Model-based design of a pneumatic actuator for a dynamically reconfigurable socket for transtibial amputees.

In this work, a cost-effective, scalable pneumatic silicone actuator array is introduced, designed to dynamically conform to the user's skin and thereby alleviate localised pressure within a prosthetic socket. The appropriate constitutive models for developing a finite element representation of these actuators are systematically identified, parametrised, and validated. Employing this computational framework, the surface deformation fields induced by 270 variations in soft actuator array design parameters under realistic load conditions are examined, achieving predictive accuracies within 70 µm.

Pulmonary Veins Function as Echo Chambers in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Circuitous Re-Entry Generates Outgoing Wavefronts.

Background: Although the substrate in persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) is not limited to the pulmonary veins (PVs), PV isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone ablation strategy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the mechanism of outgoing wavefronts (WFs) originating in the PV sleeves during PeAF.

Methods: Eleven patients presenting for first-time PeAF ablation were recruited (mean age 63.

A pneumatic reconfigurable socket for transtibial amputees.

Many transtibial amputees rate the fit between their residual limb and prosthetic socket as the most critical factor in satisfaction with using their prosthesis. This study aims to address the issue of prosthetic socket fit by reconfiguring the socket shape at the interface of the residual limb and socket. The proposed reconfigurable socket shifts pressure from sensitive areas and compensates for residual limb volume fluctuations, the most important factors in determining a good socket fit.

A pilot study to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle tone following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a novel intra-vaginal pressure sensor device.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a common cause of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Surgical repair of prolapse is commonly undertaken; however, the impact on pelvic floor muscle tone is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy on pelvic floor activation.

Non-Contact Intracardiac Potential Mapping Using Mesh-Based and Meshless Inverse Solvers.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia and percutaneous catheter ablation is widely used to treat it. Panoramic mapping with multi-electrode catheters has been used to identify ablation targets in persistent AF but is limited by poor contact and inadequate coverage of the left atrial cavity. In this paper, we investigate the accuracy with which atrial endocardial surface potentials can be reconstructed from electrograms recorded with non-contact catheters.