Cleveland students’ 3D-printed prosthetics mission begins with first patient in Ecuador

IBARRA, Ecuador (WOIO) - Students from the Great Lakes Science Center’s Robotics Initiative, arrived in Ecuador with a goal of changing lives, and on their first day seeing patients, the group met a woman who said she has spent years without a prosthetic that worked for her.

After two days of preparation, the team met its first patients at Hospital General Ibarra. A team member described the first day as “fun, emotional and it was exciting,” saying they enjoyed seeing “all our hard work pay off.”

The team’s first patient was Anagabriella Arguello, a physical therapist at the hospital. Arguello was born without a hand and said she has adjusted to life without one.

For years, Arguello said she tried prosthetics that were uncomfortable and difficult to use.

“Other prosthetics came with harnesses, it was always complicated, but this one seems way more comfortable to use,” Arguello said.

The team is fitting Arguello with a 3D-printed prosthetic made by Cleveland students. The script described it as lighter and easier to manage.

Arguello said the prosthetic will help her in her work as a physical therapist.

“Here we hold our patients, so I think that this prosthetic is going to help with my work with my patients more than anything,” she said.

Team member Geonni Sterba said they were making final adjustments, including sizing changes and switching the color to Arguello’s preference.

Arguello is scheduled to receive her new prosthetic on Friday.

“I am so excited and filled with hope that what I will be able to do with this prosthetic,” Arguello said.