Medical Updates: ‘Revolutionary’ implants herald a fresh approach to treating spinal cord injuries

A groundbreaking, minuscule electronic device, capable of flexibly encircling the spinal cord, may signify a paradigm shift in spinal injury treatment, addressing the profound disability and paralysis it often entails.

A collaborative effort among engineers, neuroscientists, and surgeons from the University of Cambridge has led to the development of innovative devices capable of encircling the spinal cord. These devices have enabled the recording of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord with unprecedented 360-degree coverage, revolutionizing our understanding of spinal cord activity.

In live animal and human cadaver experiments, these devices demonstrated the ability to both record nerve signals comprehensively and stimulate limb movement, even in cases of complete spinal cord injury where communication with the brain is severed. This breakthrough eliminates the need for high-risk brain surgeries typically involved in current treatment methods for spinal injuries.

Unlike existing approaches, which often involve invasive electrode insertion into the spinal cord and brain, the Cambridge-developed implants offer a safer alternative, paving the way for future spinal injury treatments that do not require brain surgery.

The devices, constructed using advanced microelectronics techniques, are incredibly thin and biocompatible, ensuring minimal nerve damage while efficiently recording spinal cord signals. By utilizing these implants, researchers have gained valuable insights into spinal cord function, offering potential avenues for treating various conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and hypertension.

This groundbreaking research, supported by esteemed organizations including the Royal College of Surgeons and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, marks a significant step forward in spinal injury treatment and neurological understanding.

SOURCE: Journal Reference

1. Ben J. Woodington, Jiang Lei, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Amparo Güemes-González, Tobias E. Naegele, Sam Hilton, Salim El-Hadwe, Rikin A. Trivedi, George G. Malliaras, Damiano G. Barone. Flexible circumferential bioelectronics to enable 360-degree recording and stimulation of the spinal cord. Science Advances, 2024; 10 (19) DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1230