V-Hold Prosthetic Incorporates Vacuum Suction Technology

Hanger Prosthetics and Orthiotics in Overald Park have begun to fit patients with a new V-Hold prosthetic limb which uses a vacuum type suction. Previous prosthetic limbs use mechanical suction which can lead to great discomfort. The mechanical suction pulls air out of the space between the prosthetic cup and actual amputated limb and causes severe discomfort if a leak is present. The V-Hold is able to measure and monitor the patient’s daily activities and make adjustments to the socket suspension according to the activity being done. Bluetooth is used to relay information from the readings taken in the prosthetic to set parameters and various default settings for vacuum suction. For example, if the patient will be sitting for an extended period of time, he/she will be able to reach down and push a button which will alter the vacuum settings from its standard mode to a comfort mode for sitting, which will be far more suitable and comfortable for sitting. The V-Hold is a very personalized and custom-made for each patient. They can cost between $10,000 to $15,000, which is about $4000 more than customary prosthetics. The V-Hold became available in February and hundreds are currently using them nationwide. I believe the V-Hold is a great advancement towards personalizing each patients prosthetic thus easing the transition of limb loss.

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