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New foam technology for medical devices

Source:Ringier Medical Release Date:2015-06-04 578
Medical Equipment
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Auxetic material can be used in a variety of ways such as creating more comfortable prosthetics and protective equipment
Changchun “Chad” Zeng of Florida State University’s High Performance Materials Institute with a sample of the auxetic foam materialNEW foam technology that has applications in higher performing and safer medical devices and protective equipment industries  is being studied in a collaborative project for the development of the new prosthetic sock for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is underway.
 
Changchun “Chad” Zeng, as assistant professor with Florida State University’s High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI), said this brand new, high-performing auxetic foam is proving the point as it heads to the marketplace through a license agreement with Auxadyne LLC.
 
“We know what is not working with current products and technology, and what it is going to take to make it better,” said Professor Zeng. “For example, the socks that amputees currently use to attach prosthetic devices do not adjust to limb shape and volume, creating lots of problems. My invention solves those issues.”
 
What differentiates this auxetic foam developed at HPMI is its ability to get thicker, rather than thinner, when stretched. In practical terms, this counter-intuitive behavior, totally opposite to that of conventional foam, leads to many enhanced materials properties including a better and more comfortable fit that adjusts on the fly.
 
Professor Zeng’s auxetic foam has its roots in a multiyear, multimillion-dollar VA Innovation Initiative project with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The project was aimed at addressing the shortcomings of current prosthetic socket systems through the development, testing and delivery of “Socket Optimized for Comfort with Advanced Technology” (SOCAT) prototypes.
 
“Auxadyne’s initial focus is going to be medical device bracing and pressure relieving applications, as well as protective sports, military, law enforcement and first responder equipment,” said Joseph Condon, president of Auxadyne LLC. “As we market to these key industries, we will also be involved in a collaborative effort with HPMI to develop a next-generation prosthetic sock based on auxetic foam that will improve the quality of life of our amputees.”
 
The sports equipment industry in particular could take advantage of the new foam technology to improve the impact absorption and overall comfort of the different protective gear that athletes must wear, Mr Condon said. He anticipates an immediate benefit to the medical device and protective equipment industries while the collaborative project for the development of the new prosthetic sock is underway.
Adidas
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