RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT03409133

Feasibility of Neural Feedback for Lower Limb Amputees

Sponsor

Louis Stokes VA Medical Center

Enrollment

15 participants

Start Date

Nov 5, 2015

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Amputation

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of providing sensation of the missing limb to individuals with lower limb loss, including above and below knee amputees. The approach involves delivering small electrical currents directly to remaining nerves via implanted stimulating electrodes. These small electrical currents cause the nerves to generate signals that are then transferred to your brain similar to how information about the foot and lower limb used to be transferred to your brain prior to the amputation. Individuals also have the option to have recording electrodes implanted within muscles of the lower limb(s) in an attempt to develop a motor controller that would enable the user to have intuitive control of a robotic prosthetic leg.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Adults age 18 or greater
Chronic, medically stable ( \> 3 months) trans-tibial or trans-femoral amputation at the time of implant surgery.
Potential user of trans-tibial or trans-femoral prostheses for standing or walking
Viable target nerves in the lower extremity as determined by standard-of-care clinical tests of nerve conduction, response to stimulation, sensory evoked potentials and the like
Good skin integrity and personal hygiene
Absence of autoimmune deficiencies, seizure disorders or cardiac abnormalities contraindicating stimulation
Sufficient social support and personal ability to tolerate study procedures and comply with follow-up schedule

Exclusion Criteria14

Uncontrolled diabetes to a degree that would preclude surgery
Significant vascular disease
Chronic skin ulcerations
Significant history of poor wound healing
Significant history of uncontrolled infections
Active infection
Significant pain in the residual or phantom limb
Pregnancy
Inability to speak English
Expectation that MRI will be required at any point for the duration of study or while percutaneous leads are in place
Severe neurological conditions that significantly impair balance or mobility to an extent that independent ambulation is impossible without assistance ( as determined by a healthcare provider)
Appropriate body habitus (height and weight within acceptable limits as determined by study physician)
Poor surgical candidate
Psychiatric or cognitive conditions that could affect cooperation or understanding of instructions and willingness to undergo psychological evaluation, if recommended by study surgeons or investigators.