Special July 2024 Program: Free Active Vacuum Socket System
Throughout July 2024, Lê Hoàn Prosthetics & Orthotics is giving away a free active vacuum-assisted socket system (VASS) to three eligible below-knee prosthesis users — a technology backed by international research and Lê Ngọc Hoàn's own findings.
In July 2024, Lê Hoàn Prosthetics & Orthotics is running a special program: giving away, free of charge, an electronically-controlled active negative-pressure socket system — also known as a Vacuum-Assisted Socket Suspension System (VASS) — for below-knee prostheses. This advanced technique has been in widespread use for more than 25 years in developed countries around the world.
Based on aggregated research and clinical evidence, active vacuum socket systems are particularly well suited to people with short or very short residual limbs, helping maintain limb volume and reduce shrinkage more effectively than traditional systems; they also suit limbs that are scarred or irregularly shaped, since the design requires high-precision, full-surface load bearing that minimizes friction between the limb and the socket and increases comfort. This system is also commonly used in sports prostheses because of the exceptionally strong connection it creates between the limb and the prosthesis, improving control during high-intensity activity such as running, jumping and carrying heavy loads, while reducing friction between the residual limb and the socket.
These benefits align with international studies comparing vacuum suspension with traditional one-way-valve or pin suspension systems, which generally point to better residual-limb volume stability and reduced pistoning with vacuum suspension. Lê Ngọc Hoàn, MSPO, the clinic's founder, also published his own research on applying a VASS system to a running prosthesis in JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (2021).
To introduce this technology more widely to below-knee prosthesis users, the clinic is offering the active negative-pressure socket system free of charge to three suitable candidates, with priority given to those with short residual limbs who have previously used a one-way-valve (passive negative-pressure) socket system. Participants agree to allow their images and data to be used for training purposes and feedback evaluation.
If you are interested in learning more or registering for the program, please contact us via Zalo or by phone at 0566662229 or 0985211888.
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