Small-Scale Hydraulics for Human Assist Devices

Test Bed 4 : Hydraulics at Human Scale - Patient Transfer Assist Device

A significant need has been identified for an improved device to assist in transferring mobility limited patients, particularly those who are heavier. Typical transfers include moving between a bed, wheelchair, chair/couch, toileting chair or toilet, car, or the floor. We are developing a new, cost effective, hydraulically actuated prototype patient transfer assist device; hydraulic actuation h...

How to Assist the Small-Scale Farmer

The key messages in my presentation are taken from the recently completed International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), which was approved by 60 developed and developing countries in South Africa in April, 2008. The IAASTD was co-sponsored by the World Bank, FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, UNDP, WHO and the GEF. The key findings of the Global Summary for Decision-...

Ventricular assist devices for all?

In the past 5 years, the numbers of ventricular assist device (VAD) systems implanted worldwide have increased exponentially. Thus, since the introduction of the HeartMate II LVAD by Thoratec (Thoratec Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA) over 10 000 of these pumps have been implanted. The HVAD manufactured by HeartWare (HeartWare Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) has also found widespread application in Europe...

Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Pediatric ventricular assist devices.

The field of pediatric mechanical circulatory support with ventricular assist devices has lagged significantly behind that of adult patients. However, there is increasing attention on the emerging field of pediatric ventricular assist device support. In this review, part of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society/Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Joint Consensus Statement on Mechani...