【3D Printing Application】 Hands for Ukraine: Promoting the Democratization of 3D Printed Prosthetic Care
Hands for Ukraine: The Victoria Hand Project's 3D Printing Initiative Aims to Democratize Prosthetic Care in Ukraine
In a world often defined by disparities in healthcare access, the Canadian charity Victoria Hand Project stands as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2015, the Victoria Hand Project is on a mission to provide accessible 3D printed prosthetic care to underserved communities worldwide. By combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate service, it has transformed lives.
The Victoria Hand Project started as a university research project and quickly grew into a profound humanitarian initiative. Barriers to prosthetic care can arise from various factors, such as financial limitations, lack of infrastructure, scarcity of resources, or insufficient government support. Equipped with UltiMaker 3D printers, the team has brought this revolutionary technology to communities where prosthetic care is virtually unavailable. Since its inception, the Victoria Hand Project has partnered with clinics in 11 countries, with Ukraine being the latest addition.
"3D printing is a really useful tool to assist the current prosthetic tool kit," says Nick Dechev, founder and CTO of the Victoria Hand Project. "It's really useful for certain applications, especially for upper limb sockets because they're lightweight and can be custom printed for each individual."
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Expanding the Supply of Prosthetic Hands in Ukraine
The organization's "Hands for Ukraine" initiative was created to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict. In the summer of 2022, the Victoria Hand Project began its expansion into Ukraine, laying the groundwork for sustainable prosthetic care in the region.
The organization's approach to prosthetic care goes beyond simply providing devices. It offers a variety of 3D printed prosthetic hands to meet individual needs. Central to its approach is the customization of prosthetic arm sockets, which can be 3D printed directly on-site at partner clinics. This not only reduces costs but also empowers local communities with essential skills and technology.
"The Victoria Hand Project is uniquely positioned where we bring these 3D printers and the training to the clinics that we partner with, so that everything is made in-country, in-house," says Kelly Knights, COO of the Victoria Hand Project. "And for Ukraine, this will be Ukrainians helping Ukrainians within the country, as needed."
Throughout this process, the Victoria Hand Project has maintained unwavering trust in UltiMaker's 3D printing technology. UltiMaker 3D printers, known for their reliability and quality, are the backbone of the Victoria Hand Project's operations. The decision to standardize on UltiMaker printers enables streamlined production and consistent results across global partner sites.
"We only use UltiMaker printers. We found that they work across many different environments around the world and have excellent print quality," says Michael Peirone, CEO of the Victoria Hand Project. "Some of the partners we work with don't have 3D printing experience, but their printers are easy to use and maintain. Also, by standardizing the type of printer we use, we are able to provide print kits and instructions so that our partners can start producing these prosthetic devices independently." The organization has approximately 35 UltiMaker printers distributed across its labs and partner sites.
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The Victoria Hand Project's material selection is also indispensable for the durability and comfort of the prosthetic hand. PLA is the primary material used, known for its ease of printing and suitability for prolonged skin contact. Given the high frequency of use for prosthetic hands, their components must be durable and robust to ensure they can withstand impact and be reused over time.
"We use BASF Forward-AM PRO1 material, which we found works great. The quality is amazing, and the strength is very important for prosthetic devices," Peirone continues. "We're looking for strength, durability, and material quality. We do a lot of testing of 3D printed tensile samples or prosthetic hand components in our lab in Victoria and found that the Forward-AM material is exactly what we need. Using UltiMaker printers and Forward-AM PRO1 material, we are able to produce these prosthetic devices that many clinicians around the world are very satisfied with."
Dechev states that the Victoria Hand was one of the first prosthetics to adopt 3D printing technology. "There was an incredible amount of prosthetic design. We learned a lot, spent a lot of time working and talking with amputees, and getting professional opinions from prosthetists. All of these people contributed to the design of the Victoria Hand."
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The Victoria Hand is a unique prosthetic device that operates using a body-powered mechanism, like traditional hooks. The hand is designed to be easy to use and repair, waterproof, and user-friendly. Each recipient receives a customized prosthetic that fits their body. This includes a 3D printed limb socket tailored for each recipient and a standardized hand.
The attachment process involves securing the prosthetic, similar to wearing a backpack. By shrugging the shoulders, the hand's cables are activated, allowing the hand to open and close. The Victoria Hand is a hybrid of 3D printed and metal parts. It is designed as a replacement limb for those with limb loss, featuring articulated fingers and a thumb that can achieve various functions.
The Victoria Hand has two main components that are not 3D printed. The palm and fingers are printed from PLA material, while the fingertips are made of silicone using casting techniques. Internal components include stainless steel, springs, bolts, and laser-cut steel parts for added strength.
The timeline from initial consultation to final fitting varies, ranging from overnight completion when certain components are pre-prepared, to a complete build (including hand, wrist, socket, and all components) and fitting process taking 2-3 days.
"Clinicians like the user-friendly assembly process, functionality, and versatility of the Victoria Hand," says Dechev. "One device can help different people in different ways. The cost is also low, which allows clinicians to help those who cannot afford more expensive devices."
A Vision for Growth
"We are seeing an increasing impact of 3D printing on the field of prosthetic care," says Knights. "When you work with individuals, having a customized limb socket fit is very important. 3D printing provides a way to produce complex organic forms, which is essential for tailoring prosthetic devices to each person's unique body, but difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. We believe 3D printing will play an increasingly important role in creating natural shapes and making sockets to improve comfort. As this technology becomes increasingly reliable, I believe we will see it expand into a wider range of development areas."
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Looking ahead, the Victoria Hand Project hopes to make a broader impact by creating various prosthetic and orthotic devices. The organization's focus on upper limb prosthetic care is the foundation for future innovation. The goal is to establish community-based printing centers capable of producing a range of healthcare devices, enhancing local healthcare capabilities.
The organization's success story is one of determination, innovation, and compassion. As its operations continue to expand across continents, the team is committed to realizing its vision of accessible and affordable prosthetic care for all. Each 3D printed prosthetic from the Victoria Hand Project not only transforms lives but also demonstrates the potential of technology to bridge gaps and empower global communities.
"We're excited to be able to benefit from these high-end technologies and be able to apply them to these use cases around the world," Peirone continues. "We're working with these clinics that have never used 3D printing before, and now we're teaching them how to produce high-end prosthetic devices that can be customized for each user. 3D printing can reduce the time it takes to produce prosthetic devices, freeing up clinicians to help more people in their communities and help build institutional capacity."
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