30 Participants Needed

Neuroprosthetic System for Spinal Cord Injury

(NNP-UE+T Trial)

Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Kevin Kilgore
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 1 JurisdictionThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is to evaluate the use of a fully implanted device for providing hand function, reach, and trunk function to individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Funding Sources: FDA OOPD NIH NINDS

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have conditions like severe cardiopulmonary disease or are on medications that interact with implantable devices, you might need to discuss this with the trial team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Networked Neuroprosthetic System for Grasp and Trunk in individuals with spinal cord injury?

Research shows that the Networked Neuroprosthesis (NNP) system is functional and capable of generating stimulus pulses and recording signals, and an advanced neuroprosthesis has been shown to improve grasp strength, range of motion, and independence in daily activities for individuals with cervical level spinal cord injury, with no medical complications reported.12345

Is the Networked Neuroprosthetic System safe for humans?

The Networked Neuroprosthetic System has been tested in people with spinal cord injuries and has shown to be safe, with no medical complications reported from the implanted components. The system has been used for over 20 years in some cases, demonstrating its durability and safety.13567

How is the Networked Neuroprosthetic System treatment different from other treatments for spinal cord injury?

The Networked Neuroprosthetic System (NNP) is unique because it is a fully implanted modular system that can restore multiple functions by electrically activating paralyzed muscles in coordinated patterns. Unlike traditional single-device neuroprostheses, the NNP uses a networked approach with multiple modules for power, signal processing, and stimulation, allowing for more complex and customizable control of muscle movements.12348

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals over 16 years old with cervical spinal cord injuries (C4-C8 level, AIS grade A-D) who are at least six months post-injury. Participants must have some arm and trunk muscle strength, be medically stable for surgery, and willing to participate. Pregnant women, those with certain neurological conditions or severe diseases, active infections, or other implantable devices are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am older than 16 years.
I have a spinal cord injury at the neck level and it's been over 6 months since the injury.
My arm and trunk muscles respond well to stimulation.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have other implanted medical devices that might not work well with the new implant.
You have a pacemaker or defibrillator, unless there are specific exceptions.
I have fractures that stop me from using my arm or body properly.
See 11 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Implantation and Initial Assessment

Participants receive the implanted networked neuroprosthetic system and undergo initial functional training and assessment

4-6 weeks

Functional Training and Assessment

Participants undergo functional training and assessment to optimize the use of the neuroprosthetic system for hand, arm, and trunk function

3 months
Regular in-person visits for training and assessment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the initial training and assessment phase

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Networked Neuroprosthetic System for Grasp and Trunk
Trial OverviewThe study tests a fully implanted neuroprosthetic system designed to restore hand function, reach ability, and trunk control in people with cervical spinal cord injuries. It aims to evaluate the device's effectiveness in improving motor functions that were affected by the injury.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Intervention - implant neuroprosthesisExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Receives implanted networked neuroprosthetic system for hand, arm, and trunk function. Undergoes functional training and assessment.

Networked Neuroprosthetic System for Grasp and Trunk is already approved in United States for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Networked Neuroprosthetic System for:
  • Cervical spinal cord injury for hand function, reach, and trunk function

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kevin Kilgore

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1
Recruited
30+

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Collaborator

Trials
1,403
Recruited
655,000+

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Collaborator

Trials
59
Recruited
10,600+

Case Western Reserve University

Collaborator

Trials
314
Recruited
236,000+

FDA Orphan Products Division

Collaborator

Trials
1
Recruited
30+

Findings from Research

The Networked Neuroprosthesis (NNP) is the first fully implanted modular neuroprosthetic system that can electrically activate paralyzed muscles and record biopotential signals, offering a significant advancement in restoring functionality for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Bench testing confirmed that the NNP can generate stimulus pulses and accurately record myoelectric, temperature, and accelerometer signals, indicating its potential for various clinical applications.
Design and Testing of Stimulation and Myoelectric Recording Modules in an Implanted Distributed Neuroprosthetic System.Makowski, N., Campean, A., Lambrecht, J., et al.[2022]
In a study involving 12 participants with motor complete spinal cord injury, significant electrical activity was detected in 89% of the muscles below the injury level, indicating that these muscles can potentially serve as command sources for neuroprostheses.
At least two muscles from each participant showed enough activity to be considered viable command signals, suggesting that even in cases of clinically complete spinal cord injury, some voluntary control may still exist and can be harnessed for restoring movement functions.
A novel command signal for motor neuroprosthetic control.Moss, CW., Kilgore, KL., Peckham, PH.[2021]
The advanced neuroprosthesis has been successfully implanted in 4 individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries, showing significant improvements in grasp strength, range of motion, and independence in daily activities over a minimum follow-up of 16 months.
No medical complications were reported from the implanted components, indicating the system's safety and stability in providing essential grasping and reaching functions for users with tetraplegia.
An advanced neuroprosthesis for restoration of hand and upper arm control using an implantable controller.Peckham, PH., Kilgore, KL., Keith, MW., et al.[2019]

References

Design and Testing of Stimulation and Myoelectric Recording Modules in an Implanted Distributed Neuroprosthetic System. [2022]
A novel command signal for motor neuroprosthetic control. [2021]
An advanced neuroprosthesis for restoration of hand and upper arm control using an implantable controller. [2019]
Implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring arm and hand function in people with high level tetraplegia. [2021]
Persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia achieve selected functional gains using a neuroprosthesis. [2019]
Twenty year experience with implanted neuroprostheses. [2020]
Acute Implantation of a Bioresorbable Polymer Scaffold in Patients With Complete Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: 24-Month Follow-up From the INSPIRE Study. [2023]
Neuroprosthetics of the upper extremity--clinical application in spinal cord injury and future perspectives. [2005]