Feasibility of Implantable Myoelectric Sensors to Control Upper Limb Prostheses



Status:Recruiting
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:4/2/2016
Start Date:May 2013
End Date:May 2016
Contact:Melissa L Evangelista, MS
Email:melissae@aemf.org
Phone:661-702-6700

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A Feasibility Study to Assess Safety and Functionality of Implantable Myoelectric Sensors for Upper Extremity Prosthetic Control in Transradial Amputees

This study will evaluate the feasibility of using implanted myoelectric sensors (IMES) to
control an electromechanical prosthetic wrist and hand.

The study assesses the feasibility of an advanced prosthesis control system aimed at
development of a more intuitive and functional prosthetic device. Tiny (2.5 mm by 16 mm)
Implantable Myoelectric Sensors (IMES) will be implanted into the residual forearm muscles
of three transradial amputee subjects. These devices wirelessly transmit electrical muscle
signals to an electromechanical prosthetic wrist and hand.

Following a two-week recovery from implantation of six to eight IMES into residual forearm
muscles, subjects will initiate seven months of training. Subjects first train for
approximately a month using a bench-top IMES system. When they receive their custom-fit IMES
Prosthesis (including electromechanical wrist and hand) subjects initiate six months of
additional training. Subjects will then be given the option to use the IMES Prosthesis for
another sixteen months. The usability and functionality of the prosthetic system will be
evaluated throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is a health care beneficiary at the Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center.

2. Patient has transradial amputation with one-third or greater residual forearm length
as determined by the contralateral side.

3. Patient's residual forearm anatomy (based on number and size of residual muscles)
will support the implantation and control of at least six IMES (in the opinion of the
Investigator). This criterion will be verified during a study-specific screening
test.

4. Patient is age 18 or above.

5. Patient can speak and comprehend English.

6. Patient is willing and capable of providing informed consent.

7. Patient has undergone amputee rehabilitation, including being trained to wear and use
a body-powered and myoelectric prosthesis.

8. Patient reports wearing an upper limb prosthesis at least two hours per day.

9. Unilateral amputation with preserved function of the non-amputated arm; preserved
function is investigator opinion as to whether the patient:

- has the ability to independently don and doff a prosthesis,

- has enough dexterity in the non-amputated arm to attach and detach the
Prosthetic Control Interface (PCI) cable and operate the PCI power switch,

- has the dexterity to remove and replace the PCI battery.

10. Patient is willing and capable of having EMG needles inserted into the forearm.

11. In the opinion of the Investigator, patient is cognitively capable of operating an
IMES Prosthesis.

12. Patient is willing to comply with a wearing schedule for the investigational device.

13. Patient is willing and capable of travelling to the investigational site for study
visits outlined in this protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is less than three months from amputation surgery or major injury of the
target residual limb.

2. Patient has major injury proximal to the level of amputation.

3. In the opinion of the Investigator, patient is prone to skin breakdown in the target
residual limb.

4. Known nerve transection or palsy that may cause de-innervation of muscles in the
target residual limb.

5. Known genetic neuromuscular disorder (e.g. multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
muscular dystrophy).

6. Patient has a bleeding or clotting disorder.

7. Bilateral upper extremity amputation.

8. Patient has a major psychological disorder such as poorly controlled PTSD,
schizophrenia, or paranoia such that cooperative status is inconsistent.

9. Patient has an active implant (e.g. pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator [ICD],
neurostimulator, drug infusion device).

10. Patients having any metal fragments or metal implants (e.g. orthopedic hardware)
located within the residual forearm are excluded. The absence of metal shall be
confirmed by an x-ray of the entire affected arm.

11. Patients having metal in the affected upper arm will be considered on a case-by-case
basis. An x-ray of the entire affected arm shall be provided to the Sponsor who will
assess potential interaction of the metal with the Coil's magnetic field.

12. Patient has a history of adverse reactions to anesthetic agents.

13. Patient has recently or is currently participating in research that may influence
response to either study intervention, or be harmful to the subject in any way.

14. A female patient who is pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the
course of the study.

15. In the opinion of the Investigator, the subject is not a suitable candidate for the
study, for any reason such as residual limb infection, significant pain, significant
proximal nerve injury or soft tissue damage, significant scarring, or poor health of
the skin envelope.
We found this trial at
1
site
8901 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20889
(301) 295-4000
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one...
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mi
from
Bethesda, MD
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