Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method for producing a medical device, such as a prosthetic or orthotic structure which makes the procedure more widely available at less cost. The method involves making a model of the body part for which a medical structure is to be manufactured using conformable fabric impregnated with a settable resin. The model may be prepared by a physician or a prosthetist who has no direct access to an expensive digitizing scanner. The model is removed from the patient's body part and shipped to a scanning facility where a digitizing scanner is used to produce a digitized image of the model. The digitized image is shrunk to compensate for the thickness of the model and the digitized data file is preferably sent back to the physician or prosthetist who manipulates the digitized image using a customized software program to produce a modified data file. The modified data file is sent to the scanning facility where the modified data file is converted into control code for a machine which produces a mold used in the manufacture of the medical device. The mold may be manufactured at the scanning facility or the modified data file may be uploaded to the manufacturing facility which may manufacture the mold as well as the medical device. The method is also adapted for use in producing many other medical or anthropometric devices which requires a precision fit to the human body.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim