Neuromodulation to Improve Respiratory Function in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

About

Brief Summary

This is a phase 1 study of safety and feasibility of cervical spinal cord stimulator implantation in cervical SCI subjects who are ventilator dependent. The Investigators will be focusing on the safety and feasibility of this approach. Participants may qualify for the study if they are male or female 18-75 years old, are at least 1 year after original injury, have injury at C2 to C7 level, and dependent on mechanical ventilation to help them breathe. Additionally, they need to be able to attend up to twice weekly testing sessions for up to 21 months.

Primary Purpose

Treatment

Study Type

Interventional

Phase

N/A

Eligibility

Gender

All

Healthy Volunteers

No

Minimum Age

18 Years

Maximum Age

75 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

Male or Female Age 18-75.
Diagnosed with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).
At least 1 year from initial spinal cord injury.
Severe respiratory function compromise.
Able to attend weekly testing sessions for up to 21 months.
Have intact chest/lung, upper and lower extremity anatomy. The neuromuscular connections between the spinal cord and its effector muscles (respiratory and extremity) are required to be intact.
Have intact cognitive ability, able to follow commands/voice concerns, and give consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

History of severe autonomic dysreflexia.
Phrenic nerve or diaphragm pacer.
Phrenic nerve paralysis.
Musculoskeletal dysfunction, unhealed fracture, pressure ulcer, active infection.
Clinically significant depression or ongoing drug abuse.
Received lung surgery within one year prior to study enrollment or active intrinsic lung disease (COPD, acute or chronic lung infection, asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, etc).

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