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Tawakol O, Herman MD, Foxley S, Mushahwar VK, Towle VL, Troyk PR. In-vivo testing of a novel wireless intraspinal microstimulation interface for restoration of motor function following spinal cord injury. Artif Organs 2024; 48:263-273. [PMID: 37170929 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury causes a drastic loss in motor and sensory function. Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) is an electrical stimulation method developed for restoring motor function by activating the spinal networks below the level of injury. Current ISMS technology uses fine penetrating microwires to stimulate the ventral horn of the lumbar enlargement. The penetrating wires traverse the dura mater through a transdural conduit that connects to an implantable pulse generator. OBJECTIVE A wireless, fully intradural ISMS implant was developed to mitigate the potential complications associated with the transdural conduit, including tethering and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. METHODS Two wireless floating microelectrode array (WFMA) devices were implanted in the lumbar enlargement of an adult domestic pig. Voltage transients were used to assess the electrochemical stability of the interface. Manual flexion and extension movements of the spine were performed to evaluate the mechanical stability of the interface. Post-mortem 9T MRI imaging was used to confirm the location of the electrodes. RESULTS The WFMA-based ISMS interface successfully evoked extension and flexion movements of the hip joint. Stimulation thresholds remained stable following manual extension and flexion of the spine. CONCLUSION The preliminary results demonstrate the surgical feasibility as well as the functionality of the proposed wireless ISMS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Tawakol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Martin D Herman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sean Foxley
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vivian K Mushahwar
- Department of Medicine and Neuroscience, Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vernon L Towle
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philip R Troyk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Femi-Akinlosotu O, Olopade FE, Mustapha O, Adekanmbi A, Olopade JO. Morphometric analysis of the spinal cord of the Sus scrofa (large white and landrace crossbreed). Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:289-299. [PMID: 36345666 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of spinal cord (SC) injury in developed and undeveloped countries is alarming. The pig (Sus scrofa) has been recommended as a suitable research model for translational studies because of its morphophysiological similarities of organ systems with humans. There is a dearth of information on the SC anatomy of the large white and landrace crossbreed (LW-LC) pigs. We therefore aim to describe the gross morphology and morphometry of its SC. Twelve juvenile LW-LC pigs (six males and six females) were used. The skin and epaxial muscles were dissected to expose the vertebral column. The SC was carefully harvested by laminectomy, and 13 gross SC morphometric parameters were evaluated. Thirty-three spinal nerves were seen emanating from either side of the SC by means of dorsal and ventral spinal roots. The overall average of SC length and weight was 36.23 ± 1.01 cm and 16.60 ± 0.58 g, respectively. However, the mean SC length and weight were higher in females compared with males, with SC weight being statistically significant. A positive relationship between SC length and weight was significant for males (p = 0.0435) but not for females (p = 0.42). Likewise, the strength of the relationship between SC length and weight was significant in males (r = 0.82) but not significant in females (r = 0.41). Baseline data for the morphometric features of the spinal cord in the LW-LC pigs were generated, which will contribute to the knowledge of this species anatomy and useful information on regional anaesthesia that should further strengthen the drive in adopting the pig as a suitable research model for biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oluwaseun Mustapha
- Vertebrate Morphology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Adejoke Adekanmbi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - James O Olopade
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Baeg E, Doudlah R, Swader R, Lee H, Han M, Kim SG, Rosenberg A, Kim B. MRI Compatible, Customizable, and 3D-Printable Microdrive for Neuroscience Research. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0495-20.2021. [PMID: 33593730 PMCID: PMC7986532 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0495-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective connectivity of brain networks can be assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to quantify the effects of local electrical microstimulation (EM) on distributed neuronal activity. The delivery of EM to specific brain regions, particularly with layer specificity, requires MRI compatible equipment that provides fine control of a stimulating electrode's position within the brain while minimizing imaging artifacts. To this end, we developed a microdrive made entirely of MRI compatible materials. The microdrive uses an integrated penetration grid to guide electrodes and relies on a microdrilling technique to eliminate the need for large craniotomies, further reducing implant maintenance and image distortions. The penetration grid additionally serves as a built-in MRI marker, providing a visible fiducial reference for estimating probe trajectories. Following the initial implant procedure, these features allow for multiple electrodes to be inserted, removed, and repositioned with minimal effort, using a screw-type actuator. To validate the design of the microdrive, we conducted an EM-coupled fMRI study with a male macaque monkey. The results verified that the microdrive can be used to deliver EM during MRI procedures with minimal imaging artifacts, even within a 7 Tesla (7T) environment. Future applications of the microdrive include neuronal recordings and targeted drug delivery. We provide computer aided design (CAD) templates and a parts list for modifying and fabricating the microdrive for specific research needs. These designs provide a convenient, cost-effective approach to fabricating MRI compatible microdrives for neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Baeg
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea 16060
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea 16419
| | - Raymond Doudlah
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
| | | | - Hyowon Lee
- System Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Minjun Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea 16419
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea 16060
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea 16419
| | - Ari Rosenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Byounghoon Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
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Toossi A, Bergin B, Marefatallah M, Parhizi B, Tyreman N, Everaert DG, Rezaei S, Seres P, Gatenby JC, Perlmutter SI, Mushahwar VK. Comparative neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral spinal cord of the rat, cat, pig, monkey, and human. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1955. [PMID: 33479371 PMCID: PMC7820487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall goal of this work was to create a high-resolution MRI atlas of the lumbosacral enlargement of the spinal cord of the rat (Sprague-Dawley), cat, domestic pig, rhesus monkey, and human. These species were chosen because they are commonly used in basic and translational research in spinal cord injuries and diseases. Six spinal cord specimens from each of the studied species (total of 30 specimens) were fixed, extracted, and imaged. Sizes of the spinal cord segments, cross-sectional dimensions, and locations of the spinal cord gray and white matter were quantified and compared across species. The lumbar enlargement spans spinal cord levels L3-S1 in rats, L4-S1 in cats, L3-S1 in pigs, L2/L3-L7/S1 in monkeys, and T12/L1-S1/S2 in humans. The enlargements in pigs and humans are largest and most similar in size (length and cross-sectional area); followed by monkeys and cats; and followed by rats. The obtained atlas establishes a neuroanatomical reference for the intact lumbosacral spinal cord in these species. It can also be used to guide the planning of surgical procedures of the spinal cord and technology design and development of spinal cord neuroprostheses, as well as precise delivery of cells/drugs into target regions within the spinal cord parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Toossi
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bradley Bergin
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Maedeh Marefatallah
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Behdad Parhizi
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Neil Tyreman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dirk G Everaert
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sabereh Rezaei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter Seres
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Steve I Perlmutter
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Centre, Seattle, USA
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Vivian K Mushahwar
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Pikov V, McCreery DB, Han M. Intraspinal stimulation with a silicon-based 3D chronic microelectrode array for bladder voiding in cats. J Neural Eng 2020; 17. [PMID: 33181490 PMCID: PMC8113353 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abca13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Bladder dysfunction is a significant and largely unaddressed problem for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Intermittent catheterization does not provide volitional control of micturition and has numerous side effects. Targeted electrical microstimulation of the spinal cord has been previously explored for restoring such volitional control in the animal model of experimental SCI. Here, we continue the development of the intraspinal microstimulation array technology to evaluate its ability to provide more focused and reliable bladder control in the feline animal model. Approach. For the first time, a mechanically robust intraspinal multisite silicon array was built using novel microfabrication processes to provide custom-designed tip geometry and 3D electrode distribution. Long-term implantation was performed in eight spinally intact animals for a period up to 6 months, targeting the dorsal gray commissure area in the S2 sacral cord that is known to be involved in the coordination between the bladder detrusor and the external urethral sphincter. Main results. About one third of the electrode sites in the that area produced micturition-related responses. The effectiveness of stimulation was further evaluated in one of eight animals after spinal cord transection (SCT). We observed increased bladder responsiveness to stimulation starting at 1 month post-transection, possibly due to supraspinal disinhibition of the spinal circuitry and/or hypertrophy and hyperexcitability of the spinal bladder afferents. Significance. 3D intraspinal microstimulation arrays can be chronically implanted and provide a beneficial effect on the bladder voiding in the intact spinal cord and after SCT. However, further studies are required to assess longer-term reliability and safety of the developed intraspinal microstimulation array prior to eventual human translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Pikov
