Last post Wed, May 07 2008 6:05 PM by MelT. 5 replies.
I recently tried out the Otto Bock Harmony E-pulse vacuum suspension system for a below knee leg. What I wanna know is are there other amps using this for a BK?
I was previously wearing the Harmony TEC vacuum leg and made the switch because of lighter materials and that Harmony no longer supports the model I was wearing (i.e. no replacement parts). So far as I can tell this system with the electric pump will not work for the BK because it is virtually impossible to keep all the componets running without a leak. This is aside from the cosmetic considerations of who wants flashing lights and loud beeps and motors announcing "Hey, I'm an amp!". What sleeve keeps the vacuum in? I'm wearing an Alps sleeve with tape and a collar at the bottom but it keeps springing leaks. With the Harmony TEC the TEC sleeve wouldn't even last two weeks before the socket would wear through the sleeve at the wings. Please write me at my e-address if you have this system and are making it work or if you have ideas. Richard Kaderli rkaderli@yahoo.com or visit my webpage: http://rkaderli.tripod.com
Richard,I am in the prossess of making a set of legs with the new vacuum system and I will let you know how I like them. In the past I have not had any luck with the harmony type because of the distal end pressure on my residule limbs. The suspension sleeve is the weakest link,but I use the Daw suspension sleeves now and they seem to work the best for me,but I just use expulsion valves with the sleeves and not a vacuum assist. I will keep you posted. Bill
I just got this unit myself and I love it! I'll send you an email because it doesn't seem that I'm getting the responses back from Disaboom lately.
Sorry, it looks like my server isn't going to allow me to send you an email right now. Maybe that's a hint that at 2a.m. I should go to bed! I will attempt to send you a message in the morning.
Just to add to my first post, there are things about this pump that I also don't like, but I have been trying new sockets and parts like crazy and this is so far, been the best for me.
Bill: I hope to hear about your new ideas as well. Drop me a line if you want.
Mel T
So tell me about what you are experiencing and which sort of amputation you have.
How is the e pulse pump attached if you are a BK. what about noise, lights and fit?
RLK
Ukiah
Ps, everybody---I gave up. First leg I have returned in 15 yrs. I'm back in my old VAAS TEC and boy is it comfortable in comparison. Needed a new foot because the first Spring-lite broke after 6 yrs.
Hi Ukiah,
First, I am a LBK and this is my 4 prosthetic and so far, this has been the best for me. I can't believe the difference. The E pulse is attached by valcro onto the pylon. There is a valve in the socket for it to attach to. I could probably send you a picture of it, if you are interested in the design. I have shut the volume off on it, so there is no noise. On occasion, it does have to cycle the air flow and that makes a short, very quiet buzz noise. I put electrical tape over the LED's. I think the design is to simple though. There are only 2 buttons for on/off, suction strength, and the most useless function, the massage function. One thing that I found worked well if there was a leak, was to put electrical tape on the bottom of the sleeve. (And put it over the sleeve and the socket.) I'm not overly happy about the shape of the pump. Why put a square pump on a round leg? My idea to make it more cosmetic was to put the pump around the back and that way, it would look like a calf and not a bulging shin when the 'skin' is applied over it. Hope that helps, let me know if there is anything else I can answer.
Mel
