MICROSTIMULATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CORD--CHRONI

本研究的目的是探讨慢性 脊髓的微刺激 如果成功，这种技术 可能是修复泌尿生殖系统、肠道和其他 脊髓损伤患者的运动功能。 信息从 脊髓微刺激研究是设计者特别需要的 为截瘫患者提供神经假体， 腰骶部以上的脊髓损伤 在 特别地，可以选择性地激发支配神经元的神经元， 膀胱逼尿肌同时刺激 与神经元具有抑制性突触连接的中间神经元 支配尿道外括约肌 同样，离散控制 阴茎勃起，射精，排便和控制 肢体的躯体肌肉组织可能通过选择性脊柱 脊髓损伤水平以下的脊髓微刺激。 在对人类脊髓进行微刺激之前， 必须开发合适的慢性刺激微电极， 在动物中证明的安全性和有效性。 支持的合同 过去五年的研究表明， 为了插入、刺激和维持离散的金属丝微电极， 骶骨脊髓慢性基础上没有过度的组织损伤。 然而，微电极/引线系统的当前设计 在脊髓运动期间造成过度的机械损伤 在脊柱管内，必须得到改善。 这个新的研究项目 将完成刺激参数安全范围的建立 并将研究使用薄膜，集成电路 腰骶脊髓的微电极。

The objective of this research is to explore the possibility of chronic microstimulation of the spinal cord. If successful, such a technique could be part of a prosthesis to restore genito-urinary, bowel and other motor functions to victims of spinal cord injury. Information from spinal cord microstimulation studies is especially needed by designers of neural prostheses for paraplegic individuals who have sustained injuries to their spinal cords above the lumbosacral region. In particular, it may be possible to selectively excite neurons innervating the bladder detrusor muscle while simultaneously stimulating interneurons which have inhibitory synaptic connections with neurons innervating the external urethral sphincter. Likewise, discrete control of penile erection, ejaculation, bowel evacuation and control of the somatic musculature of the limbs may be possible by selective spinal cord microstimulation below the level of spinal cord injury. Before microstimulation of the spinal cord can be evaluated in humans, a suitable chronic stimulating microelectrode must be developed and its safety and effectiveness demonstrated in animals. Contract supported research over the past five years has demonstrated that it is possible to insert, stimulate and maintain discrete wire microelectodes in the sacral spinal cord on a chronic basis without undue tissue damage. However, the present design of the microelectrode/lead wire system causes excessive mechanical damage during movement of the spinal cord within the spinal canal and must be improved. This new research project will complete the establishment of safe ranges of stimulation parameters and will investigate the use of thin film, integrated circuit microelectrodes in the lumbosacral spinal cord.