Abilitech Receives Medical Device License from Health Canada

Abilitech Medical has received a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL)from Health Canada.

Abilitech Assist powered orthotic is worn on the arm of a person seated in a wheelchair.

In a Feb. 24 news announcement, Abilitech said the MDEL will enable Canadian patients to obtain the Abilitech Assist, a powered orthotic device that includes assistance at the elbow and shoulder.

The externally worn Assist uses custom-calibrated springs, motors, and firmware to provide functional independence to clients who have lost movement in their arms.

Abilitech says the Assist can help its users lift objects weighing up to 12 ounces (.34 kilogram). The device, which “supports range of motion at the shoulder and elbow,” was introduced in the United States last year.

Angie Conley, Abilitech Medical’s founder and CEO, said in the news announcement, “We’re proud to have entered the Canadian marketplace, effective immediately. There are many individuals with spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disorders who will benefit from our assistive technology and are anxious to perform daily activities like eating, brushing teeth, and opening doors.”

The new MDEL allows Abilitech to work with medical device partners throughout Canada. Clinicians and rehab professionals seeking more information can contact the company at info@abilitechmedical.com.

About the Author

Laurie Watanabe is the editor of Mobility Management. She can be reached at lwatanabe@1105media.com.

In Support of Upper-Extremity Positioning