Now Fitting Bionic Arms in Austin: Meet Travis Heins, CPO

When patients visit the Open Bionics clinic in Austin, TX, they meet Travis Heins, a clinician who pairs technician-grade craft with a focus on holistic care and open communication.

Travis’ path to upper-limb care began in 2015 after a friend was paralyzed. “I saw him interfacing with a medical device every day,” he said. “That sparked the idea that there’s a whole world of professionals who build and fit these things.” 

He trained as a plaster technician and later worked in fabrication, where precision became second nature. “I received casts of varying quality,” he said. “That taught me how to rectify models and make sure everything looked right before it ever got to a patient.”

His extensive background as a technician shows up through his work at the Austin clinic. During the initial patient evaluations, Travis takes careful measurements, runs a quick myoelectric check using MyoPods, and casts. Then he prints flexible TPU test sockets that mimic a finished fit. 

“I’ll often prepare two test sockets from the same model, one conservative and one more fitted,” he said. “Printing both lets people compare comfort and control on day one.” 

A recent case proved the point. “We ended up going with the more modified one,” he said. “It gave the best combination of stability and comfort.”

His human-centric process starts with the first interaction with a patient. “I take my time during consults,” Travis said. “I make sure all the big questions are answered, including timelines and insurance, so people leave fully informed.” He walks through each step in plain language. “Tell me what you want to do,” he said. “I’ll explain each the technical specs of each of our devices and how they are different and we will map the steps to get there.”

Insurance is part of that plan from the beginning. “High-tech upper-limb devices can face denials,” Travis said. “We don’t take a denial at face value.” He coordinates with rehabilitation physicians who know how to document medical necessity, and he prepares appeals when needed. “The goal is to give each case the best chance to move forward,” he explained.

Evaluations are scheduled with time to think and tinker. “That’s the beauty of this setup,” Travis said about Open Bionics’ unique approach to patient care. “If an evaluation needs three hours because someone has a lot of questions, we take the time. People travel to see us. They deserve thorough answers and a good fit before they commit.”

Travis is candid about what an upper-limb prosthesis should be. “This is your helper hand,” he said. “When it stabilizes, holds and supports your sound hand, people actually want to wear it. Some people want to pour a drink or hold a book,” he said. “Teens often want a prosthetic that feels personal. We map each goal to physical therapy and check back after delivery to fine-tune.”

He also likes to keep an eye out for what’s next in the prosthetic industry. “Wireless control, waterproof designs and lighter components already make a difference,” he said. “The future is neuro-linked microprocessor interfaces and other emerging control systems that reduce latency between intention and movement. Our advanced bionics and software is ready to adapt as those interfaces mature.”

When asked what success looks like, Travis keeps it simple. “The best feedback is when someone says the arm made something easier than before, and makes people feel good wearing it. ” he said.

Travis recently attended Enhancing Skills for Life – Skills for Life 7 workshop in Houston where he took along bionic tech and our activity arms for people to try and demo “This workshop focused almost entirely on upper-limb bilateral patients. It’s powerful to see a community built around shared experiences and challenges.” commented Travis.

The Open Bionics Austin clinic serves patients across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Ready to explore personalized upper-limb prosthetic care with a clear plan from consult to fitting? Book a free appointment today.