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Brain-Machine Interface

CRS Array Brain-Machine Interface for Spinal Cord Injury (CRS-BMI Trial)

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Michael L Boninger, MD
Research Sponsored by Michael Boninger
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Subjects with intact limbs must have less than grade 2 strength in finger flexor and abduction on the contralateral side to the implant and a t-score <35 on the PROMIS Upper Extremity Short Form
Subjects must be over 1 year post-injury at time of implantation and report no worsening in neurologic status for the previous 6 months
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up one year following array implantation
Awards & highlights

CRS-BMI Trial Summary

This trial is testing if two implantable devices are safe and effective for long-term recording of brain activity and stimulation of sensation.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 22-70 with severe hand function loss due to specific injuries or conditions, able to follow study procedures and communicate in English. They must have a stable support system, live within 2 hours of the University of Pittsburgh, and not have worsening neurological status. Excluded are those with visual impairments, active infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain diseases that affect participation ability, metal implants incompatible with MRI scans, uncontrolled diabetes or seizures.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The trial tests the safety and effectiveness of CRS Arrays (microelectrodes) implanted in the brain. These devices record motor cortex activity and stimulate sensory cortex to potentially restore movement control or sensation in individuals with severe upper limb disabilities.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort at implant sites, risk of infection from surgery, possible skin irritation around care areas for the device pedestal. There might also be risks associated with long-term brain stimulation such as changes in mood or sensations.

CRS-BMI Trial Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My hand strength is weak and my arm function scores are low on the opposite side of my planned implant.
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It's been over a year since my injury, and my condition hasn't worsened in the last 6 months.
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I am between 22 and 70 years old.
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I live within 2 hours of the University of Pittsburgh or can travel there weekly.
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I can communicate in English with the study team.
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I have limited or no use of one or both hands due to an injury or condition.

CRS-BMI Trial Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~one year following array implantation
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and one year following array implantation for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
The is the safety of the participant.
Secondary outcome measures
The is the efficacy of the electrodes for long-term recording of neural activity and successful control of external devices.

CRS-BMI Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Brain-Machine Interface UsersExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
All participants enrolled in the study who meet eligibility criteria will be individuals implanted with microelectrodes in their brain to record neural activity. There is no control group.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of ChicagoOTHER
1,003 Previous Clinical Trials
819,719 Total Patients Enrolled
Northwestern UniversityOTHER
1,585 Previous Clinical Trials
917,201 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Quadriplegia
61 Patients Enrolled for Quadriplegia
Carnegie Mellon UniversityOTHER
76 Previous Clinical Trials
539,900 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

CRS Arrays (Brain-Machine Interface) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT01894802 — N/A
Quadriplegia Research Study Groups: Brain-Machine Interface Users
Quadriplegia Clinical Trial 2023: CRS Arrays Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT01894802 — N/A
CRS Arrays (Brain-Machine Interface) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT01894802 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the capacity of participants in this research project?

"Affirmative. According to clinicaltrials.gov, this medical trial is actively seeking participants and was initially posted on December 1st 2013. The last update occurred on September 22nd 2022 - 30 volunteers are necessary at a single site for the study's completion."

Answered by AI

What demographic is most likely to benefit from participating in this research?

"We are presently enrolling 30 individuals with Weber Syndrome between the ages of 22 and 70. Eligible participants must meet several criteria for inclusion, including but not limited to: residing within a two-hour radius of Pittsburgh University or having no qualms about travelling there weekly; being at least one year post injury; displaying proficiency in English due to study instructions; evincing minimal finger flexor strength on the contralateral side to implantation combined with low T-Score on PROMIS Upper Extremity Short Form; demonstrating an inability to effectively use their hand(s) while still able to engage passively when required; exhibiting normal neuropsych"

Answered by AI

Are geriatric patients capable of participating in this research project?

"This experiment is open to participants between the ages of 22 and 70 years."

Answered by AI

Are there any remaining vacancies for patients to join this trial?

"Yes, according to clinicaltrials.gov the trial is still recruiting patients, having been published on December 1st 2013 and most recently updated on September 22nd 2022. This study needs 30 participants from a single medical centre."

Answered by AI
Recent research and studies
~3 spots leftby Aug 2025