Filmmaker and Inventor Jerry Vasilatos Becomes First Amputee in Chicago to Receive Compress Fit Osseointegrated Implant

Disabled Chicagoan makes history as first patient to receive unique prosthetic innovation through a groundbreaking clinical trial at Northwestern Hospital.

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, March 25, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Chicago-based media producer and inventor Jerry Vasilatos is making history as the first amputee in the city to receive a Compress Osseointegrated Implant through a groundbreaking research study at Northwestern University Hospital. Conducted by Balmoral Medical, LLC, this study is a pivotal step toward obtaining FDA approval for a procedure that has already transformed the lives of amputees in Europe and Australia.

Vasilatos, who lost his right leg above the knee following a near-fatal accident in 1986, has spent decades overcoming the challenges posed by conventional socket-fitted prosthetics. While these devices provide basic mobility, they often cause discomfort and instability, making everyday movement difficult. Despite these limitations, Vasilatos pursued a successful career in media and innovation, using his personal injury settlement to fund his first film Solstice at age 25 and later inventing the EZ-Walk SandPad— a mobility aid designed to help cane and crutch using amputees and individuals with disabilities navigate uneven terrain.

Now, he is pioneering yet another breakthrough as the first patient in Northwestern's research study to receive a Transfemoral Compress Fit Osseointegrated Implant. Unlike traditional "bucket" prosthetics that rely on suction and sockets, osseointegration involves the surgical implantation of a titanium rod directly into the residual limb bone. This technique significantly enhances comfort, stability, and mobility, eliminating many of the issues associated with conventional prosthetics.

"This opportunity is life-changing—not just for me, but for the thousands of amputees in the U.S. who deserve better prosthetic solutions," said Vasilatos. "On behalf of all amputees searching for life changing mobility improvements, I hope my participation in this study helps bring osseointegration one step closer to widespread availability in the U.S."

Surgical Team

Leading the surgical team are Dr. Terrance D. Peabody and Dr. Samer Attar, both highly regarded orthopedic surgeons at Northwestern Medicine. Their team specializes in orthopedic oncology and complex limb reconstructions, making Northwestern University a leader in cutting-edge limb restoration procedures. Dr. Gregory A. Dumanian, a renowned plastic surgeon at Northwestern Medicine, will also be in attendance to perform the stump-plasty revision as part of the OPL implant procedure. Dr. Dumanian is a pioneer in nerve surgery and has extensive experience in complex reconstructive surgeries.

The study aims to collect essential data to gain FDA approval for this technology, ensuring that other amputees in the U.S. will have access to a more comfortable and functional alternative to traditional prosthetic sockets.

Follow Vasilatos’ Journey

To document his experience and educate others about osseointegration, Vasilatos will be sharing video updates about his journey on his website, "My Osseointegration Journey" at www.myoijourney.com. He will also be providing real-time updates on social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@myoijourney).

For more information about this innovation and the future of osseointegration, visit Northwestern Medicine and Osseointegration.org.

About Jerry Vasilatos

Jerry Vasilatos is an award-winning Chicago-based media producer, filmmaker, and inventor. Passionate about mobility solutions for amputees, he developed the EZ-Walk SandPad to help individuals with disabilities navigate difficult terrains. His participation in the Northwestern University research study represents his ongoing commitment to advocacy, innovation, and sharing awareness of the challenges facing those with limb loss and other disabilities.

Kristi Dunn
My OI Journey
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