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An
artificial solution to lead a normal life
By
A Correspondent - New Delhi
From
heavy iron rod limb to a microchip-programmed light, movable
leg, technology has paved way for better quality of life
even in prosthesis. But awareness is still at a low level
on the range of products in the segment varying from artificial
toes, fingers, nose, ears, and eyes, so flawlessly made
that it is difficult to distinguish between the real and
fake.
This
creative mix of art and science is no doubt the area of
expertise of very few. Technomed, a Delhi based organisation,
amongst the first ones to bring the process of manufacturing
silicon prosthesis to India in 1998 have been manufacturing
external organs, artificial limbs and pressure garments
for burns and injuries.
Silicone
prostheses products are made of an elastomeric substance,
Proskin 1, which is one of the latest materials available
to meet the need of patients’ requirements. This
elastomer is available in two component systems composed
of a base and a catalytic agent. The base is available
in clear form and adding intrinsic pigments or colours
can stimulate a choice of all ethnic colours. The extrinsic
pigments can also be used to create special colour effects
in combination with silicone based adhesive. The components
mixed thoroughly in the ratio of 10:1 are subjected to
vulcanization by clamping either for three hours under
pressure or for one hour at 150 degrees centigrade.
The
uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that the prosthesis
can be trimmed and finished by means of scissors and electric
grinding discs. Retention is achieved by silicone adhesive
or any other means suitable for the patient. The advantage
of using silicon prosthesis is that it adapts and blends
well with the skin surface.
"Normally
a single finger would cost a patient Rs 8500. The rates
otherwise range from Rs 8,000 to 20,000, depending upon
the weight of the prosthesis.
This
is strikingly low compared to the US rates of $2,400,
as skilled labour is much cheaper here in India,"
explains Deepak Sapra, director, Technomed. The models
are created out of a special kind of wax, using impression
technique. Colour is applied taking the exact shades of
the patient’s body type. |
