CLEVELAND, Ohio — A collaboration between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center has been awarded a $9.9 million grant to advance research on an innovative prosthetic hand that restores a sense of touch for amputees. This groundbreaking neuroprosthesis, named iSens (implanted Somatosensory Electrical Neurostimulation and Sensing system), allows users to control the hand through muscle signals while receiving tactile feedback via implanted electrodes.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Defense and is intended for a clinical trial set to begin in 2024. The iSens device uses electrodes implanted in the user’s arm to detect muscle movement, stimulating nerves to transmit sensations from the prosthetic fingertips directly to the brain. This technology aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with upper-limb loss.
Trial to Evaluate Sensory Feedback in Prosthetics
Led by Emily Graczyk, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at CWRU, this research builds on previous funding. The university had already received an eight-year, $14 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to support the development of neuroprosthetic technologies. Graczyk emphasized the critical need for advanced technologies, stating, “People with upper-limb-loss deserve to have better technologies that can improve their lives.”
The four-year study will enroll a dozen participants who have experienced upper-limb amputations. Participants will initially undergo a three-month testing phase where electrodes and electronic modules will be implanted. This setup will allow them to intuitively control the prosthesis using their muscle signals. The system is designed to calibrate nerve stimulation, enabling users to feel touch sensations from the prosthetic hand.
During the trial, participants will compare their existing standard prosthetic devices with the new sensory-enabled iSens prosthesis. They will complete surveys on their usage and return for monthly evaluations to assess the device’s effectiveness.
Innovative Features and Future Implications
The second phase of the trial will involve participants either retaining their old prosthesis or being fitted with the iSens model. As the study progresses, participants will switch roles, allowing each individual to experience both types of prosthetics. This approach aims to provide comprehensive data on the benefits of sensory feedback versus standard motor control.
The third phase will randomize participants into groups, one using the iSens prosthesis with touch sensation enabled and another using it with only motor control. After several weeks, the groups will switch to further evaluate the impact of each feature.
Graczyk noted the potential benefits of the iSens system: “Having a sense of touch improves so many different aspects involved in quality of life, including the sense of connectedness to loved ones, self-sufficiency, self-image, and social interaction.”
This innovative research not only highlights significant advancements in prosthetic technology but also underscores a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by limb loss. As the trial unfolds, it could pave the way for future developments in neuroprosthetics, ultimately transforming the experience of amputees seeking to regain their independence and sensory perception.
