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An Early Feasibility Study of the ReHAB System (ReHAB)

Primary Purpose

Tetraplegia

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
BCI and FES
Sponsored by
Jonathan Miller, MD
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional device feasibility trial for Tetraplegia

Eligibility Criteria

22 Years - 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age between 22 and 65 years of age.
  2. Tetraplegia due to a static identified disease process (spinal cord injury or stroke) that prevents functional activity of the upper extremity.
  3. Onset of tetraplegia at least 12 months prior to enrollment, with stability of weakness for at least 3 months.
  4. Must have sufficiently intact cortical motor structures and stable medical prognoses to be able to perform the BCI control tasks for at least one year. .
  5. Ability to speak understandably or, if unable to speak understandably, a reliable means of yes/no communication.
  6. Life expectancy greater than 13 months.
  7. Chronic care environment within a three-hour drive of the study site or the ability to temporarily relocate to a residence within a three-hour drive of the study site.
  8. Willingness to remain available (geographically stable) for at least 13 months after enrollment, including maintenance of the evaluation schedule, frequent visits to the Investigator's office, and visits of Sponsor personnel to the subject's chronic care environment.
  9. Willingness to allow videotape recordings to be made of the surgical procedure (for training purposes) and portions of the Feasibility Evaluations.
  10. A stable psychosocial support system.
  11. Scalp devoid of any lesions or skin breakdown precluding surgery.
  12. Ability to provide voluntarily informed consent in accordance with Site institutional policies and willingness to release of Personal Health Information from the date of the injury or disease onset through the completion of the clinical Study.
  13. Availability of caregivers capable of providing the necessary daily care of the subject's skin and electrode externalization sites.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Presence of an implanted stimulator such as a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, or defibrillator. (Implanted intrathecal pumps for pain or spasticity, cough implants, or diaphragmatic pacers are not excluded.)
  2. Any active infection(s) or unexplained fever.
  3. Active cancer within the one year prior to enrollment (other than adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer).
  4. Uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
  5. Hydrocephalus requiring diversion of cerebrospinal fluid.
  6. Autonomic dysreflexia within three months prior to enrollment that required urgent evaluation and pharmacologic intervention prescribed by a physician.
  7. Seizure within 3 months prior to enrollment.
  8. Any medical condition expected to require routine MRI imaging or subjects with contraindication(s) to MRI.
  9. History of osteomyelitis or skin disorder that causes excessive skin sloughing, lesions or breakdown of the scalp.
  10. Chronic use of medications such as sedatives that may significantly retard motor coordination and cognitive ability.
  11. Chronic use of anticoagulant medications. (Subjects receiving prophylactic anticoagulation solely for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis are not excluded, but must be able to have their prophylactic anticoagulation suspended temporarily for the surgical procedure and immediate post-operative period.)
  12. Chronic use of steroids or immunosuppressant therapy.
  13. Active treatment for another serious medical, neurological or psychiatric disease or disorder that could seriously affect the subject's ability to undergo surgical implantation of the electrodes or participate in the testing sessions.
  14. Pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing age and not using adequate birth control.
  15. Active consumption of more than 1 alcoholic beverage per day.
  16. Suicide attempt within 12 months prior to enrollment.
  17. History of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiac arrhythmia.
  18. Enrollment in any other investigational study that may interfere with the time commitments required of this study.
  19. Subjects who are immunocompromised.
  20. Subjects who require ongoing diathermy or ultrasound treatments.
  21. Subjects with severe upper extremity joint contractures or Ashworth spasticity scores of 4 that would limit functional movements.
  22. Subjects who have contraindication(s) to CT.
  23. Subjects who are ventilator dependent. Subjects who are sometimes ventilator-assisted (for example, while sleeping) are not excluded.

Sites / Locations

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Experimental

Arm Label

BCI and FES

Arm Description

Surgical implantation of the device and testing for 13 months with an optional 5 year extension study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Incidence of treatment-related adverse events
Successful implantation of brain and extremity recording/stimulating electrodes for 1 year without explantation or device-related serious adverse events.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Success rate of target acquisition of a cursor on a computer screen controlled by neural signals, using a standard center-out-center random target display.
The participant will control the position of a cursor on a monitor using the recorded neural signals and attempt to move the cursor to the target.
Change in number of tasks performed as measured by the ADL Abilities Test.
The participant will control the stimulated movement of their arm and hand using the recorded neural signals. The participant will demonstrate the ability to perform some of the activities of daily living (ADLs) that are part of the ADL Abilities Test.
Change in number of objects successfully grasped and moved during a timed session, as measured by the Grasp Release Test.
The participant will control the stimulated movement of their arm and hand using the recorded neural signals. The participant will demonstrate the ability to grasp and move a series of objects that are part of the Grasp Release Test.

Full Information

First Posted
November 15, 2018
Last Updated
May 15, 2023
Sponsor
Jonathan Miller, MD
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03898804
Brief Title
An Early Feasibility Study of the ReHAB System
Acronym
ReHAB
Official Title
An Early Feasibility Study to Assess the Effects of the "Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain (ReHAB)" System
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
May 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
April 9, 2019 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
March 1, 2025 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
March 1, 2025 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor-Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Jonathan Miller, MD

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
Yes
Device Product Not Approved or Cleared by U.S. FDA
Yes
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The purpose of this research study is to examine the feasibility of a system that involves implanting small electrodes in the parts of the brain that control movement and sensation, and combining that with electrodes in the upper arm and shoulder to activate paralyzed muscles of the arm and hand. This system is intended for people with extensive paralysis in their arms. The small electrodes in the brain will be used to attempt to measure intended movements, and the muscles in the arm and hand will be stimulated to attempt to follow those intentions. The study is a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, exploratory safety/feasibility trial of up to 12 subjects. The Primary Endpoint will be evaluation over the first 13 months after implantation, after which the subjects will have the option of removal of the device or continued participation in a long-term study.
Detailed Description
The overall purpose of this trial is to advance development of a novel technological approach to allow individuals with tetraplegia to interact with their environment using their own paralyzed limbs by combining recording of brain activity, brain stimulation to provide sensory feedback, and stimulation of the paralyzed extremities based on neural recordings. Device Name: Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain (ReHAB) System Intended Use The proposed device is intended to allow greater functional independence for individuals who are paralyzed due to disease or injury. The purpose of this trial is to advance development of a novel technological approach to allow individuals with tetraplegia to interact with their environment using their own paralyzed limbs by combining recording of brain activity, brain stimulation to provide sensory feedback, and stimulation of the paralyzed extremities based on neural recordings. The target population are individuals with high tetraplegia, defined as less than antigravity weakness of both upper extremities and both lower extremities as a result of an identified and static (stable for at least 3 months) injury or disease affecting upper motor neurons process that prevents motor neural activity from activating muscles below the neck to perform functional activities. Injuries and diseases that lead to this clinical condition include spinal cord injury, and stroke. Objective(s): The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of an approach combining multiple intracortical brain recording/stimulating microarrays with direct peripheral nerve and muscle stimulation for restoration of arm and hand movement in people with high tetraplegia. Secondary objectives include validation of the combined platform described above as a clinical device to allow paralyzed individuals to have a more meaningful interaction with their environment as assessed by ability to perform brain-controlled reaching and grasping tasks that ultimately might allow for greater functional independence.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Tetraplegia

