Innovative Neurotronics Inc, Bethesda, Md, the development and commercialization subsidiary of Hanger Orthopedic Group, introduces its Bi-Flex Cuff, the latest enhancement to its neuromuscular stimulation device called the WalkAide. The new cuff provides patients with increased comfort, ease of use, and consistent, reproducible outcomes, according to the company.
Designed to maximize the functionality and precision of the patented WalkAide tilt accelerometer, device promotes multidirectional mobility and a natural gait pattern—an essential component of central nervous system retraining and recovery, says the company. The new electrode locators help ensure precise placement, resulting in a more consistent and accurate delivery of electrical impulses to lift the patient’s foot at the appropriate time in their walking cycle, something WalkAide patients cannot do for themselves. The new feature helps patients achieve the same optimal results at home as when their practitioners position the WalkAide in a clinical setting.
Additional features include improved aesthetics, a new latch attachment system, a dual durometer construction (rigid side to ease one-handed donning/doffing, soft side to conform to the leg for total electrode contact), and a vented design that allows for increased air circulation and better breathability.
While the Bi-Flex Cuff now comes standard with the WalkAide, previous owners of the WalkAide can purchase the new device. To locate a provider, visit the facility locator: http://www.walkaide.com/en-US/FacilityLocator.
An intelligent functional electrical stimulation (FES) system, the WalkAide helps restore mobility to people who suffer from a form of lower-leg paralysis known as foot drop due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and incomplete spinal cord injury. About the size of an iPod and worn around the calf just below the knee, it applies low-level electrical currents directly to the peroneal nerve (ie the motor nerve that controls the movement of the ankle and foot), and instruct the muscles to flex the foot at the appropriate time in the gait cycle. It uses Bluetooth technology to communicate during programming and a patented tilt accelerometer.
Innovative Neurotronics introduces emerging neuromuscular technologies developed through independent research in a collaborative effort with industry suppliers worldwide.
[Source: Innovative Neurotronics]
