A Neuroprosthetic for Individuals with Tetraplegia: The Path from a Clinical Research Tool to a Home-Use Assistive Device

Abstract

Over 100,000 people in the USA alone are currently living with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), unable to use their hands to perform even the basic activities of daily living (ADL). This patient population identifies restoration of hand function as a critical, unmet need to regain independence and improve quality of life. In recent years, individuals with tetraplegia have been able to regain motor function of their upper limbs with brain computer interface-controlled functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) neuroprosthetics. However, this medical and technological breakthrough has only been demonstrated in controlled clinical research environments. For this technology to be integrated into the daily lives of SCI patients and provide assistive functional benefits, significant improvements need to be made. In this chapter, we will detail our approach to developing a home-use neuroprosthetic for individuals with tetraplegia, discuss challenges and opportunities for translational research, and provide insight into the future direction for assistive neuroprosthetics.