- Medipace Inc, Pasadena, California, UNITED STATES
| | - Douglas B McCreery
- Neural Engineeiring Laboratory, Huntington Medical Research Institute, 734 Fairmount Avenue, Pasadena CA 91105, USA, Pasadena, California, 91105, UNITED STATES
| | - Martin Han
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut at Storrs , 260 Glenbrook Rd., Unit 3247, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3247, UNITED STATES
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Edwards CA, Rusheen AE, Oh Y, Paek SB, Jacobs J, Lee KH, Dennis KD, Bennet KE, Kouzani AZ, Lee KH, Goerss SJ. A novel re-attachable stereotactic frame for MRI-guided neuronavigation and its validation in a large animal and human cadaver model. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:066003. [PMID: 30124202 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aadb49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stereotactic frame systems are the gold-standard for stereotactic surgeries, such as implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices for treatment of medically resistant neurologic and psychiatric disorders. However, frame-based systems require that the patient is awake with a stereotactic frame affixed to their head for the duration of the surgical planning and implantation of the DBS electrodes. While frameless systems are increasingly available, a reusable re-attachable frame system provides unique benefits. As such, we created a novel reusable MRI-compatible stereotactic frame system that maintains clinical accuracy through the detachment and reattachment of its stereotactic devices used for MRI-guided neuronavigation. APPROACH We designed a reusable arc-centered frame system that includes MRI-compatible anchoring skull screws for detachment and re-attachment of its stereotactic devices. We validated the stability and accuracy of our system through phantom, in vivo mock-human porcine DBS-model and human cadaver testing. MAIN RESULTS Phantom testing achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.94 ± 0.23 mm between the ground truth and the frame-targeted coordinates; and achieved an RMSE of 1.11 ± 0.40 mm and 1.33 ± 0.38 mm between the ground truth and the CT- and MRI-targeted coordinates, respectively. In vivo and cadaver testing achieved a combined 3D Euclidean localization error of 1.85 ± 0.36 mm (p < 0.03) between the pre-operative MRI-guided placement and the post-operative CT-guided confirmation of the DBS electrode. SIGNIFICANCE Our system demonstrated consistent clinical accuracy that is comparable to conventional frame and frameless stereotactic systems. Our frame system is the first to demonstrate accurate relocation of stereotactic frame devices during in vivo MRI-guided DBS surgical procedures. As such, this reusable and re-attachable MRI-compatible system is expected to enable more complex, chronic neuromodulation experiments, and lead to a clinically available re-attachable frame that is expected to decrease patient discomfort and costs of DBS surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Edwards
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia. Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States of America
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Shahdoost S, Frost SB, Guggenmos DJ, Borrell J, Dunham C, Barbay S, Nudo RJ, Mohseni P. A Brain-Spinal Interface (BSI) System-on-Chip (SoC) for Closed-Loop Cortically-Controlled Intraspinal Microstimulation. ANALOG INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING 2018; 95:1-16. [PMID: 34083886 PMCID: PMC8172056 DOI: 10.1007/s10470-017-1093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on a fully miniaturized brain-spinal interface (BSI) system for closed-loop cortically-controlled intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS). Fabricated in AMS 0.35μm two-poly four-metal complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, this system-on-chip (SoC) measures ~ 3.46mm × 3.46mm and incorporates two identical 4-channel modules, each comprising a spike-recording front-end, embedded digital signal processing (DSP) unit, and programmable stimulating back-end. The DSP unit is capable of generating multichannel trigger signals for a wide array of ISMS triggering patterns based on real-time discrimination of a programmable number of intracortical neural spikes within a pre-specified time-bin duration via thresholding and user-adjustable time-amplitude windowing. The system is validated experimentally using an anesthetized rat model of a spinal cord contusion injury at the T8 level. Multichannel neural spikes are recorded from the cerebral cortex and converted in real time into electrical stimuli delivered to the lumbar spinal cord below the level of the injury, resulting in distinct patterns of hindlimb muscle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Shahdoost
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Shawn B Frost
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - David J Guggenmos
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Jordan Borrell
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Caleb Dunham
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Scott Barbay
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Randolph J Nudo
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Pedram Mohseni
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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Cuellar CA, Mendez AA, Islam R, Calvert JS, Grahn PJ, Knudsen B, Pham T, Lee KH, Lavrov IA. The Role of Functional Neuroanatomy of the Lumbar Spinal Cord in Effect of Epidural Stimulation. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:82. [PMID: 29075183 PMCID: PMC5642185 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the neuroanatomy of the swine lumbar spinal cord, particularly the spatial orientation of dorsal roots was correlated to the anatomical landmarks of the lumbar spine and to the magnitude of motor evoked potentials during epidural electrical stimulation (EES). We found that the proximity of the stimulating electrode to the dorsal roots entry zone across spinal segments was a critical factor to evoke higher peak-to-peak motor responses. Positioning the electrode close to the dorsal roots produced a significantly higher impact on motor evoked responses than rostro-caudal shift of electrode from segment to segment. Based on anatomical measurements of the lumbar spine and spinal cord, significant differences were found between L1-L4 to L5-L6 segments in terms of spinal cord gross anatomy, dorsal roots and spine landmarks. Linear regression analysis between intersegmental landmarks was performed and L2 intervertebral spinous process length was selected as the anatomical reference in order to correlate vertebral landmarks and the spinal cord structures. These findings present for the first time, the influence of spinal cord anatomy on the effects of epidural stimulation and the role of specific orientation of electrodes on the dorsal surface of the dura mater in relation to the dorsal roots. These results are critical to consider as spinal cord neuromodulation strategies continue to evolve and novel spinal interfaces translate into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Cuellar
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Aldo A Mendez
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Riazul Islam
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Jonathan S Calvert
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Peter J Grahn
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Bruce Knudsen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Tuan Pham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Kendall H Lee
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States
| | - Igor A Lavrov
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo ClinicRochester, MN, United States.,Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal UniversityKazan, Russia
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Holinski BJ, Mazurek KA, Everaert DG, Toossi A, Lucas-Osma AM, Troyk P, Etienne-Cummings R, Stein RB, Mushahwar VK. Intraspinal microstimulation produces over-ground walking in anesthetized cats. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:056016. [PMID: 27619069 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/5/056016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal cord injury causes a drastic loss of motor, sensory and autonomic function. The goal of this project was to investigate the use of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) for producing long distances of walking over ground. ISMS is an electrical stimulation method developed for restoring motor function by activating spinal networks below the level of an injury. It produces movements of the legs by stimulating the ventral horn of the lumbar enlargement using fine penetrating electrodes (≤50 μm diameter). APPROACH In each of five adult cats (4.2-5.5 kg), ISMS was applied through 16 electrodes implanted with tips targeting lamina IX in the ventral horn bilaterally. A desktop system implemented a physiologically-based control strategy that delivered different stimulation patterns through groups of electrodes to evoke walking movements with appropriate limb kinematics and forces corresponding to swing and stance. Each cat walked over an instrumented 2.9 m walkway and limb kinematics and forces were recorded. MAIN RESULTS Both propulsive and supportive forces were required for over-ground walking. Cumulative walking distances ranging from 609 to 835 m (longest tested) were achieved in three animals. In these three cats, the mean peak supportive force was 3.5 ± 0.6 N corresponding to full-weight-support of the hind legs, while the angular range of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were 23.1 ± 2.0°, 29.1 ± 0.2°, and 60.3 ± 5.2°, respectively. To further demonstrate the viability of ISMS for future clinical use, a prototype implantable module was successfully implemented in a subset of trials and produced comparable walking performance. SIGNIFICANCE By activating inherent locomotor networks within the lumbosacral spinal cord, ISMS was capable of producing bilaterally coordinated and functional over-ground walking with current amplitudes <100 μA. These exciting results suggest that ISMS may be an effective intervention for restoring functional walking after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Holinski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada. Project SMART (Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Interdisciplinary Team in Smart Neural Prostheses), Canada
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