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The Automator               

Applications:

·  Ring Frame Lengthening

·  Bone Transport

·  Unilateral Frame Lengthening                                                                                                

·  Joint Contracture

·  Angular Deformity Correction.                      

 

 

 

 

Product Description:

·  Continuous Distraction: The Automator  causes 1/240 mm adjustments 24 hrs per day according to the rate selected. Accuracy is maintained within 1/48 mm.

·  Compact: The self contained design involves no external cables, batteries, or programming module. Each Automator weighs approximately 6oz.

·  Programmable: Rate settings include 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0, and 4.0 mm/day. The device may be set for distraction, compression, or cyclical motion (used for loading a fracture site). Rate and directional settings may be changed by the physician at any time.

·  Convenient: Brackets facilitate installation. The Automator is water resistant, and it requires minimal maintenance.

·  Efficient: Automator batteries last more than four months when lengthening at 1mm per day. The device can distract against more than 250 lbs.

·  Versatile: The device may be installed on ring or unilateral frames regardless of the distance between rings or frame components.

 
 
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Biological Advantages:

Research indicates that frequent distractions in small increments can promote superior muscle tissue and reduce the forces required to accomplish distraction (thereby reducing pain experienced by the patient). The Automator performs precise micro-distractions every few minutes minutes rather than every six hours as is typical with manual systems. Hence, the lengthening process is more similar to the body's natural (continuous) growth process. Additionally patients and their families report less anxiety.

BACKGROUND:

The Automator was designed to provide an improved automated alternative to manual distraction methods. The device:

  1. Costs the same or less than most manual distracters sold by large medical equipment manufacturers,
  2. Allows patients to enjoy the psychological and physical benefits of high rhythm (small increment) corrections,
  3. Allows for precision, flexibility, and reliability unavailable with manual systems, and
  4. Does not introduce installation or operational complexity to the procedure.

Automated lengthening should be the standard of care for limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures.