An amputee who lost his fingers in a work accident is thrilled to be doing everyday tasks again after becoming the first person to receive new 3D-printed fingers.
Michael Altheim, who had four fingers on his right hand amputated, finally had his independence restored after British company Open Bionics fitted him with their state-of-the-art ‘Hero Gauntlet.’
At 52 years old, Altheim is now able to return to his beloved hobbies of fishing and cycling, and can grip everyday objects with ease. Reflecting on his experience with previous prosthetics, he noted, “I previously had partial finger solutions, but the weight was really heavy, operation minimal and it wasn’t waterproof,” said the former truck driver. “I could maybe fold a towel but that was it. I’ve never been able to properly hold a screwdriver or hammer, or use it for fishing.”
The turning point came when he was fitted with the Hero Gauntlet. “When I slipped the Hero Gauntlet on and moved my joint and my fingers, I thought in amazement, ‘Oh yes, look there!’. They got a ball, then a screwdriver… I could finally control the hardness of my grip,” he exclaimed.
Living without his fingers for ten years, the German from the Frankfurt was particularly impressed by the speed at which he could grasp objects with the glove. “The new hand works perfectly without any delay,” he said, adding that he was once again able to hold a shopping basket with one hand whilst using his free hand to select and pick up items.
The Hero Gauntlet is a partial prosthetic hand that is lightweight and operates by flexing the wrist to control finger movement. Each Hero Gauntlet is custom-made for the wearer using advances 3D scanning, printing, and modeling technology.
This waterproof device allows those born without fingers or those who have undergone partial hand amputation to regain the hand functionality needed for everyday tasks like holding cutlery and cutting their own food.
Samantha Payne, co-founder of Open Bionics, emphasized the company’s mission to address the needs of individuals with partial hand amputations.
“It’s pure joy to see this piece of engineering have an instant positive impact on activities Michael loves doing.”
Payne also mentioned that the company had been inundated with requests to design and develop a partial hand solution that was comfortable enough to wear all day.
The innovative work of Open Bionics has garnered significant attention. The award-winning company is currently collaborating with insurance groups across Germany to offer their technology to more partial hand amputees. This partnership aims to make the Hero Gauntlet accessible to a broader audience, enhancing the quality of life for many individuals.
Michael was the first patient to undergo a successful trial of the new technology, but he is not alone in this journey. Open Bionics is also working with other German citizens who are being fitted for the prototype. The success of these trials could lead to a wider rollout of the Hero Gauntlet, providing a new lease on life for many people who have suffered similar injuries.
The Hero Gauntlet represents a significant advancement in prosthetic technology. Traditional prosthetics often come with limitations such as heavy weight, minimal functionality, and lack of water resistance. In contrast, the Hero Gauntlet is designed to be lightweight, highly functional, and waterproof, addressing many of the shortcomings of previous prosthetic solutions.
The development process of the Hero Gauntlet involves the use of cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing techniques. This allows for a high degree of customization, ensuring that each device is tailored to the specific needs and dimensions of the wearer. This personalized approach not only enhances the functionality of the prosthetic but also improves comfort and usability.
For Michael Altheim, the Hero Gauntlet has been a transformative experience. Activities that were once challenging or impossible are now within reach. The ability to control the strength of his grip has been particularly impactful, enabling him to handle a variety of objects and performs tasks with precision.
The positive impact of the Hero Gauntlet on Michael’s life underscores the importance of continued innovation in the field of prosthetics. As technology advances, it is crucial to develop solutions that not only restore functionality but also improve the overall quality of life for amputees.
The collaboration between Open Bionics and insurance groups in Germany represents a significant step towards making advanced prosthetic technology more widely available. By working together, they hope to overcome financial barriers and ensure that individuals in need can benefit from these life-changing devices.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
Recommended For You
