ncsu [dot] edu During the summers (June, 2001 – August, 2005), I worked as an engineering technician at Arrow International. Arrow International is an international medical device company that specializes in cardiac assist products. The division that I worked for concentrated on developing and manufacturing intra-aortic balloon catheters. I was responsible for the validation testing of the 35cc IAB for use in Japan.
With the technology available, the maximum effectiveness of physical/occupational therapists is rapidly being achieved. Robot-assisted rehabilitation has numerous advantages over conventional rehabilitation methods. Studies conducted using common clinical scales suggest that robot-aided sensorimotor training results in functional gains and improvements in patient quality of life. Secondary to improving quality of life, robotic technology can decrease the burden that stroke patients place on the health care system. I am interested in developing an exoskeleton system that will assist stroke patients in upper extremity rehabilitation. Intelligent features and adjustment mechanisms will be utilized in order to maximize the population of patients who can use the upper-extremity system. The exoskeleton will be inexpensive and portable so that rehabilitation clinics can own multiple systems and train patients for eventual home use.
