Scientists from Jones Hopkins have developed a new spinal stimulator that has the potential to restore the function of the lower limbs in patients with paralysis. This breakthrough technology involves a small device that can be implanted unobtrusively through a syringe.
Spinal cord injuries disrupt the transmission of electrical signals from the brain to the lower parts of the body, causing a decrease in mobility and, in severe cases, complete paralysis. Spinal stimulants are devices that can be surgically implanted into the patient’s back to bypass the injury and restore some level of mobility. However, existing stimulators are often bulky, require invasive surgery, and have issues with accuracy.
In a recent study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University developed a significantly reduced and flexible stimulator. This device is implanted in the ventral region of the epidural space, which is a departure from the typical implantation sites. This new placement allows for closer proximity to motor neurons, resulting in improved accuracy of stimulation. The key advantage of this device is its simple introduction through a syringe, eliminating the need for surgery. Impressive results were observed during experiments conducted on paralyzed mice.
“Using this innovative technology in experiments on mice, we were able to induce leg movements using a significantly weaker electric current compared to traditional methods of spinal stimulation,” explained Dinchan Lin, the lead researcher of the study. “Our stimulator not only enabled a wider range of movements but also allowed for customizable stimulation patterns, leading to more complex and natural leg movements, including walking, kicking, and waving. This represents significant progress in the field of medical technology.”
The research team believes that this device has the potential to restore motor function in patients with spinal cord injuries or neurological diseases. Its less invasive nature makes it more affordable and could reduce treatment costs, opening up the possibility of helping a larger number of people.
However, further development and safety verification are necessary before the device can be widely used by the public.