A Victoria-based charity is working with medical clinics across the world to teach them how to use 3D printing equipment and 3D scanning computer software so they can produce affordable, 3D-printed prosthetics.
The Victoria Hand Project started as a research project at the University of Victoria, to test if prosthetic hands could be made using 3D printing. Initial trials were done in Guatemala to get feedback from clinics and patients.
"The people that were using the prosthetic devices actually asked to keep the ones that they were using in the trials, because they didn't have one of their own," said Michael Peirone, the CEO of the project who started working with the 3D printed prosthetics as a UVic student.
The project currently works in over 10 countries across the world and most recently they have primarily focused their work in Ukraine, where they have been fitting Ukrainian soldiers with prosthetic hands.
"There was one guy [in Ukraine] I remember when our partners were doing the initial casting of the limb and taking measurements, he was very stern face, not really talking to anyone. And we were like, 'maybe he doesn't want to be here.' When he was fit two days later, at the end of the fitting, he was so happy. He actually left after the fitting, and came back with cake and chocolates and a bottle of whisky to say thanks," said Peirone. "It's definitely one of those things where for some people, it can just be life changing, and it's just so rewarding to be able to help."
In 2023, they fitted around 90 people with prosthetics with 52 of those being done in Ukraine, and "the wait list continues to grow."
Peirone said lots of universities and post-secondary institutions are now working with 3D printed prosthetics, but the Victoria Hand Project is a bit different because they are now a registered charity, so they can keep their prices low. They also work to teach foreign clinics how to make the prosthetics themselves, rather than shipping products in bulk to under-developed countries.
"That's really why we give our partners the equipment, so they can manufacture it in country. It just helps improve accessibility. It allows for better customization. And then if somebody needs any upgrades or minor repairs, then that can all just be done directly in their community," he said.
The project continues to raise funds, and they hope to expand and work on new ways to make prosthetics.
"One thing that we're working on behind the scenes is actually a prosthetic for people missing part of their hand or part of their fingers, because something that we didn't realize is a device for someone that ... might be missing four fingers but still have their palm, can be over $10,000, and we were just blown away."
Those looking to donate to the Victoria Hand Project can do so at https://www.victoriahandproject.com/donate.
