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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
Implantable Joint Angle Transducer (IJAT) Tools
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to license and/or further
develop this technology through a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement
(CRADA) in order to expedite bringing it to market.
BACKGROUND:
The normal function of the nervous system in controlling
body movements can be impaired by a number of diseases (paralysis, including
hemiplegia, quadriplegia, and paraplegia; stroke; and multiple sclerosis) and
spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Neural prostheses are an emerging technology using
electrical stimulation of the nervous system to restore normal functions to
people with neurological impairments. Functional neuromuscular stimulation
(FNS) is a type of functional electrical stimulation (FES), a rehabilitation
technology based on the application of low-level electrical current to the neuromuscular
system. FES has two major types of applications: functional and therapeutic.
Functional applications of FES provide at least partial restoration of
several important motor functions, including upper and lower extremity limb
movements, bowel and bladder function, and respiration. Therapeutic
applications halt or reverse the progress of a disabling condition by strengthening
the weakened muscles. These devices can increase the independence of disabled
people in daily activities and in the workplace. In the long term, neural prostheses
can decrease the economic burden on the disabled individual and society in general
by increasing occupational opportunities and lowering attendant costs. FES
technologies range from non-invasive external turnkey systems to programmable
systems that are surgically implanted in the patient's body. Implanted FNS devices
are typically neural prostheses that restore function in people with neurological
impairment by electrical activation of the peripheral nervous system. They are
designed for chronic use, rather than for short-term therapies.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
The subject technology consists of a unique set
of surgical tools and techniques to accomplish orthopedic implantation of a
joint angle transducer. The implantable joint angle transducer (IJAT) is a
magnetic field (Hall effect) device designed for joint angle detection and providing
command-control and feedback information to a functional neuromuscular stimulation
system (FNS), which is used to restore or improve joint movement function in
the upper limbs of paralyzed patients. The system utilizes implanted sensors,
stimulation electrodes, a stimulator/telemeter, and a transmitting/receiving
coil. It has successfully been used with two human patients and is designed
for long-term use, approximately thirty years. Although the principles of cannulated
instrumentation embodied in the subject technology are well established in the
surgical field, the subject technology tools are uniquely designed for the implantation
of specific FNS components.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
The use of the surgical implant procedures
and IJAT tools described in this invention overcome most of the difficulties
that come with the implanted sensor for long-term FNS applications.
- Materials compatibility - The IJAT overcomes the risk of materials bio-incompatibility by the use of titanium capsules for both the sensor and the magnet.
- Precise placement - The cannulated instruments facilitate accurate and precise positioning of the sensor with its lead wires and the magnet that prevents early implant shift leading to instability and optimize sensor output.
- The subject technology tools and techniques can be applied to similar implantation procedures anywhere in the body. The only variable will be if the size of the implant is different than the tool sizes to match.
- Minimization of tissue damage.
- Minimization of adverse surgical events.
PATENT STATUS:
An international patent application was filed on May 1, 2000 (PCT/US00/11943).
Federal Register: Dec. 31, 2001 (Vol.66, No. 250) p. 67630
U.S. patent application filed May 22, 2002 (10/009,915)
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