Coyote Connect Elevated Vacuum FAQs

Coyote Connect can be used with a variety of prosthetic liner materials. However, silicone and urethane liners are generally preferred for elevated vacuum applications because of their material properties and durability under vacuum.Silicone liners are durable and hold up well under the repeated forces created by elevated vacuum. They can also be a good option for patients with sensitive skin.Urethane liners work particularly well with elevated vacuum. Under vacuum, urethane can flow into areas of lower pressure and accommodate the contours of the residual limb, helping distribute pressure within the socket.Bottom LineSilicone and urethane are generally our preferred liner materials for Coyote Connect and elevated vacuum, although other liner materials may also be appropriate depending on the application.

Yes. TPE and other hybrid liners can be used with Coyote Connect and elevated vacuum, but there are several considerations.TPE may not withstand the repeated forces of elevated vacuum as well as silicone or urethane. Over time, particularly if there is a void between the liner and residual limb or between the limb and prosthesis, the material may be more susceptible to cracking or separation. This is most often seen with older liners that have not been replaced at the recommended frequency.Patients using TPE liners with elevated vacuum should routinely inspect their liners for:CrackingSeparationExcessive wearOther changes in the liner materialLiners should be replaced regularly and when appropriate.Historically, some TPE liners contained relatively high amounts of oil. Over time, these oils had the potential to migrate into a vacuum system and contribute to pump contamination or clogging. Most modern liners contain significantly less oil, so the risk of this occurring is lower.

Coyote Connect can accommodate multiple prosthetic liner and suspension configurations, including:Seal-in style cushion linersStandard cushion liners used with a suspension sleeveWhen using a cushion liner with a suspension sleeve, there must be a pathway for air to move around the limb so the Coyote Connect vacuum system can evacuate air effectively.If the liner has a fabric exterior, the fabric provides this air-wicking pathway.If a non-fabric liner is used, such as some urethane liners, a thin nylon or similar air-wicking interface should be placed over the liner. This allows air to travel around the limb and toward the vacuum system.Bottom LineSilicone and urethane are generally our preferred liner materials for Coyote Connect and elevated vacuum, but TPE and hybrid liners can also be used when appropriately selected, fitted, and monitored.Regardless of liner material, clinicians should ensure there is an appropriate pathway for air movement, the liner is in good condition, and the patient routinely inspects the liner for signs of wear.

No. Coyote Connect can be used with or without a suspension sleeve, depending on the liner and suspension configuration selected.Option 1: Seal-In Liner Without a Suspension SleeveA seal-in liner can be used without a suspension sleeve. In this configuration, the liner's sealing gasket creates the vacuum seal, and vacuum is applied to the portion of the limb from the sealing gasket distally.One advantage of this configuration is that seal-in liners typically allow greater knee flexion range of motion compared with a suspension sleeve configuration.Because a sleeve does not extend across the knee, there is less material and resistance around the joint during flexion. This can be especially beneficial for active patients or those who prioritize knee mobility.It is important that the gasket be fully contained within the socket trimlines.The release valve allows air back into the socket, allowing the patient to remove the prosthesis.The patient must ensure the release valve is closed prior to turning the Connect on.Option 2: Cushion Liner With a Suspension SleeveA cushion liner combined with a suspension sleeve can be used when the goal is to place more of the residual limb under vacuum.This may be desirable when trying to maximize benefits associated with elevated vacuum, such as:Volume stabilizationTissue perfusionReduced perspiration within the socketFor the best seal, the suspension sleeve should overlap approximately the proximal 2 inches of the cushion liner. Alternatively the liner can be reflected over the proximal socket edge to provide a smooth surface for the sleeve to seal against.Relying on the sleeve to seal only against the patient's thigh may increase the potential for an air leak. Hair, skin folds or invaginations, scar tissue, and other skin irregularities can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent seal.

Most standard prosthetic suspension sleeves available within the industry should work with Coyote Connect, as long as the sleeve is capable of maintaining an airtight seal.Sleeves that incorporate fabric around the knee or within the sealing area should generally be avoided. Air can travel through the fabric and enter the system, potentially creating a vacuum leak or preventing Coyote Connect from maintaining the desired vacuum level.Protecting the Suspension Sleeve and Maintaining the Vacuum SealSocket trimlines should have smooth, well-finished edges to reduce the risk of damaging or tearing the suspension sleeve.The sleeve should be securely sealed to the socket distally and maintain a secure proximal seal to prevent air from entering the system.Patients should periodically inspect their suspension sleeve for small holes, tears, excessive wear, or other damage that could compromise the vacuum seal.Bottom LineA suspension sleeve is not required to use Coyote Connect.A seal-in liner can provide an effective vacuum seal while typically allowing greater knee flexion and freedom of movement.A cushion liner combined with a suspension sleeve allows a larger portion of the residual limb to be exposed to elevated vacuum and more benefits.If a suspension sleeve is used, most standard airtight prosthetic sleeves are compatible. Avoid sleeves with fabric in areas that need to maintain the vacuum seal, and routinely inspect the sleeve and socket interface for potential sources of air leaks.

