A Marine Corps veteran receives the first prosthetic which can be used on land or in water abling him to swim with both legs again.

Dan Lasko is a Marine Corps veteran who lost a leg from the knee down due to an IED ambush in Afghanistan thirteen years ago. Lasko spent a year recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and in this time received his first prosthetic. 

However, the prosthetic could not be used to go swimming. Lasko explains in a Newsday video:

“I would always take one off and either hop and jump in the pool or, if I would go to the beach with my wife, I would take my leg off in the sand, leave my leg there on the towel and scoot on my butt towards the shoreline and go swimming.”

However, thanks to 3D printing, Lasko has now received the first “fully functional swim leg”. Northwell Health, Eschen Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratories and Composite Prototyping Center are behind the design.

Rather than simply adding “dead weight” to his body, the waterproof prosthetic design helps with propulsion. “The fin device makes it so that I can propel myself through the water, and it feels like an actual leg,” Lasko adds. “It feels great.”

3D Printed Swim Leg Could Aid Lasko’s Triathlons

Lasko regularly competes in triathlons which he believes has played a “huge role” in his recovery. He has competed in more than 30 triathlons and uses two different prosthetics, one for running and the other for biking.

He explains that, until now, he has always used his upper body strength for swimming. However, a researcher at Northwell, Todd Goldstein, began developing a prosthetic which could also be used in water. He explains: “I was shocked to learn that there wasn’t already something out there like this.”

Eschen Prosthetic provided the socket and foot of the prosthetic while Composite Prototyping Center created the “fin”. This is the 3D printed triangle which aids propulsion. The design incorporates nylon and carbon fiber making it strong and waterproof.

The prosthetic will be available to purchase this year and could cost from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on customization. Lasko is very happy with his own.

“I have two young boys who love the water,” Lasko explains. “This leg gives me the confidence to play with them, to show them a good time and teach them how to swim.”

Source: Newsday