A new solution can reduce up to half of the staff resources needed for limb care procedures

Many limb care procedures in healthcare, such as casting, require at least two professionals. The work is time-consuming and often ergonomically demanding. LimbMate, developed by Pekka Nätti from Turku, is a healthcare aid designed to secure the position of an upper or lower limb during procedures. Nätti is currently on study leave from his duties at Turku University Hospital and is studying to become an engineer. Whereas traditional procedures require multiple pairs of hands, LimbMate ensures the same outcome without extra staff — one professional is enough. The device is suitable for both upper and lower limbs, and its fastening mechanism is designed so that it does not interfere with the procedure itself. The first prototype of the device has been manufactured.

                              Pekka Nätti with the first prototype of the LimbMate aid he developed.

The invention originated during Nätti’s military service as a medic:
“I remember thinking about how laborious the foot problems of conscripts were. I started sketching a support device and later noticed the same problem in hospitals,” he recalls. Later, while working as a cast technician, Nätti realized that the work could have been almost twice as efficient without requiring another professional just to hold the limb in the correct position.

Health Campus Turku was contacted by Pekka via the TERTTU service.
“Reaching out through the TERTTU service was a major turning point for me. I was able to present my idea and product to the evaluation group, and as a result I started discussions with the innovation center of the wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland. Their encouragement inspired me to apply for the SPARK Finland mentoring program, where I’ve received tremendous support and opportunities from professionals in the field.”

Now the development of LimbMate is focused on meeting strict medical device regulatory requirements and preparing for commercialization.
“The goal is to make limb care in healthcare more resource-efficient and safer. Commercializing LimbMate is the near-term objective,” Nätti summarizes. From Health Campus Turku, he hopes in the future to find partners for research and product development collaboration.