Kowalski, Krzysztof E, PhD

The purpose of our studies is to restore respiratory muscle function in patients with spinal cord injury.

We are developing systems for electrical activation of the inspiratory muscles to maintain full-time ventilatory support in patients with ventilator-dependent tetraplegia and electrical activation of the expiratory muscles to provide an effective cough mechanism in patients with expiratory muscles paralysis. Ventilatory support systems decrease the cost of medical care, improve speech, increase patient comfort, increase the ease of transportation and, overall improve life quality. Restoration of an effective cough mechanism has the potential to significantly decrease the risk of respiratory complications, which still account for most of the morbidity and mortality in traumatic tetraplegia.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Restoration of respiratory muscle function in subjects with spinal cord injury:

• Spinal cord stimulation to restore an effective cough mechanism in subjects with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury – Clinical Trial.
• High Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (HF-SCS) to restore inspiratory muscle function in spinal cord injury – Pre-Clinical Stage.