Brochure Specifications

EXPLOREEchelon<sup>VAC</sup>

EchelonVAC

Suitable for outdoor use
Activity Level (2) 3 (4)

Optimal socket connection is critical to an amputee’s comfort, security and stability. By pairing Biomimetic Hydraulic Technology with an elevated vacuum system, the design of EchelonVAC works to create a secure and comfortable socket connection.

By harnessing natural ankle motion, EchelonVAC quietly creates elevated vacuum, helping to maintain an optimally fitting socket throughout the day.

A Study of Hydraulic Ankles

Key Features

  • Biomimetic Hydraulic Technology with integrated elevated vacuum
  • Walking motion generates a natural vacuum
  • No power required, quiet gentle operation
  • Lightweight, compact design
  • Low build height
  • E-carbon springs for efficient energy return
  • Split toe design for ground compliance on uneven terrain
  • Sandal Toe Foot Shell
Learn About Hydraulic Ankle Technology

How does EchelonVAC work?

With every step, the wearer presses their weight into the prosthesis, initially expelling air through a one-way valve. Simultaneously the ankle plantarflexes, actively drawing air out of the socket. This air is held in the vacuum chamber and expelled through a secondary one way valve as the tibia progresses and the ankle dorsiflexes.

The result is greater residual limb volume control and an improved connection between the residual limb and the socket. For the user, this reduces relative movement, improving proprioception and control of the prosthesis for greater comfort and safety every day.

EchelonVAC - How it works

Innovative Design

The innovative design of EchelonVAC is lightweight and has a low build height as no external power source is required.

With no batteries or pump to worry about, EchelonVAC is quiet and easy to fit.

When used in conjunction with a Silcare Breathe liner, the vacuum is applied directly to the residual limb to further enhance the connection between the limb and the socket.

The Evidence

Active vacuum systems help to stabilise residual limb volume to improve socket stability and proprioception. Scientific studies have shown that elevated vacuum systems help to:

  • Reduce volume fluctuation
  • Reduce interface pressures
  • Improve wound healing
  • Reduce pistoning
  • Improve gait symmetry, balance and reduce risk of falls
  • Greater comfort and improved overall satisfaction

 

Real Life Stories

Charlie’s Story

Dennis’s Story

Unique & Proven Echelon Technology

The Echelon range sits at the heart of our pioneering prosthetic philosophy which makes our products so popular with users around the world. Created with a sharp focus on replicating a natural and safe walking experience, each product in the Echelon Range has a characteristic to suit different users and their requirements, providing confidence in every step.

 

This not only provides excellent energy storing and release properties but also works in harmony with the range of movement in the ankle to provide a natural and comfortable walking experience. 

 

When walking up slopes, the additional range allows the body to move forward over the foot, reducing energy requirements by making rollover easier. When walking down slopes, the foot complies with the slope without forcing the leg forward, allowing for a more controlled descent.

Hydraulic damping and foot springs produce a visco-elastic response that simulates the behaviour of muscles by storing and releasing energy. When compared to non-hydraulic ankles*, this technology is clinically proven to provide comfort, safety, natural walking, balanced limb loading and overall greater patient satisfaction.

*Clinical studies, latest research papers and full references available on our website.

Clinical Compendium

 

Clinical Compendium

Blatchford Biomimetic Hydraulic Technology mimics the dynamic and adaptive qualities of muscle actuation to encourage more natural gait. Multiple independent scientific studies, comparing Blatchford hydraulic ankle-feet to non-hydraulic feet, have shown:

  • Greater comfort, reduced socket pressures
  • Improved safety, reduced risk of trips and falls
  • Smoother, easier and more natural gait
  • More evenly balanced inter-limb loading
  • Greater satisfaction

Download PDF

Download the AvalonK2 Whitepaper

Clinical Evidence

Over a decade after challenging conventional wisdom, new scientific evidence continues to be published on the medical advantages of hydraulic ankles. Discover our White Paper ‘A Study of Hydraulic Ankles’. 

Download PDF

*Clinical studies, latest research papers and full references available on our website.

 

Help & Support

 

EchelonVAC Technical Data

Max. User Weight:

125kg

Activity Level:

2 3 4*

Size Range:

22-30cm

Component Weight:

700g†

Build Height:

121mm sizes 22-24
126mm sizes 25-26
131mm sizes 27-30

Maximum Vacuum:

17"Hg

*Maximum user weight 100 kg and always use one higher spring rate category than shown in Spring selection table
†Component weight shown is for a size 26cm without foot shell.

Selection Guide

Click the image for full size version.

 

Foot Shell Width Guide

Click on the table below to help choose the correct width when ordering the new Sandal Toe Foot Shell. For sizes 25, 26 and 27 you can now choose between Narrow (N) and Wide (W) fittings.

Accessories

Alignment Wedge 940093
4mm Adjuster Key 940236
Socket Connection Kit 409663
Check Valve Service Kit 409863

Ordering

Example

EVAC 25 L N 3 S
 Product Code Size Side Width* Spring set Sandal Toe

*Narrow (N) and Wide (W) available for sizes 25-27 only.
For dark tone add suffix D. 
Example: foot size 25, left, narrow, spring rating 3, sandal toe

EchelonVAC Documentation

Product Information

Technical Guides

Science & Education

Other downloads