Sam Brouillette, CP, CFo and SPS Manager of Clinical Education is here for another segment of The Clinical Minute to provide a quick overview of Blatchford’s Orion3.
Orion3 Overview and Features
The Orion3 microprocessor knee is a great option for K2 and K4 (Medicate K3 - K4) patients who are looking for a knee that can help them walk naturally, even on different terrains, slopes, and steps. The Orion3 consists of a hybrid cylinder comprised of hydraulics and pneumatics. The hydraulic stance control helps patients safely traverse unsteady terrains, and activates during the swing phase. The pneumatic adapts to various walking speeds to reduce energy expenditure throughout the day.
Specifications
- Maximum user weight: 275 lbs
- Build height: 9.6”
- Overall weight: 3.3 lbs
- Maximum knee flexion: 130°
The Orion3 can be used with four different types of adapters:
- Rotating pyramid and shift
- Non-rotating Pyramid and Shift
- Rotating Female Pyramid with Shift
- M36 Threaded Adapter
Orion3 Programming App
The app is for clinicians who have completed a Blatchford approved training course and requires an authorization code:
- Click here to download the iOS Programming App.
- On first use, send the 8 digit “Authorization Request Code” to your Blatchford representative.
- Enter the 12 digit code provided by your Blatchford representative into the app.
- In less than 3 minutes, complete Basic Programming in User Level "Clinician."
- Follow instructions in the App.
- Start programming!
Programming App | Stance Support Settings
In this video, learn how to fine-tune stance support settings in Blatchford’s Programming App. Follow along by opening the app’s Orion3 Hub, and selecting the Fine-tune tab > Stance Settings.
Stance Security refers to the transition point at which the knee will go into swing phase from stance. If you have a patient that needs to be in stance phase for a longer period of time as they adjust to the settings, then switch from Normal to Enhanced Stance Security.
Stance Reselect Time is a feature that will delay the automatic Stance Reselect function if the patient doesn’t initiate swing phase in time. Choose from Delay or Max Delay to give the patient more time to initiate the swing phase while they learn proper gait.
Programming App| Walking Speeds
Follow along as Sam provides a quick overview of how to adjust walking speeds. In the app’s Orion3 Hub, select the Fine-tune tab > Adjust Walking Speeds.
Medium Cadence adjusts the steps per minute. Move the slider to the left to accelerate faster, or to the right to set a slower pace.
Swing Control adjusts the pneumatics involved in controlling heel rise. Adjust to the left for more heel rise, or to the right for less heel rise.
Hydraulic Free Swing is adjusted if the swing setting feels too loose to the patient, or they’re transitioning from an older hydraulic knee. To change this setting, go to the bottom of the screen and swipe right to reveal the hydraulic free swing adjustments. This refers to the amount of hydraulic influence during the swing phase. The higher the number, the higher the hydraulic resistance.
Select Active Level allows you to select low, medium, or high K3 levels depending on the patient’s needs.
Need help navigating Walking Speeds app in Super User Level? Click here.
Programming App | User Modes
This quick tutorial covers how to set user modes. In the app’s Orion3 Hub, select the User Modes tab.
Cycling Mode and Flexion Lock Mode’s factory default setting is Disabled, you must Enable each mode for patients to use these functions.
To adjust the Flexion Lock Angle, select the Set Flexion Lock Angle button and a pop-up will appear with instructions to flex the knee to the desired angle then tap OK.
To test out the modes, swipe right at the bottom of the screen.
- Testing Cycling Mode: user must be in a seated position with no load on the limb. Select the button with the bike icon, and then press OK. At the beep, the user will be in Cycling Mode. To exit Cycling Mode, select Exit.
- Testing Flexion Lock: user must be supported and not walking to test this mode. Select the button depicting an angle and lock, and then press OK. At the beep, the user will be in Flexion Lock Mode. To exit Flexion Lock Mode, select Exit.
Quick Tip: Get creative when setting the Flexion Lock Mode. This feature can be used for golfers, motorcyclist, and even truck drivers.
Programming App | Stairs Descent
In this video, learn how to fine-tune and adjust stairs descent. In the app’s Orion3 Hub, select Fine Tune Tab > Stairs Descent tab.
Stance Support allows you to fine-tune the amount of hydraulic yield used during descending down stairs, sitting, or walking down steep ramps. Decreasing this setting provides a lower hydraulic yield, increasing provides a higher yield.
Stairs Extension Assist restricts or inhibits a higher amount of pneumatic loading during a stair decline or steep ramp decline. If the knee doesn’t provide enough support for higher flexion angles, swipe right to reveal the Yield Rate adjustments.
Yield Rate refers to the amount of hydraulics issued during full extension. If the Normal setting is not enough support at deeper angles, switch to the High setting.
If you have a question about the Orion3 or Orion3 Programming App, email our clinical services team at clinicial@spsco.com.
Do you have a question tip for using Blatchford's Orion3? Leave a comment below.
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