AI-HAND · Advanced Intelligent stimulation device: HAND movement restoration

Very advanced stimulation paradigms applied to peripheral nervous system (PNS) have been studied for years even decades among which the 3D current distribution through multi-contact epineural electrodes. Non rectangular stimulus waveforms are also of strong interest to provide more efficient or fibre type selective stimulation. However none were implemented in an Active Implanted Medical Device and thus almost none validated through clinical trials. One of the reasons is the high complexity of the needed analogue front end and its safe control by a microcontroller or a digital system. AI-HAND project aims at developing a breakthrough, ASIC based technology, together with a specific self adapting epineural multi contact electrode to provide such an AIMD. The demonstration of the clinical relevance of such an approach will be achieved through a first-in-man proof of concept aiming at the restoration of hand movements in persons with complete quadriplegia. It means that a full innovative device should be developed and validated in animals, but the real added value will be supported by the clinical trial; indeed, no animal model exists while the clinical needs is clearly stated by clinicians and patients. Thus this project will innovate concerning both the technology and the therapeutic approach with a minimally invasive concept. Indeed, spatial selectivity allows to stimulate nerves selectively targeting muscles through 3D currents shaping instead of implanting one electrode per muscle. The technology clearly addresses generic issues so that the paradigms and the innovative technology can be further used to stimulate the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) nd, on a long term basis, may drastically open new therapeutics for medical needs that are still unmet.