DiMarco, Anthony F, MD

The primary interest of our research team is the restoration of respiratory muscle function in individuals with spinal cord injury.

This research emphasizes the role of feedback, muscle mechanical properties of the limbs in the execution and regulation of movements. Current research projects include the control of wrist flexion/extension and elbow extension in patients with spinal cord injuries. Other projects involve the clinical implementation and evaluation of closed-loop stiffness regulation for hand grasp, and the development of muscle models suitable for use in the stimulations with neuronal models.

Subjects with high cervical spinal cord injury levels suffer from respiratory failure and are dependent upon mechanical ventilation. Utilizing restorative electrical stimulation techniques (diaphragm pacing), more normal breathing can be restored. Pacing systems improve mobility, speech and sense of smell, reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections, and eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation and attached tubing. Restoration of respiratory muscle function can significantly improve overall quality of life and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with spinal cord injury.

AREAS OF INTEREST

• Ongoing clinical feasibility trials of an implanted Spinal Cord Stimulation system to restore an effective cough mechanism in subjects with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury
• We are also exploring a method of diaphragm and inspiratory intercostal/accessory muscle activation to provide restoration of more normal breathing in subjects with ventilator-dependent spinal cord injury

This project is in the preliminary stages of animal testing and is not yet available for implementation in human subjects.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

• Restoration of Cough