Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 Frequently Asked Questions Q) How do I control a bebionic hand? A) Bebionic is a myoelectric system with an advanced, multiarticulating, state of the art compliant hand as a terminal device. Typical systems rely on 2 myoelectrode inputs, however where 2 signals cannot be detected the system can be operated with 1 myo-electrode input. Other inputs, such as Force Sensitive Resistors and Linear Transducers, are also suitable. Q) How do I access different grip patterns? A) Different grip patterns are accessed by manually positioning the thumb into either an opposed or non-opposed position. A typical example would be, with the thumb opposed it is possible to alternate between Tripod and Power Grip. To alternate between these 2 grip patterns, the user opens the hand fully, then provides a second open signal. User feedback (beeps or vibrations) will indicate a change. When the hand is next closed, the grip pattern will have changed to the alternate grip. Grip changes are also possible through co-contraction (a simultaneous signal on a 2 electrode system) although this is less popular. In addition, pressing the Program Switch positioned on the back of the hand allows further grips to be selected in opposed & non- opposed. Bebionic hands are factory set to offer the most commonly used and enabling grip patterns; however these may be changed at any time using bebalance software supplied with the hand. Q) What is an opposed thumb? A) This is the thumb position that allows the tip of the thumb to meet the tip of the index finger/middle finger. Q) Can I adjust the thumb position? A) The thumb position can be adjusted simply using tools supplied with the hand. There are a couple of reasons why this may be required; either to adjust the point at which the thumb meets the index finger as it closes in Tripod & Pinch grips or to adjust the opposed thumb position. Full details on this process are explained in the Technical manual supplied with the hand. Q) When I connect the power to my bebionic hand the hand opens. Why is this? A) This is an important feature of the bebionic hand. Whenever it is disconnected and reconnected to its power supply, the hand drives fully open. This allows the bebionic hand to calibrate. Allowing the hand to track all the movements of the fingers and thumb, providing accurate repeatable grips. It is important not to block this motion as this may affect the function, of the hand.

2 Q) Can I switch the hand off without it recalibrating/reopening? A) Yes this is one of the functions of the Program switch situated on the back of the hand. Full details are provided in the User & Technical guides. Press this button for 3-4 seconds and the hand will go into standby mode and open/close signals will be disregarded. This is a useful feature for extended tasks such as carrying or holding an object when moving the hand is not important. Q) Can the hand be used without a glove? A) While the hand will work without a glove, we recommend that a glove or finger tips are worn at all times. Although soft pads are provided to improve compliance the hand structure is hard and smooth. Functionality may be limited without using the correct cosmetic interface. As a functional device with high tech electronics and actuators, introduction of dirt and moisture can have a detrimental effect. Therefore use of a glove provides a physical barrier to such possibilities. Q) How long will a fully charged battery last? A) Power usage varies from user to user depending on their activity level; however we expect a fully charged battery to provide a typical bebionic user with enough power to last throughout the day. If power levels are dropping to a low level, the hand speed will reduce providing the user with an indication that a charge is required. The bebionic battery charges rapidly initially and a short minutes charge will assist users in a low power situation. Q) How often should the battery be charged? A) We recommend that the battery is charged each night so that a regular charging pattern is established and you start each day with a fully charged battery. Q) Can I use another manufacturer s Lithium battery with the bebionic3 Hand? A) A bebionic hand contains five actuators and consumes a higher current than single motor devices. Therefore only high current rated battery packs are suitable. We would strongly recommend that only Bebionic battery packs are used with the Bebionic hand to ensure the best hand performance. Use of lower current rated batteries with the bebionic system will damage them. Q) Can I interchange terminal devices on my bebionic prosthesis? A) If your prosthesis uses a Quick disconnect mechanism then yes! The bebionic battery pack provides the correct power supply for all standard electric terminal devices. However be aware that if you switch your bebionic hand onto a prosthesis that does not have a bebionic battery (or incorrectly rated battery) performance will be severely affected.