The Coyote Connect is a compact, electronically controlled elevated vacuum system for prosthetic applications. It provides up to 20 inHg of vacuum to help maintain suspension and secure the prosthesis to the residual limb.

The Coyote Connect is a small, battery-powered distal puck that is installed internally at the bottom of the prosthetic socket. It actively maintains vacuum between the residual limb and prosthesis to help provide secure suspension.The rechargeable battery is charged through a USB-C connection. Vacuum levels can be controlled through the Coyote Connect mobile app, allowing the user to adjust the system to their needs.

Elevated vacuum can provide several benefits for prosthetic users, including improved suspension, reduced pistoning, and improved residual limb volume management.Constant elevated vacuum may also help support tissue perfusion and residual limb health by promoting the movement of blood, lymph, and nutrients within the residual limb.The benefits of elevated vacuum can vary depending on the patient, socket design, liner, suspension configuration, and fit.

Coyote Connect is designed for prosthetic users who may benefit from elevated vacuum suspension. Whether elevated vacuum is appropriate depends on the individual patient, residual limb, socket design, liner, suspension method, and other clinical considerations.A prosthetist can determine whether Coyote Connect and elevated vacuum are appropriate for a particular patient and prosthetic system.

Coyote Connect can be incorporated into both transtibial (below-knee) and transfemoral (above-knee) prosthetic applications when an appropriate socket, liner, and suspension configuration are used.Your prosthetist can determine the appropriate setup for your prosthesis.

Yes. Coyote Connect can be controlled through a mobile app, allowing the user to adjust vacuum settings and select presets.Coyote Connect can also be operated manually, so a smartphone is not required for normal operation.

Yes. Coyote Connect can be used without a smartphone. A manual push-button control allows the system to be turned on and off without using the app.The system can also be completely shut down so it is no longer searching for a Bluetooth connection. When Coyote Connect is turned back on manually, it returns to the vacuum setting that was active when it was turned off.

Using the Coyote Connect mobile app, users can adjust the amount of vacuum to meet their needs. The app also includes three adjustable presets for sitting, walking, and running. Each preset can be individually adjusted to the user's preferred vacuum level.

Coyote Connect is designed for efficient battery use. Battery life depends in part on how well the prosthetic system maintains its seal because a system with an air leak will require the pump to run more frequently.With a well-sealed system, we are typically seeing approximately 3–5 days of use between charges.

Coyote Connect has an IP28 water-resistance rating and has been tested to 10 feet (3 meters) of water for up to 4 hours.

One indication of an air leak is the Coyote Connect pump running more frequently than usual. With a well-sealed prosthetic system, the pump may only need to run a few times throughout the day to maintain the selected vacuum level.If the pump begins running more frequently, check the suspension sleeve for folds, small holes, tears, or other potential sources of air leakage.If you are using a seal-in liner, you may also want to remove and redon the prosthesis, making sure the liner is positioned correctly and the sealing surface is properly engaged within the socket.If the system continues to run frequently or cannot maintain vacuum, contact your prosthetist for assistance.

If Coyote Connect is not maintaining vacuum, first check the prosthetic system for possible air leaks. Inspect the suspension sleeve, liner, sealing surfaces, and socket interface to make sure an airtight seal is being maintained.Coyote Connect can also be completely reset by pressing and holding the power button for more than 5 seconds. The unit will vibrate three times and then completely shut down.A complete shutdown turns off the system, including Bluetooth, which can help preserve battery power during extended periods when the Connect is not being used. Press the power button again to restart the system.If Coyote Connect still cannot maintain vacuum after checking the seal and restarting the system, contact your prosthetist or Coyote for additional troubleshooting assistance.

Coyote Connect is available through major prosthetic and orthotic distributors in the United States and other countries and can also be purchased directly from Coyote O&P Inc.Availability through European distributors is expected in 2027.

If the Coyote Connect battery runs out of power while you are wearing your prosthesis, the system's one-way valve continues to provide approximately 1.6 inHg of suction to help maintain suspension and keep the prosthesis connected to your residual limb.The one-way valve works independently of the battery, providing passive suction even when the electronic elevated vacuum system is not running.