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Device Feasibility
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Model Description
The study is a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, exploratory safety/feasibility trial of up to 12 subjects. The Primary Endpoint will be evaluation over the first 13 months after implantation, after which the subjects will have the option of removal of the device or continued participation in a long-term study for an additional 5 years, for a total of up to 73 months.
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
12 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
BCI and FES
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Surgical implantation of the device and testing for 13 months with an optional 5 year extension study.
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
BCI and FES
Intervention Description
The intervention consists of surgical implantation of the device components, BCI and FES that will interface with computers that process and decode neural information, compute stimulation parameters, and control communication between the device components. The device will be tested during research sessions spanning a 13-month period.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Incidence of treatment-related adverse events
Description
Successful implantation of brain and extremity recording/stimulating electrodes for 1 year without explantation or device-related serious adverse events.
Time Frame
13 months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Success rate of target acquisition of a cursor on a computer screen controlled by neural signals, using a standard center-out-center random target display.
Description
The participant will control the position of a cursor on a monitor using the recorded neural signals and attempt to move the cursor to the target.
Time Frame
13 months
Title
Change in number of tasks performed as measured by the ADL Abilities Test.
Description
The participant will control the stimulated movement of their arm and hand using the recorded neural signals. The participant will demonstrate the ability to perform some of the activities of daily living (ADLs) that are part of the ADL Abilities Test.
Time Frame
13 months
Title
Change in number of objects successfully grasped and moved during a timed session, as measured by the Grasp Release Test.
Description
The participant will control the stimulated movement of their arm and hand using the recorded neural signals. The participant will demonstrate the ability to grasp and move a series of objects that are part of the Grasp Release Test.
Time Frame
13 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
22 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
65 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age between 22 and 65 years of age. Tetraplegia due to a static identified disease process (spinal cord injury or stroke) that prevents functional activity of the upper extremity. Onset of tetraplegia at least 12 months prior to enrollment, with stability of weakness for at least 3 months. Must have sufficiently intact cortical motor structures and stable medical prognoses to be able to perform the BCI control tasks for at least one year. . Ability to speak understandably or, if unable to speak understandably, a reliable means of yes/no communication. Life expectancy greater than 13 months. Chronic care environment within a three-hour drive of the study site or the ability to temporarily relocate to a residence within a three-hour drive of the study site. Willingness to remain available (geographically stable) for at least 13 months after enrollment, including maintenance of the evaluation schedule, frequent visits to the Investigator's office, and visits of Sponsor personnel to the subject's chronic care environment. Willingness to allow videotape recordings to be made of the surgical procedure (for training purposes) and portions of the Feasibility Evaluations. A stable psychosocial support system. Scalp devoid of any lesions or skin breakdown precluding surgery. Ability to provide voluntarily informed consent in accordance with Site institutional policies and willingness to release of Personal Health Information from the date of the injury or disease onset through the completion of the clinical Study. Availability of caregivers capable of providing the necessary daily care of the subject's skin and electrode externalization sites. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of an implanted stimulator such as a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, or defibrillator. (Implanted intrathecal pumps for pain or spasticity, cough implants, or diaphragmatic pacers are not excluded.) Any active infection(s) or unexplained fever. Active cancer within the one year prior to enrollment (other than adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer). Uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Hydrocephalus requiring diversion of cerebrospinal fluid. Autonomic dysreflexia within three months prior to enrollment that required urgent evaluation and pharmacologic intervention prescribed by a physician. Seizure within 3 months prior to enrollment. Any medical condition expected to require routine MRI imaging or subjects with contraindication(s) to MRI. History of osteomyelitis or skin disorder that causes excessive skin sloughing, lesions or breakdown of the scalp. Chronic use of medications such as sedatives that may significantly retard motor coordination and cognitive ability. Chronic use of anticoagulant medications. (Subjects receiving prophylactic anticoagulation solely for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis are not excluded, but must be able to have their prophylactic anticoagulation suspended temporarily for the surgical procedure and immediate post-operative period.) Chronic use of steroids or immunosuppressant therapy. Active treatment for another serious medical, neurological or psychiatric disease or disorder that could seriously affect the subject's ability to undergo surgical implantation of the electrodes or participate in the testing sessions. Pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing age and not using adequate birth control. Active consumption of more than 1 alcoholic beverage per day. Suicide attempt within 12 months prior to enrollment. History of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiac arrhythmia. Enrollment in any other investigational study that may interfere with the time commitments required of this study. Subjects who are immunocompromised. Subjects who require ongoing diathermy or ultrasound treatments. Subjects with severe upper extremity joint contractures or Ashworth spasticity scores of 4 that would limit functional movements. Subjects who have contraindication(s) to CT. Subjects who are ventilator dependent. Subjects who are sometimes ventilator-assisted (for example, while sleeping) are not excluded.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Jonathan Miller
Phone
(216)844-3470
Email
jonathan.miller@uhhospitals.org
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Mario Beccera, RN
Phone
2168441734
Email
Mario.Becerra@UHhospitals.org
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Jonathan Miller
Organizational Affiliation
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
City
Cleveland
State/Province
Ohio
ZIP/Postal Code
44106
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Jonathan Miller, MD
Phone
216-844-3470
Email
Jonathan.Miller@UHhospitals.org
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ryan Kneram, RN
Phone
2162860259
Email
Ryan.Kneram@UHhospitals.org
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Jonathan P Miller, MD
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Robert F Kirsch, PhD
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
A. Bolu Ajiboye, PhD

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

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An Early Feasibility Study of the ReHAB System

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