Electrode Design for Standing Neuroprosthesis
This study aims to design a multi-contact nerve cuff electrodes to improve the performance of standing neuroprostheses for U.S. Veteran SCI patients.
The team aims to help Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) regain the ability to stand through peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), specifically targeting the sciatic nerve (SCN). Every year in the US, roughly 17,500 individuals suffer from spinal cord injuries, with a significant proportion being young Veterans. The enhancement of standing and walking abilities is a priority for those affected, as it promotes functional independence and improves the quality of life for our Veterans.
Traditional standing neuroprostheses aim to selectively activate nerves that control key muscles in the knee, hip, and trunk to maintain standing. Independent activation of muscles in the lower limb with control algorithms paired with sensory feedback further improves standing performance with such neuroprostheses. However, achieving selective activation of the muscles innervated from the upper sciatic nerve has been historically proven to be difficult.
The team’s SPiRE award project has two main goals. First, to create a 3D model of the SCN fascicles, using microCT and histology techniques. Second, to characterize nerve and fiber morphology (using Histology) to inform electrode placement and design approaches. This information will ultimately guide the design and surgical placement of new multi-contact nerve cuff electrodes to improve the performance of standing neuroprostheses for SCI patients.
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Principal Investigator: Andrew Shoffstall PhD