J. R. Buckett

Implantable functional neuromuscular stimulation in the tetraplegic hand

Functional neuromuscular stimulation of the upper extremity provides manipulative capacity to persons with high level tetraplegia who have insufficient voluntary muscles available for tendon transfer surgery. We report an enhancement of the technique to include surgical implantation of a multichannel receiver-stimulator, sensory feedback stimulation, and tendon transfers. Tendon transfers were done with spastic, rather than voluntary motors employing standard surgical techniques. The system described has been operational for more than 1 1/2 years.

A flexible, portable system for neuromuscular stimulation in the paralyzed upper extremity

A portable functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) system for control of the muscles of the paralyzed upper extremity has been developed and evaluated for outpatient use. The system, which has been tested over a five-year period, incorporates an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor which can be programmed to accept and process a variety of user-generated commands and to output complex stimulus patterns. Eight channels of analog input can be used to control four channels of constant-current-compensation monophasic stimulus output. The portable FNS system is programmed using a multichannel laboratory stimulation system.<<ETX>>

COORDINATED TWO MODE GRASP IN THE QUADRIPLEGIC INITIATED BY FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION.

Electrical stimulation of selected paralyzed forearm and hand muscles in C5 and C6 spinal cord injury patients provides control of two types of functional hand movement. Chronically indwelling percutaneous coiled wire electrodes were used to stimulate the muscles. Control of the muscles is open loop, using coordination algorithms tailored to each individual subject. Personal stimulation devices have been provided to the patients to enable them to obtain functional use of their paralyzed extremity.

Development of an implantable networked neuroprosthesis

Neuroprosthetic devices are powerful tools providing functional enhancement for individuals with central nervous system disorders, such as spinal cord injury and stroke. Life sustaining and enhancing independent functions such as breathing, standing, walking, grasping, reaching, micturition, and defecation have all been clinically demonstrated using neuroprostheses. Existing implanted neuroprosthetic systems utilize considerable external powering and signal processing, and each system must be customized to the specific application for which it is intended, severely limiting progress in the field and delaying the introduction of new technology to the end user. The networked neuroprosthetic system (NNPS) is based on a network of small implanted modules, distributed throughout the body, and linked to a centralized power source. The modules are connected through a network cable that distributes power to each module from a central rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Each module contains processing capabilities, communicates with other modules via the network cable, and is reprogrammable over the network using a central wireless transcutaneous link. The NNPS is extremely flexible and can be scaled to meet the technical needs of a broad range of neuroprosthetic applications through the selection of the appropriate modules providing the means for broader clinical application of neuroprostheses

Coordinated Two Mode Grasp in the Quadriplegic Initiated by Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation

Abstract Electrical stimulation of selected paralyzed forearm and hand muscles in C5 and C6 spinal cord injury patients provides control of two types of functional hand movement. Chronically indwelling percutaneous coiled wire electrodes were used to stimulate the muscles. Control of the muscles is open loop, using coordination algorithms tailored to each individual subject. Personal stimulation devices have been provided to the patients to enable them to obtain functional use of their paralyzed extremity.