was having trouble with it leaking until I actually
>followed their instructions to the T. Once I did that it has worked very
>well. The only downside to it is I have had a couple of patients that bent
>some of the prongs on the charger so I am getting a new charger for them.
>Also the exhaust tube port is useless because I can not get it to stay
>plugged in, but that is no big deal in my opinion and the benefits far
>outweigh any on the negatives. Hope this helps I will gladly answer any
>questions you may have.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have used the Harmony quite a bit but find it finicky. Patient selection
is a very important part of this system. I have delivered six over the past
few years and two of the units had to have over $300 in repairs. When the
system is working it is great.
I recently used a Limb Logic pump. This is much easier to use but had to
send it back within four weeks for repair. I do not think it offers as good
of suspension as the Harmony. It is, however much easier to use and
fabricate.
=================================================
End of replies.
As always many thanks to all who took the time to reply and share
their experience.
Ted A. Trower C.P.O., FAAOP
A-S-C Orthotics & Prosthetics
Jackson, Michigan, USA
www.amputee.com
___________________________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of
the intended recipient (s) and may contain confidential and
privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or
distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of
the original message.
I'd like to ask that anyone with experience with more than one of the
vacuum assisted suspension systems share their impressions of the
advantages and disadvantages of the various systems. I'd be
especially interested in your impressions regarding the durability of
the units.
I will post the responses to the list without names unless the author
requests it be included.
Thank you,
Responses follow:
=================================================
Get up with Craig at Velocity Labs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm anxious to see your results. We have had good results with the
Harmony system, bad results with the Otto bock E pulse and good results
with Limb-Logic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have only used the suspension sleeves from Alps with the built in
expulsion valves. Works well, some patient find very easy, simple, good
alternative to even pin system !!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've used the Harmony red units, the HD, the Otto Bock e-Pulse, and
the Jim Smith Evac.
Jim Smith's system, from my experience has been the least reliable
and least durable. Problems often seemed to arise for no reason
reflecting on the manufacturer's quality control which hasn't been
very impressive.
The Harmony pump systems have come a long way from that of the red
units first designed by TEC. The new HD and P2 appear to be favorably
more durable requiring fewer repairs to both the valve and suction
assemblies as well as to the shock system now that it has been
replaced with the urethane rod design over the air shock. My only
complaint is the new urethane shock system isn't as adjustable in
relation to vacuum draw as the air shock was. Some of my patients
have complained that it draws too much vacuum even when set with the
least amount of travel.
The e-Pulse however has been a great system to work with. The four
vacuum adjustments are easy to navigate and the design itself is very
intuitive incorporating an on-board diagnostic alert system. Otto
Bock has done a pretty good job with the unit however there are some
minute issues with the system. The pre-filters tend to leak after
awhile unless they're very well protected. In a temporary prosthesis
it is something to consider if you're having problem maintaining
vacuum. The e-Pulse is relatively quiet which I can't really say for
the Evac. I feel that the next generation of e-Pulse will be welcomed
although for the time being the first design works great. The only
other drawback is the lack of shock absorption designed into the
system. Adding a modular shock is easy enough but for a longer BKA
I've found that using a good shock absorbing foot makes the entire
system that much nicer. I've used the Renegade with the e-Pulse and
have had great results. Lastly, as far as finishing both the Evac and
e-Pulse present some challenges in comparison to the Harmony inline
systems but it can be done.
I hope this is useful.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have fit several of the E-Vac units and have heard the same thing from all
of the patients. They love it when it is working. There has been some
durability problems with the E-Vac systems except that Jim Smith Global is
more than willing to repair or replace the units when they go bad.
I am impressed with the Limb Logic from OWW. It seems like it is more
durable. The downfall of both systems is finding a sleeve that is more
puncture proof. I have worn both and the suspension is unbeatable when
It's working.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Epulse: advantage- adds no build height, user adjustable.
Disadvantage- hard to mount or carry in pocket. Filter leaks occasionally.
Limb logic: advantage- solid piece (no tubes). Disadvantage- adds
build height. Leaks if socket not fabricated correctly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>I assume you are referring to powered vacuum assisted systems.
>
>We have found the OWW unit to work quite well although they need to make
>improvements to the port options, allowing additional attachment
>configurations, which I understand is being resolved. It has proven to work
>very well in two very difficult fitting cases to maintain a very stable
>socket environment and has withstood heavy body weight in one case. The
>four hole attachment screws will bind if you are not very careful during
>fabrication.
>
>The Otto Bock unit is a piece of !@%#!$#@ and from my understanding is not
>being sold while it is redesigned....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>have used the smith global EVAC, the Otto Bock Epulse and the OWW
>Limblogic. First I will say that the patients I have on them for the most
>part really love them and will gladly put up with some of the inconviences
>associated with them. I used the EVAC for several months with very good
>success. They are pretty easy to maintain and Smith Global will send out a
>loaner when there are problems. I had very little success with the e-pulse
>by Otto Bock. They seemed to malfunction more then EVAC. The limblogic is
>the pump I am using the most now. It is very nice in that it is integrated
>into the system, and you don't have to Velcro it to the side of the pylon.
>I will say however I was having trouble with it leaking until I actually
>followed their instructions to the T. Once I did that it has worked very
>well. The only downside to it is I have had a couple of patients that bent
>some of the prongs on the charger so I am getting a new charger for them.
>Also the exhaust tube port is useless because I can not get it to stay
>plugged in, but that is no big deal in my opinion and the benefits far
>outweigh any on the negatives. Hope this helps I will gladly answer any
>questions you may have.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have used the Harmony quite a bit but find it finicky. Patient selection
is a very important part of this system. I have delivered six over the past
few years and two of the units had to have over $300 in repairs. When the
system is working it is great.
I recently used a Limb Logic pump. This is much easier to use but had to
send it back within four weeks for repair. I do not think it offers as good
of suspension as the Harmony. It is, however much easier to use and
fabricate.
=================================================
End of replies.
As always many thanks to all who took the time to reply and share
their experience.
Ted A. Trower C.P.O., FAAOP
A-S-C Orthotics & Prosthetics
Jackson, Michigan, USA
www.amputee.com
___________________________________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of
the intended recipient (s) and may contain confidential and
privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or
distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of
the original message.
Citation
Ted Trower, “Reply summary: Vacuum assisted suspension systems,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/229766.
