This study located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States aims to determine the safety and efficacy of using two NeuroPort Arrays (electrodes) in recording brain activity which can be used to control external devices. The outcome that will be studied is the safety of the participants and the efficacy of the electrodes.
The details
Individuals with tetraplegia/quadriplegia have partial or total loss of the use of the arms and legs. This can be caused by injury to the spinal cord, nerves or muscles. These individuals have intact brain function. Brain-machine interface technology aims to detect signals in the brain, which can be interpreted and used to control a variety of devices or computer displays. A NeuroPort Array is a system of electrodes that records electrical activity of the brain.
The main outcomes will be measured through the safety of the patient and the effectiveness of the electrodes at recording brain activty and controlling external devices.
Who are they looking for?
This study is recruiting 5 participants with limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or brainstem or spinal stroke. They should not have certain implanted devices. Their immune system should be functioning normally. They should not have other illnesses that could affect their ability to participate in this study.
Participants must be able to travel to the University of Pittsburgh once per week.
How will it work
All participants will be implanted with NeuroPort Array microelectrodes in their brain. Patients will have weekly visits for brain-machine interface training. Brain activity will be recorded. They will be followed for 12 months.
