Severe Itching Legs Running

chip implant that helps paraplegics

Scientific British had a small implantable chip that releases electrical impulses to help paralyzed people to exercise.

This is the first device that does create a size small enough to be implanted into the spinal canal, the canal that houses the spinal cord.

Previous attempts at this type of muscle stimulation devices had failed because they were too bulky.

But thanks to advances in electronics manufacturing small, researchers at the Research Council of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC), managed to produce one unit smaller than a fingernail.

The device, called Active Book (book assets) because it is placed between the spinal nerves like the pages of a book release electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord from an array of electrodes.

This differs from currently existing equipment, operated from the outside, applying pulses to the skin.


stimulating electrodes
The stimulation device uses electrical impulses to move the muscles of the patient's leg.

So far the technology had been used abroad by placing electrodes on the skin, leg and connecting these electrodes to an external stimulator.

But this mechanism is too complicated for the patient and that, despite its benefits, has been used very little.

The new device, however, combines these electrodes to a single muscle stimulator unit is implanted in the patient.

According to scientists, the implant has several potential applications in the field of muscle rehabilitation.

"The research has the potential to stimulate more muscle groups than is currently possible with existing technology," says Professor Andreas Demosthenous, who led the research.

"This is because this device can be implanted into the spinal canal."

"The stimulation of more muscle groups means that you can have enough movement for controlled exercise such as cycling or rowing," he adds.

According to the scientist, the microchip could also be used for a variety of restorative functions, including stimulation of the muscles of the bladder to help overcome incontinence and nerve stimulation to enhance the capacity of the gut and suppress spasms.

In the past, such devices have limitations presented by the difficulty of packing muscle stimulating electrodes and a small unit.

But thanks to advances in laser technology for material processing have been able to cut tiny electrodes of platinum foil.

then folds these pieces into a 3D structure (which looks like the pages of a book.) These are the "pages" that are placed around the nerves.

units adhere to a silicon chip is hermetically sealed to protect the unit from the penetration of water, which can cause corrosion.

As expressed by Professor David Willetts, science adviser to the British government, "this small implant has the potential to make a real difference in the life and long-term health of people with paraplegia in both the UK and the rest of the world. "

are expected to pilot studies to test the Active Book commence next year. (BBC)