Tactee

The Tactee® system is a set of assistive devices designed to restore autonomy and independence in daily activities of people with mono or bilateral functional grasping deficits that aims to improve their quality of life.

Nowadays people suffering from pathologies such as tetraplegia, hemiplegia post stroke, multiple sclerosis or all those morbid events involving a functional grasping deficiency require intensive care of various figures such as therapists, family members and/or caregivers to carry out their everyday activities.

The Tactee® system returns functional autonomy and independence in different daily activities such as eating, drinking, writing, etc.; eliminating the caregiver who's been considered indispensable so far. This is possible thanks to a series of tools which are useful for performing various functions, coupled to a grip element that is worn to the hand, that allows hooking and unlocking and that can replace the various tools in an easy, fast and autonomous way.

The system, with 3 different grasping element sizes, includes special cutlery and adapters that make possible to use them with various common items such as pens, toothbrushes or razors and so on.

A functional grip is essential to be able to manage your daily activities independently. The functional grip can be lost completely or partially, after neurological injuries, stroke, MS, tetraplegia or other disabilities. The result will be a lower quality of life and less independence.

Tactee is a new set of assistive devices with magnets that provides new opportunities to create a functional grip. The system was developed by engineer Daria Tirone and physiotherapist Federico Veneziano from Turin in Italy. Federico saw daily the need to restore the functional grip and to improve the quality of life for his patients in his rehabilitation clinic. Since there was no available functionable system they decided together to develop one together with the Polytechnic University of Turin. That's how Tactee, the first magnetic adapter system was born.

Tactee consists of a Hand Grasping Element with three stong magnets that are placed next to each other with flexible joints between. The linear position of the magnets provides a secure and stong attachment. The joints between provides a unique advantage when you want to remove the tools attached to the adapter. The adapter has a flexible strap made form polyurethane that makes it both hygenic and easy to close the adapter using the mouth. To secure the adapter further there is a thumb strap that prevents to adapter from sliding off the hand once loaded. There is also a dorsal pad that can be applied on the adapter to prevent pressure for patients that has less soft tissue.

The Tactee® system is composed of a set of magnetic coupling elements designed for those suffering from upper limb disorders and affected by a mono/bilateral functional hand grasp deficit. It can be used in case of the main pathologies of the central nervous system, such as tetraplegia and post-stroke hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy and also for pathologies of the peripheral nervous system of traumatic or iatrogenic origin. Considering pathologies of orthopaedic origin, however, we refer to Rheumatoid Arthritis and all those situations where amputations of several fingers have become necessary.

All the elements that compose the Tactee® system don’t have electronic neither “complex” parts, so their maintenance is extremely simple. Each tool can be washed by hand with hot water and neutral soap or in a dishwasher.

Note: If the grip element is washed in the dishwasher, it is recommended to remove its cushion.

Available in a Kit which includes all accessories or all items can be purchased separately.

• Complete Kit - Small, Medium or Large - The Tactee Kit supports users as an aid for the hand in functional gripping and other activities of daily life. The kits consists of the Grasping Element in your choice of size, S, M or L and a range of aids to daily living - fork, spoon, knife, universal adapter, bottle holder, pads, storage case. Convenient storage case holds all utensils at the ready.
• Grasping Element - Small, Medium or Large  - Choose a Tactee Grasping Element size of choice - S, M or L. Three magnets in palm, for use with Tactee tools & accessories. Flexible strap; made from polyurethane that makes it both hygienic and easy to close the grasping element using the mouth. To secure the grasping element further there is a thumb strap that prevents the adapter from sliding off the hand once loaded. Adapts for use on right or left hand. 
• Fork, Spoon & Knife - Together with the Tactee Grasping Element, the fork, spoon and knife supports you when eating and practicing the necessary movement sequences in functional gripping. Injection moulded and made of stainless steel and polycarbonate. The angle of the fork, spoon & knife can be adjusted by using a bending iron. Suitable for right or left hand; dishwasher safe.
• Universal Adapter - used as an everyday hand aid and adapts for use with a toothbrush, razor, pen or other items. Use the Universal Adapter with a Tactee Grasping Element of any size, which connects quickly and easily using magnetic inserts. Magnetic inserts hold securely to the Tactee Grasping Element. Suitable for right or left hand. 
  
• Bottle Holder - Drink independently with the Tactee Bottle Holder. Use the Tactee Bottle Holder with a Tactee Grasping Element of any size, which connects quickly, easily and securely using magnetic inserts. Velcro stap fits around most bottles or cups making it easy to hold. Can be used for the right or left hand.
• Pads - The Tactee Pads are a pair of dorsal pads that can be applied on the Tactee Grasping Element for users that are pressure sensitive. The soft foam pads can be easily detached and changed in an uncomplicated manner.
• Black Storage Case - The Tactee Storage Case is a convenient way to store, protect and transport Tactee accessories. Foam interior has pre-cut cubbies for each accessory. Tactee accessories sold separately.

The Grasping Element is available in 3 sizes. Measurement to be taken around MCP joints.

• Patients with a pacemaker are prohibited from using the device. There are many objects that react to static magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets. Some devices are only temporarily affected, others may be permanently damaged. Please refer to the "Tactee FAQs" under Product Attachments.
  
• First use and adjustment of the product must be performed by a health professional, in order to ensure the effectiveness, tolerability and correct operation of the product.
• To obtain the correct functional effect, you must use the correct size of the product.
• The clasp system must be fitted and adjusted by the orthopaedic personnel who sold this system, to fit the anatomy and pathology of the patient who will use the system.
• The components of this kit may not be modified without the supervision of qualified personnel for any reason.
• In the pressure support zone, the skin must not be broken or hyper-sensitive. If inflammation, irritation of the skin or other secondary issues occur, we recommend that you immediately contact your treating physician.
• Every component of this kit is strictly for (single-patient) personal use. If the device is used by another person, parts in direct contact with the skin may cause hygienic as well as functional risks.
• Do not use this device if it is damaged or malfunctions. If the device is no longer able to be used, it must be replaced and disposed of.