VHP: Using 3D Printing to Change the Lives of Amputees
3D printing is becoming increasingly popular in the medical field. For example, the Victoria Hand Project (VHP) is leveraging this technology to develop groundbreaking prostheses for people in developing countries, improving the lives of amputees. Recently, the project was selected as one of the top ten finalists for the "Google.org Impact Challenge in Canada," a competition to find and fund the most innovative non-profit organizations. Let's take a look at their story below~
Challenges Faced
The VHP team uses Ultimaker 3D printers to create custom prostheses at a fraction of the usual cost. However, the team faces many challenges when working in the field. Here are a few:
Design and Functionality. Without a doubt, most amputees want their prostheses to function like normal hands. In some countries, prostheses are often viewed negatively, so patients often want to hide the fact that they are amputees. This is the challenge for the VHP project – they must design fully functional prostheses while also maintaining the appearance of a real hand.
Traditionally, gloves are often used to cover prostheses and match the amputee's skin tone. However, these gloves can stain and tear over time, and may affect the function of the prosthesis. VHP proposes an excellent solution – painting the prosthesis.
Interestingly, in Canada, some amputees are happy to show off their prostheses, and even some artists in Victoria are creating more designs for prostheses!
Aesthetics. Because amputees are often ostracized in some socio-cultural contexts, the VHP team must place great importance on aesthetics. People with prostheses often struggle to find employment and are limited to low-income labor jobs, which are often restricted by the presence of a prosthesis. In other cases, if the prosthesis doesn't look good, the amputee won't wear it at all.
Financials. Cost is a critical factor, especially when working in developing countries. Previously, donated used prostheses were sent from developed countries to developing countries - but these prostheses could not meet the individual needs of amputees (in developing countries). The Guatemala project (in collaboration with VHP) has done an excellent job with North American prosthetics in Nepal, repairing used prostheses and adapting them to their needs, but a better solution is still needed.
VHP's Patients
The impact of VHP is best explained through the people they work with. Here are a few case studies.
Aaitaram, Nepal
"It's a challenge for me and for any disabled person. If you don't have confidence and willpower, you don't exist."
Aaitaram, from Kathmandu, lost part of his left arm at birth. This congenital defect made it difficult for him at work and severely lowered his self-confidence. He had a cosmetic prosthesis, but it was not an assistive device and had no functionality. Aaitaram longed to be a "normal person" and to be able to perform basic everyday movements easily.
Fortunately, one day he met Paulo Thiago, who was living in Kathmandu at the time. Paulo told Aaitaram about VHP's 3D printing project at the Nepal Orthopedic Hospital, and he believed it would be very helpful to him.
Initially, Aaitaram's case was problematic because the 3D-printed socket did not fit his arm. So, the Nepalese team developed a new type of socket to ensure that Aaitaram could receive a prosthesis.
Since receiving his new prosthesis, Aaitaram's life has changed dramatically. He can now perform simple everyday tasks, and he says the new limb has helped him find a new job. He wears it at all times (except at night), and he is delighted to have a functional prosthesis.
Isabel, Guatemala
Isabel lives in Guatemala and lost his arm in a work accident 12 years ago. Since the accident, he has been using a traditional iron hook device, which, although functional, is quite heavy, not to mention its aesthetics.
For Isabel, a prosthesis is very important because he needs to continue working to support his family. When he first encountered VHP, he was very impressed by the functionality and appearance of their prostheses, not to mention how lightweight and versatile they were. Isabel was one of the first people in Guatemala to work with VHP and had the opportunity to try all the different devices. He was the first to be fitted with a Voluntary Open device last February and can proudly wear it when out and about.
Cristian, Ecuador
Cristian is a bilateral amputee living in Quito. He lost both hands in an accident and spent a long time recovering in the hospital. After being discharged, Cristian was unable to get a prosthesis and suffered from severe depression. Eventually, he received a prosthesis, but it was only cosmetic and could not be used for daily tasks. He wished he could receive a prosthesis that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In 2016, VHP and the Range of Motion project provided Cristian with a pair of 3D-printed arms, offering good functionality and aesthetics. They were printed and assembled in the Range of Motion lab. The hands were developed using -20 bolts, which means Cristian can swap out hand hooks according to his needs. This can be done in just a few minutes.
Cristian is very satisfied with his prostheses and can't wait to start working with them (he is an office receptionist). In fact, he likes his prostheses so much that he constantly tests their functionality, zipping up his jacket, writing with a pen, picking up objects, and so on.
Cristian is one of the first people in Ecuador to be fitted by VHP. Both the Range of Hand project and VHP hope he will benefit from this project.
Bun, Cambodia
Bibre Vibol lost his right hand due to a landmine explosion during the Cambodian Civil War. The country has one of the highest rates of landmine-related amputations in the world - but for most local people, owning a prosthesis is impossible.
VHP created a lightweight, functional prosthetic arm for Bun on an Ultimaker 3D printer, using biodegradable plastic and corn. The cost of manufacturing the prosthesis was only $320, and it took 40 hours to print and assemble.
You can hear more about Bun's story here.
Learn More
VHP continues to achieve amazing results in Egypt, Nepal, Ecuador, Cambodia, and Guatemala.
Selected as one of over 900 non-profit organizations for being one of the most innovative companies, VHP now has the opportunity to receive $750,000 in funding from the Google.org Impact Challenge. This grant will enable them to:
Help over 750 amputees in 5 new countries and 5 existing partner countries for over 3 years;
Establish local 3D printing centers, equipped with all the tools for printing 3D prostheses, and employ full-time technicians from the local community;
Provide necessary training to all local partners in Guatemala, Ecuador, Nepal, Cambodia, and Haiti.
If you would like to learn more about VHP and help them, you can vote now.
[3D Printing News] What's Changing the Destiny of Amputees?