The Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast

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We’re delighted to introduce Diego Suarez from Bionic Prosthetics and Orthotics, whose extraordinary journey from a sports injury to an inspiring career helping those with physical challenges will leave you motivated and full of appreciation for the impact of resilience.
Ever wondered how cutting-edge 3D printing technology is revolutionizing prosthetic fabrication? Discover the detailed workflow of a central lab that serves multiple clinics, utilizing tools like Omega Willowood, MeshMixer, and a variety of slicers such as Simplify 3D, PrusaSlicer, and SuperSlicer. We discuss the strengths and limitations of each software and provide insights into optimizing material usage with different printing modes. This is a treasure trove of technical knowledge for anyone passionate about the future of prosthetics.
Innovation doesn’t stop at technology; it extends to materials too. Explore the advancements in prosthetic materials with us, featuring polycarbonate, TPU, and varioshore. Diego Suarez shares his excitement about MJF printing technology and its potential for creating complex structures. For those new to 3D printing, Diego offers invaluable advice on starting with affordable direct extruder printers and mastering design tools like MeshMixer and Fusion 360. This episode is full of expert tips, personal experiences, and practical guidance to push your prosthetic and orthotic skills to the next level.
Brought to you by Advanced 3D and Comb.

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Maybe the solution to your knee pain is a high-tech 3D-printed brace inspired by an injury from the football field. Today, we’re talking to Dave Johnson, the CEO and founder of the startup Icarus Medical, about his unusual path from a childhood on a dairy farm to inventing innovative knee braces. Dave describes how his life journey and a successful career in chemical engineering for the Department of Defense provided the inspiration for developing a high-performance, metal-free knee brace for fighting patellofemoral osteoarthritis.
And 3D printing how? Dave provides an ingenious step-by-step, from the first heavy, bulky prototypes to their eventual lightweight, contour-fit, form-fitting incarnation. His descriptions of the iterative development, including his incorporation of an elastomeric band to improve fit and tolerance, as well as the employment of a biomedical engineering intern, are both fascinating and informative. Moreover, he recounts how his team realised that the heaviest components came from the support material used in the printing process and, thus, shifted to Multi-Jet Fusion technology, which is cheaper and can be produced in much shorter runs. By the time we had finished, we wondered whether perhaps the biggest takeaway was that these state-of-the-art, individualised, contour-fit, 3D-printed, durable, adjustable, lightweight knee braces for leverage-control osteoarthritis became economically viable in greater number because of the strategic application of HP’s Multi-Jet Fusion technology.
But as much as it’s about the tech and engineering, it’s also about the people who are running the ship. In this episode, we spotlight the empathetic, patient-centric culture at Icarus Medical, where no two braces are ever the same, and every person is accommodated for, because – simply put – they can be. Dave takes us through the extensive process of getting a custom brace, from scanning to finishing to quality control to shipping, and into the nitty‐gritty of maintaining good relationships with outsourced contractors. And along the way, Dave shares some of his hard-won lessons on cost management, market research, and the power of staying true to your vision and having conviction in your product. If you’re at all interested in technology, medicine and innovation, you do not want to miss this episode.
This episode is brought to you by Advanced 3D.

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Join us as we embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of prosthetics and orthotics with a live recording from AOPA 2024. With over 1,800 attendees and 20 new vendors setting the stage, Joris Peels and Brent Wright capture the dynamic atmosphere of the event. This episode spotlights the spirit of innovation driving the industry forward, from the latest in 3D printing technology to pioneering products such as an orthosis for tremor patients and silicone printing techniques. Experience the collaborative energy that is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in prosthetics and orthotics.
We are honored to feature Paul Gudonis, CEO of Myomo, who takes us through his extraordinary journey of technological innovation aimed at helping individuals with upper extremity impairments. Paul shares invaluable insights from his background in engineering and business, his transition to Myomo, and the company's major milestones. Listen as he recounts the inspiring moment when paralyzed individuals using MyoPro rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Paul's stories about the profound impact their work has had on patients' lives are sure to leave you motivated and inspired.
Explore the global ambitions and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of orthotic prosthetics. In this episode, we delve into a company's commitment to advancing arm and hand functionality, securing reimbursement from major insurers, and expanding internationally, including a joint venture in China. Paul Gudonis offers a fresh perspective on how an entrepreneurial mindset can transform the prosthetics and orthotics industry. Reflecting on the balance between doing good and achieving personal success, this episode critically examines the dynamic intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impactful patient care.
This episode is brought to you by Advanced 3D.

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Have you ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is transforming the world of prosthetics and orthotics? Join us as we kick off the Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast with a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at our experiences recording live at industry trade shows. From tackling technical hurdles with Plantronics headsets to enjoying the comfort of Dive Designs' 3D printed chairs, we share our excitement about the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) show. You'll hear firsthand accounts of innovative products, successful interviews with industry experts, and the seamless effort that went into coordinating multiple live recordings.
Expect to be captivated as we highlight standout presentations and memorable interviews. Katie from Advanced 3D delivered an enthralling talk on the applications of additive manufacturing, while Psyonic's live demo of a prosthetic hand reacting to muscle signals left us in awe. We also bring you insights from dynamic leaders like Anika from Psyonic and Louis-Philippe from Spentys, whose genuine and approachable nature made our conversations truly memorable. From low-tech solutions for tremor sufferers to the high-tech marvels presented by MyOMO and Spentys, this episode is packed with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking innovations.
Explore the future of prosthetics and orthotics as we introduce pioneering companies like Coyote and Radii, discuss the educational approaches of Dr. Adrian Hill, and reflect on Paul Gudonis' leadership at Myomo. Learn about the transformative impact of new technologies, such as Rocky Tech's cooling solutions for prosthetic sockets and the potential for Formlabs' additive manufacturing advancements. We also touch on the importance of making prosthetic technology more accessible and highlight the global market trends showcased at OT World. This season promises to be an exciting journey full of advancements and compelling stories from the ever-evolving field of prosthetics and orthotics.
Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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Ever think about the complexities of creating a robotic hand? How about the balance between speed, weight, and durability? Well, you're about to. We sit down with our guest, Bartosz Rajewski, who introduces us to his creation, the V Bionic and the Tolka Hand. This hand isn't just a marvel of technology, it's a testament to the creativity and determination needed when navigating the intricate world of prosthetics and orthotics.
From the development of 3D printed prosthetic gloves to the exploration of remote delivery of prosthetic products, we cast a wide net over the vast potential of this industry. Bart's journey is not just about the creation of a device; it's about the adaptation of technology to meet the unique needs of each individual user. It's about the empowerment that comes with accessibility and the impact that can have on a person's life.
Yet, every rose has its thorn. We take a hard look at the challenges facing this industry. The struggle of sharing hard-earned knowledge, the uphill battle to educate others in the field, and the difficulties of being a pioneer in a rapidly evolving landscape. But as we discuss these obstacles, we also celebrate the incredible opportunities they present for growth, discovery, and innovation in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. So, pull up a chair, tune in, and prepare to be amazed at the intersection of technology and healthcare.Bartosz Rajewski is here, and he's pulling back the curtain on the future of prosthetics and orthotics. Buckle up.

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