Development of an implantable transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) system for relieving phantom limb pain

Abstract

Phantom limb pain frequently follows amputation. Currently there is no fully effective treatment available. Our aim is to develop an innovative Human Machine Interface (HMI) where we apply multi-channel microstimulation to the nerve stump of an amputee subject to manipulate the phantom limb sensations and explore the possibility of using microstimulation as a treatment for phantom limb pain.

A transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) to treat phantom limb pain — Towards human clinical trials

“…This, the third version, TIME will be tested in human pilot experiments later this year towards determining efficacy to address the ultimate aim of the project, to modify and eliminate phantom limb pain in upper limb amputees. For a full description of the project see [3].…”

Progress in Peripheral Neural Interfaces

“…Although the implant was removed eventually due to gradual degradation and mechanical fatigue of the electrode wire bundle, this study provided proof that the UEA has a potential to be used as a bidirectional PNS neural interface. Developments of the tfLIFE and TIME arrays are described further in Bossi et al ( 2007 ), Lago et al ( 2007 ), Bossi et al ( 2009, Jensen et al ( 2010 ), and Badia et al ( 2011a ,b). The tfLIFE is a micropatterned thin fi lm on polymer fi lm structure (Fig.…”

Selectivity of Peripheral Neural Interfaces

“…For example, patients who used a myoelectric prosthesis ( Lotze et al, 1999 ;Rossini, 2010 ) or used daily discrimination training of surface electrical stimuli applied to the stump experienced signifi cant reduction of PLP ( Flor et al, 2001 ). The hypothesis is that the stimulation will induce cortical plasticity and assist in the relief of phantom limb pain (see, e.g., Jensen et al, 2010 ). Based on these previous fi ndings, a novel system for alleviating PLP was therefore proposed and is under development by a group of European researchers (www.project-time.eu); see Figure 22.1 B.…”