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Knight Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562) lost his right hand distal to the wrist due to a cannon ball splinter injury in 1504 in the Landshut War of Succession at the age of 24. Early on, Götz commissioned a gunsmith to build the first “Iron Hand,” in which the artificial thumb and two finger blocks could be moved in their basic joints by a spring mechanism and released by a push button. Some years later, probably around 1530, a second “Iron Hand” was built, in which the fingers could be moved passively in all joints. In this review, the 3D computer-aided design (CAD) reconstructions and 3D multi-material polymer replica printings of the first “Iron hand“, which were developed in the last few years at Offenburg University, are presented. Even by today’s standards, the first “Iron Hand”—as could be shown in the replicas—demonstrates sophisticated mechanics and well thought-out functionality and still offers inspiration and food for discussion when it comes to the question of an artificial prosthetic replacement for a hand. It is also outlined how some of the ideas of this mechanical passive prosthesis can be translated into a modern motorized active prosthetic hand by using simple, commercially available electronic components.
In the field of neuroprosthetics, the current state-of-the-art method involves controlling the prosthesis with electromyography (EMG) or electrooculography/electroencephalography (EOG/EEG). However, these systems are both expensive and time consuming to calibrate, susceptible to interference, and require a lengthy learning phase by the patient. Therefore, it is an open challenge to design more robust systems that are suitable for everyday use and meet the needs of patients. In this paper, we present a new concept of complete visual control for a prosthesis, an exoskeleton or another end effector using augmented reality (AR) glasses presented for the first time in a proof-of-concept study. By using AR glasses equipped with a monocular camera, a marker attached to the prosthesis is tracked. Minimal relative movements of the head with respect to the prosthesis are registered by tracking and used for control. Two possible control mechanisms including visual feedback are presented and implemented for both a motorized hand orthosis and a motorized hand prosthesis. Since the grasping process is mainly controlled by vision, the proposed approach appears to be natural and intuitive.
A new concept for robust non-invasive optical activation of motorized hand prostheses by simple and non-contactcommands is presented. In addition, a novel approach for aiding hand amputees is shown, outlining significantprogress in thinking worth testing. In this, personalized 3D-printed artificial flexible hands are combined withcommercially available motorized exoskeletons, as they are used e.g. in tetraplegics.
In this editorial, a topic for general discussion in the field of neuroprosthetics of the upper limb is addressed: which way—invasive or non-invasive—is the right one for the future in the development of neuroprosthetic concepts. At present, two groups of research priorities (namely the invasive versus the non-invasive approach) seem to be emerging, without taking a closer look at the wishes but also the concerns of the patients. This piece is intended to stimulate the discussion on this.
Background: This paper presents a novel approach for a hand prosthesis consisting of a flexible, anthropomorphic, 3D-printed replacement hand combined with a commercially available motorized orthosis that allows gripping.
Methods: A 3D light scanner was used to produce a personalized replacement hand. The wrist of the replacement hand was printed of rigid material; the rest of the hand was printed of flexible material. A standard arm liner was used to enable the user’s arm stump to be connected to the replacement hand. With computer-aided design, two different concepts were developed for the scanned hand model: In the first concept, the replacement hand was attached to the arm liner with a screw. The second concept involved attaching with a commercially available fastening system; furthermore, a skeleton was designed that was located within the flexible part of the replacement hand.
Results: 3D-multi-material printing of the two different hands was unproblematic and inexpensive. The printed hands had approximately the weight of the real hand. When testing the replacement hands with the orthosis it was possible to prove a convincing everyday functionality. For example, it was possible to grip and lift a 1-L water bottle. In addition, a pen could be held, making writing possible.
Conclusions: This first proof-of-concept study encourages further testing with users.
Das 20. Jahrhundert ist geprägt von Aufsehen erregenden medizintechnischen Durchbrüchen: Von der ersten erfolgreichen Herztransplantation über die Entdeckung des Penicillins, vom Kampf gegen Infektionskrankheiten bis hin zu ersten Röntgenaufnahmen und Computer-Scans. Die Technologie und die medizinische Forschung haben in der Welt zu umwälzenden Fortschritten geführt. Krankheiten können gelindert oder sogar geheilt werden. Die Entwicklung von künstlichen Hüftgelenken, Cochlea-Implantaten sowie Herzschrittmachern sind in unserer Zeit zu alltäglichen Errungenschaften geworden. Auch die Behandlung neurologischer Bewegungsstörungen ist in den Fokus des technisch-medizinischen Fortschritts gelangt: „Hirnschrittmachersysteme“ – symptomfrei auf Knopfdruck. Ein Eingriff in das Gehirn, um gezielt elektrische Impulse abzugeben, um die Symptome beispielsweise von pharmakoresistenter Parkinsonpatienten effektiv zu behandeln. Dieses Therapieverfahren stellt für viele Patienten die letzte Möglichkeit dar, ein mehr oder weniger beschwerdefreies Leben führen zu können. Gleichzeitig ist dieses Verfahren ethisch heftig umstritten, zumal der Eingriff in das Gehirn gleichbedeutend mit einem Eingriff in den ‚Sitz des Selbst‘, der Persönlichkeit eines Patienten, verbunden ist.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a promising treatment option in patients with chronic heart failure. In this article the roles of semi-invasive esophageal left-heart electrocardiography and functional cardiac nuclear imaging in the field of CRT are highlighted, as the combination of both could be a favourable diagnostic approach in special cardiac situations. Also original esophageal left heart electrogram data of exemplary CRT patients is presented.
Wir haben die erste „Eiserne Hand“ des Götz von Berlichingen mit 3D-Computer-Aided Design rekonstruiert und über einen Multimaterial-3D-Drucker ausgedruckt. Dabei ließ sich feststellen, dass die 500 Jahre alte Technik keinesfalls veraltet ist: Das Innenleben der „Eisernen Hand“ ist ausgefeilter als bisher angenommen. Sie könnte sogar spannende Impulse für die Entwicklung neuer künstlicher Handprothesen liefern.