> Device restores movement in the partially paralyzed
Device restores movement in the partially paralyzed
February 20, 2007
For people who can't walk or move their limbs because of neurological impairment, a solution could soon be a step closer.
Human trials of the first fully implanted device that can restore movement are getting underway in Vancouver this month.
The Neurostep, created by SFU kinesiologist Andy Hoffer and his team, is a pacemaker-like device that is implanted inside the thigh. It uses nerve cuffs to sense and stimulate nerve activity in the paralyzed leg and enable movement in those suffering from neurological disabilities such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy.
"In individuals who can no longer move a leg because of a lesion in the brain or spinal cord control centers, the Neurostep monitors sensory information arising from the foot and decides when to activate the nerves that cause the paralyzed muscles to lift the foot. The device in effect replaces the missing neural control circuitry," says Hoffer.
Hoffer and his team pioneered the design and uses of nerve cuff electrodes and specialized amplifiers over the past three decades. He patented assistive device designs and applications and created an SFU spin-off company, Neurostream Technologies, which was bought by Victhom Human Bionics in 2004.
Hoffer is also taking the research in new directions. He is working with SFU colleague Faisal Beg to capture images of peripheral nerves using non-invasive 3-D magnetic resonance. Their aim is to provide surgeons with the most accurate information prior to a device implanting procedure.
Hoffer and SFU kinesiologist Max Donelan are also developing a biomechanical energy harvester prototype, a wearable device that captures motion energy during everyday human activities, such as walking and converts it into electrical energy. Their objective is to recharge a variety of battery-operated portable devices, as well as implanted devices such as the Neurostep.
Human trials of the first fully implanted device that can restore movement are getting underway in Vancouver this month.
The Neurostep, created by SFU kinesiologist Andy Hoffer and his team, is a pacemaker-like device that is implanted inside the thigh. It uses nerve cuffs to sense and stimulate nerve activity in the paralyzed leg and enable movement in those suffering from neurological disabilities such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy.
"In individuals who can no longer move a leg because of a lesion in the brain or spinal cord control centers, the Neurostep monitors sensory information arising from the foot and decides when to activate the nerves that cause the paralyzed muscles to lift the foot. The device in effect replaces the missing neural control circuitry," says Hoffer.
Hoffer and his team pioneered the design and uses of nerve cuff electrodes and specialized amplifiers over the past three decades. He patented assistive device designs and applications and created an SFU spin-off company, Neurostream Technologies, which was bought by Victhom Human Bionics in 2004.
Hoffer is also taking the research in new directions. He is working with SFU colleague Faisal Beg to capture images of peripheral nerves using non-invasive 3-D magnetic resonance. Their aim is to provide surgeons with the most accurate information prior to a device implanting procedure.
Hoffer and SFU kinesiologist Max Donelan are also developing a biomechanical energy harvester prototype, a wearable device that captures motion energy during everyday human activities, such as walking and converts it into electrical energy. Their objective is to recharge a variety of battery-operated portable devices, as well as implanted devices such as the Neurostep.