3 Q) What is the grip force of the hand? A) The bebionic hand can grip up to 140N in power grip and up to 36.6N in tripod grip. The hand operates a dynamic control system allowing the user to control the grip strength through the strength of their input signal. Q) What is the weight of the hand? A) The bebionic medium hand with an EQD wrist weighs 1lb 5oz, the short wrist version weighs 1lb 4oz and the multi-flex wrist version weighs 1lb 8oz. The bebionic hand is designed to minimize the weight impact on the user. Heavier components within the bebionic hand are situated close to the wrist reducing the moment felt by the user. Positioning heavier components in the fingers would increase the perceived weight by the user, thus a less desirable design option. Q) Is there a trial period? A) A loaner program is available to carry out individual patient assessments for an agreed period of time free of charge. Please return loaner hands promptly so that they are available for other practitioners and patients. Failure to return the loaner hand within the specified time period will result in the issuance of an invoice for the full list price of the hand. Q) Can I demonstrate the bebionic3 hand on a patient s U3 arm in my office? A) The bebionic hand is compatible with the Utah Arm 3 and 3+. The Utah arm can be correctly configured for the Bebionic hand through the software supplied with the elbow. The bebionic hand is also compatible with the Boston Digital system, and many successful fitting have combined the bebionic hand and these powered elbows. To check whether you have a bebionic compatible Boston Elbow, please contact Liberating Technologies. Q) Is there any change to the warranty period if I mate a bebionic3 hand to a powered arm? A) There is no change to the bebionic warranty when connected to the Boston Elbow or Utah Elbow. The bebionic hand is compatible with a number of manufacturers products including ErgoArm Hybrid Plus and Electronic Plus from Otto Bock, Boston Elbow Digital from LTI and Utah Arm 3 and 3+ from Motion Control. A compatibility list of commonly used products is shown in the Bebionic Technical Manual or can be checked by contacting RSLSteeper. Q) How long will the bebionic3 hand function when demonstrated on these other manufacturers myoelectric products? A) With the correctly charged power source and average use, it should be possible to achieve a day s use.

4 Q) How large is the opening width of the bebionic3 hand? A) The bebionic medium hand has an opening width of 4 1/8. Q) How long is the warranty on the Hand? On the Production Glove? A) The bebionic hand has a one-year warranty as standard. The bebionic glove has a three-month warranty. Gloves are replaceable under warranty where the failure is due to a manufacturing fault or product design. Glove failure through misuse is not covered. We recommend regular glove inspection so that the hand is correctly protected. Q) Is an extended warranty on the hand available? What does it cover? A) An extended warranty is available for the bebionic hand, providing coverage for an additional 1 to 2 years, beyond the base warranty of 1 year. The warranty covers the hand for defects in the materials and / or workmanship. Free comprehensive inspection, update and maintenance at set service dates are provided during the extended warranty period with the supply of a loaner unit as required. Repair or replacement of the bebionic is included in addition to upgrade of software and hardware as appropriate to the hand generation purchased. Q) How long does the production glove last? A) The life of a bebionic production glove will vary with usage and care levels. Life expectancy is likely to be between 3-12 months depending on the activity of the wearer. Q) Is Bebionic a difficult system to fit? A) No. Standard myoelectric principles apply. With correct patient selection, a well fitted socket, and balanced input signals you have the correct ingredients for a successful outcome. Q) Is bebionic suitable for a Construction worker? A) Bebionic is designed for mild to moderate activity. Occupations or hobbies of users that involve high impact forces or extreme loads would be a contraindication. As an example, bebionic would be suitable for road cycling but trail riding would not be an acceptable task. For heavy duty applications other terminal devices would be more appropriate. Q) Is bebionic user friendly?

5 A) Extremely user friendly. Experienced myo wearers can learn how to control bebionic and switch between the various grip patterns in a matter of minutes. Users who are new to Myo Electric prosthesis do not have to learn complex switching signals; they just have to master an open and close signal. The system is logical and easy to learn and users appreciate the benefits of being able to select an appropriate thumb position (which is always aligned correctly for grasp) manually without a further switching signal. Q) Can bebionic be worn by a bilateral patient? A) Yes. Many bilateral amputees have successfully been fit with Bebionic. The majority has had transradial amputations and demonstrated full control of their bebionic hands. This group has shown the ability to select the thumb position using their opposite bebionic hand as well as activating the mode switch button on the hand. Q) Can the patient use the bebionic3 hand the day they are fitted? A) Yes, once the patient has been fitted with the bebionic hand, they can start using it immediately. The prosthetic provider will help the wearer to become proficient in using their bebionic hand and may require the wearer to attend some training sessions where different aspects of everyday activities will be explored to help get the most from the hand and to make sure the arm is comfortable, secure and functional. Q) Is there a pediatric version of the bebionic3 hand? A) No, the bebionic hand is not available in a pediatric version; however a small size to accommodate females and teenagers will be available at the end of Q) Do you need a prescription for the bebionic3 hand? A) Yes, like all other prosthetic devices, your Orthopedic surgeon or referring physician must provide a prescription for the bebionic hand as well as all structural components to your prosthesist. Your prosthetist may also consult with an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist or Neurologist to properly assess your functional requirements, daily activities and physical capabilities. Together with you, your medical team will ensure you are properly fit with a total system configuration using the bebionic hand which maximizes your daily potential. Q) How long should a patient wear the bebionic3 hand for daily use? A) This will vary according to individual wearer s preferences and tolerance. It may be that use will need to be increased over a period of time if the wearer is new to powered prosthetics. If the wearer is an established myoelectric wearer then the bebionic hand can be used for the same amount of time as their previous terminal device. Q) Is the bebionic3 hand covered by insurance?

6 A) Yes, in the United States, the bebionic hand is covered by most insurance companies and Worker s Compensation Boards. A complete list of applicable codes and required documentation is available to your prosthetist to ensure all examinations, tests and justifications are provided in support of your claim to your insurance provider.