Alley conceived the threadless valve concept, and with the help of tranfemoral amputee Adam Soss and engineer Dustin Bouch, created the world’s first threadless valve family for preparatory and definitive suction socket applications.
“Many of today’s valve designs haven’t changed significantly in their approach to providing suction suspension since they were conceived decades ago,” said Alley. “I wanted to create a valve that was an improvement over existing valves and ultimately one that is easier for patients to use–hence the idea for a threadless design.”
The PushValve is a latching, threadless auto-expulsion valve designed primarily for above-knee suction socket applications, Alley explained. The lower-profile MagValve is a magnetic threadless auto-expulsion valve suitable for both upper- and lower-extremity suction sockets.
“The main advantage of the threadless valve design is that it does not require any twisting, but instead can quickly and effortlessly push in and pull out,” according to a company statement. “In addition, audible feedback lets a patient know they are properly seated and secure: they just click into place. No special tools are required for tightening/loosening, and there is no threat of pulling hairs. The valves are also ideal for bilateral amputees and individuals with hand involvement who wouldn’t be able to easily manage existing screw-in valves. Both valves are also perfect for active individuals who have a need for speed.”
To purchase the valves for your patients’ prosthetic sockets visit ottobocks website. https://shop.ottobock.us/Prosthetics/Lower-Limb-Prosthetics/Socket-Technologies-Liners/Valves/c/1606
