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Please Note: The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology is in the early stage of research and requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. The VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested in licensing and/or further developing the technology through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
A Firm-Contact Apparel Prosthesis for Tremor Suppression
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to license
and/or further develop this technology through a Cooperative R & D Agreement
(CRADA) to expedite bringing it to market.
BACKGROUND:
Tremors affect a population estimated between 1 million and 1.5 million individuals.
A simple method of classifying tremor disorders is to consider the tremors as
either postural or kinetic. These tremors not only make it difficult to complete
tasks but also may be a source of embarrassment. A number of treatments exist
or are under development. Although each of these therapies is a viable treatment
within its target sector, each one has a drawback, ranging from its invasiveness,
cost or side effect. The described methods are pharmacological, surgical, nerve
stimulation or cell implantation. Thus, a noninvasive, cost-effective, minimal-risk
method of treatment is in high demand for alleviating or suppressing the effects
of kinetic tremors, the most notable of which are tremors affecting the hands.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
The VA has developed a technology that deals with a treatment for alleviating
or suppressing the effects of kinetic tremors. The subject technology is an
orthotic device, the application of an observation that circumferential pressure
on certain hand or arm joints reduces tremors in patients who have either Parkinson's
disease or essential tremors. Specifically, the invention is a sleeve, band
or sleeve with a band incorporated within it that applies pressure to any area
of the arm, wrist, hand, or fingers for the purpose of suppressing tremors.
The invention anticipates, in response to clinical observations, that each patient
might require a different version, placement or tension of this device. Therefore,
the device can be made of different materials, such as mesh, elastic bands,
mesh with embedded elastic bands, sleeves with bands tightened by a fabric fastener,
and can provide adjustable tension. Note that pressure on a joint is most effective
for suppressing tremors for motions of that particular joint; however, a lesser
benefit is also observed for other joints as well.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
The subject technology, Firm-Contact Apparel Prosthesis for Tremor Suppression,
appears to be a noninvasive, inexpensive, risk-free, reversible method of suppressing
kinetic tremors. The method potentially represents an effective first option
for suppressing tremors associated with either Parkinson's disease or essential
tremors. However, until the method has been tested rigorously, its effectiveness
cannot be evaluated relative to other methods. The inventor has observed in
four cases that applying circumferential pressure on certain hand or arm joints
reduces tremors in patients who have either Parkinson's disease or essential
tremors. As these observations did not interfere with patients' motor performance
or muscle contractions, it appears that sensory afferents are involved.
The working hypothesis of this invention is that pressure enhances sensory
inputs to the cerebellum and, thereby, suppresses tremors. The aim of the subject
technology is to increase sensory inputs to the cerebellum by exerting pressure
on the tendons or the musculotendinous junctions, which are rich in Golgi tendon
organs. Because each joint oscillation involves muscle groups innervated by
several nerves, no specific nerve is the target of the pressure.
PATENT STATUS:
Technology not patented. VA is seeking CRADA partners to further develop this technology.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem Sheredos
Program Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov