Modification of the Alpha Liner

[Thom Bloomquist]

Having my Alpha silicone gel liners "blow-out" at the distal anterior edge
has disappointed me, sometimes within a month.  I have been experimenting
with modifications and wanted to share a limited success.  The latest
experiment involved reinforcing this section of the sleeve with a soft
strong flexible mesh.  The mesh had to strength greater than the alpha and
its nylon covering but still be flexible enough to roll on the stump as
easily as the original product.  I am an anesthetist (US- type) and spend a
lot of time in surgery.    The surgeons use a flexible mesh to reinforce
weakened muscle walls where hernias form.  I used leftovers of this
polypropylene product.  It has worked great and extended the life of my last
Alpha by a factor of 2 and still counting, however, it is beginning to
stretch.  For the next prototype, I would like to try a material that is
just as flexible but even stronger, like Kevlar.  Does anyone have access to
this material or know how one might get a hold of small quantities?

I will gladly share more details will any interested parties. Best of luck
to all of us.

Thom Bloomquist, MS, CRNA, FAAPM
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