- Need Technical Assistance? carboncompositeafos@getvfairs.io
October 21, 2023 09:00 amCarbon infused polypropylene is the outcome of material science producing a thermoplastic prepreg composite that is fully compatible with current vacuum thermoforming techniques. In AFO fabrication the material offers a 25% increase in structural stiffness for total contact devices with a 45% increase in reimbursement support. Process engineering is improved as well with an increase in melt temperature sag strength offering wall thickness control during drape encapsulation molding. Clinical creep which is the result of cyclic gait forces and common to homopolymer thermoplastic sheet materials is eliminated with the carbon infusion.
Gary Bedard
CO, FAAOP(D)
October 21, 2023 09:45 am
Gerry Stark
PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)
October 21, 2023 10:30 amThere are numerous things to consider when evaluating for pre-pregnated carbon fiber designs. With a multitude of options available, it can be difficult to discern which will have the best outcome for different patient presentations. Looking through case studies, we will evaluate and create custom orthoses that help decrease weight and bulk while allowing dynamic motion for a more natural gait cycle.
Valarie O’Brien
CPO
October 21, 2023 11:30 am
Laurie Calligaris
President - Toray Performance Materials Corporation
Ryan Jordan
October 21, 2023 12:00 pmDifferent anatomies and different conditions require different types of AFOs. Greg Storz, CO will present a tangible guide for utilizing an anterior shell vs. posterior shell and associated impacts for different types of gait pathologies. Additionally, Thrive will discuss the benefits of custom carbon devices and when they are appropriate. Finally, Evan Eckersley from Icarus will present the Hero KAFO, its associated indications of use, and why Icarus chose Thrive as its default AFO supplier for the Hero KAFO.
Greg Storz
CO
Evan Eckersley
Co-Founder, Icarus Medical Innovations
October 21, 2023 01:00 pmLearn how a lightweight and versatile brace can help keep your patients active and out of a CAM boot. This Webinar will cover the benefits of and evidence behind utilizing an anterior tibial loading brace to actively rehabilitate acute tendon pathologies and sports injuries.
Dr Tyler Austin
DPM
October 21, 2023 02:00 pmIn this session, we will review the evidence that supports the ability of AFOs to enhance gait speed, improve mobility, and bolster dynamic balance. Many cases of drop-foot impairment are regressive, meaning that patients gradually recover over time. Recognizing that an individual's needs may evolve during the recovery process, it is imperative to continually assess and adapt their assistive devices. In particular, stroke research underscores the profound impact of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) in this journey towards recovery.
Kim De Roy
CEO - Elevate Movement
Rhode 401 LLC
(650) 773-3730
The speaker is the developer and patent holder of ProComp® the only thermoplastic prepreg composite that is a compatible with standard O&P draped encapsulation vacuum thermoforming. Mr. Bedard is a graduate of the University of Washington O&P program. He was the founding chair of the Academy Fabrication Sciences Society. Mr. Bedard has been recognized by his peers as the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award, Distinguished Practitioner Award, and the Titus-Ferguson Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Bedard has presented and published over 50 topics in the field and has been an invited speaker in 35 countries. He is the managing principal of Rhode 401 LLC.
Product development and education in Medical devices. Licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist provides professional educational seminars and directs product development. Has traveled nationally and internationally as a speaker, consultant, clinical advisor, and product development specialist. Also acted as liaison to governmental agencies with respect to medical coding and contract procurement.
Greg Storz, CO - Clinical Educator, Thrive Orthopedics
Greg has been in the O&P field since completing his Orthotic training at Shelby State College in 1991. As a lifelong learner with an entrepreneurial spirit, he has been committed to seeking optimal outcomes on both the clinical and business sides of the ever-changing O&P profession. Greg lives in Omaha NE, near his three children and eight grandkids. He and his wife, Holly, enjoy being outside as much as possible, gardening, exploring, and putting a lot of miles on their bicycles.
Evan Eckersely, Co-Founder, Icarus Medical Innovations
Evan founded Icarus Medical Innovations with his business partner, Dave, in 2020. Prior to Icarus, Evan founded Lytos Technologies, LLC, which provides agricultural fungicide technologies that are sustainable, regenerative, and organic. Evan’s research-based engineering background gives him a unique perspective on problem-solving in the O&P industry. Evan is also a rock star on the side.
Tyler Austin attended the University of Florida where he received his BS and MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition. His interest in Nutrition and Podiatric Medicine stemmed from his own personal family history of various pathologies, including diabetes and its accompanying lower extremity complications.
Upon earning his Master’s, Dr. Austin moved to Philadelphia and attended Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. While in school, he partook in various biomechanical and sports medicine research projects for the Gait Study Center, and was awarded the Merit Scholarship from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
After graduation, Dr. Austin completed a three-year podiatric surgical and medical residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center and Jefferson Health Northeast, where he was exposed to a high level of foot and ankle pathologies and their diagnoses and treatments. Dr. Austin then practiced with the Allied Podiatric and Vascular Institute (APVI) before joining Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists.
Valarie has been in the O&P field for over 20 years beginning as a technician while earning her degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from St. Petersburg College. As a practitioner, she was responsible for several pediatric and wound care clinics. Valarie’s role as production manager allows her to work closely with technicians to improve efficiencies and techniques in carbon composite material.
Laurie Calligaris became President of Toray Performance Materials Corporation in September 2021. She has a long career with Toray PMC beginning in 1997. She managed the medical business early in her career and it remains a strong focus of the company.
Ryan Jordan manages relationships with partners across all aspects of TPMC’s business specializing in new technology adoption and increasing throughput for our customers.
Kim De Roy holds an MSc in Rehabilitative Sciences and Physical Therapy and is a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO). Kim has been actively involved in the O&P industry since the year 2000. Prior to joining Elevate Movement as their CEO, Kim spent the majority of his career at Össur, where he focused on Education, Sales and Marketing, and Research and Development in both Europe and the United States. In 1996, Kim experienced a life-changing event when he became a BK (below-the-knee) amputee. It was this personal journey that inspired him to blend his expertise in Physical Therapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics to create innovative solutions for individuals facing similar challenges in their daily lives. His mission is to assist them in achieving the seemingly unachievable in the face of adversity. A fun- fact about Kim is that in 2014, he participated in his first and only full marathon in Iceland. He managed to set a world record in the category of unilateral BK amputees, completing the marathon in a time of 2 hours and 57 minutes. Kim is eager to share insights on how advanced technology is revolutionizing care for the drop-foot population, further enhancing their quality of life.