Innovate UK-funded Open Bionics launches its first clinic in the UK to deliver 3D printed bionic arms for amputees.
The clinic received a grant under Innovate UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund aimed at building UK resilience following the coronavirus outbreak. Thus, it enabled Open Bionics to switch from being a manufacturer of bionic limbs to a clinical provider.
Based in Bristol, the new clinic produces the Hero Arm, the company’s life-changing product for individuals with below-elbow limb differences. Since the clinic launch, OpenBionics has seen patients travelling from across the UK to access life-changing bionic technology.
Bionic arms for limb differences
One of the first patients to receive medical care at the clinic was Caroline Coster. A COVID-19 survivor, Caroline also suffered from viral sepsis, requiring her to undergo a quadruple amputation.
Using technologies like 3D scanning, modelling, and printing, the clinic is the UK first clinic to offer 3D printed sockets. These are a critical part that ensures a prosthesis fits like a glove and offers optimal comfort. Since launching, the Open Bionics clinic has fitted bionic arms for people from as young as eight years old.
Open Bionics is on a mission to support individuals to turn their disabilities into superpowers. Upper limb amputees interested in getting a Hero Arm at the clinic can register to book an appointment and view full pricing on the Open Bionics website.
Open Bionics Clinic: Creating jobs, transforming lives
Caroline Coster said: “My Open Bionics clinical experience has been really amazing. The first time I picked up a ball with my Hero Arm and held it, it felt like having a superpower. Having the technical and clinical expertise as part of the prosthesis fitting process was really incredible as I was able to see how the Hero Arm could be customised to meet my personal needs.”
Open Bionics co-founder Joel Gibbard MBE said: “While COVID-19 forced our business and community into uncharted territory, we’ve always listened to the needs of our customers. The idea to serve customers directly came from our community who wanted technical information about the product included as part of their clinical experience.”
