Brain-Controlled Device for Quadriplegia

This research study is developing a brain-controlled medical device, called a brain-machine interface, for people with quadriplegia (paralysis affecting all four limbs). The device, called Neural Prosthetic System 2 (NPS2), uses tiny implants in the brain to help you control external devices like a computer cursor or robotic arm with your thoughts. Researchers want to see if patients can successfully control these devices and if the implants remain safe for up to nine years. This study is looking for five participants, aged 22-65, who have a high spinal cord injury, can speak English, and meet other health requirements. The study's current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 5 participants. The study is investigating the use of a device called Neural Prosthetic System 2 (NPS2).
What's involved
You would need to travel up to 60 miles to study locations up to five days per week. A caregiver would need to monitor you daily for surgical site complications and behavioral changes.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study will measure patient control over devices and the absence of infection or irritation for nine years after the array implantation.

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NCT01964261

Sensory Motor Transformations in Human Cortex

Recruiting
NAAges 22–65InterventionalBasic science
Richard A. Andersen, PhD
~5 participants
Updated 2025-05-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Neural Prosthetic System 2 (NPS2)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
4 of 4 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Patient control over the end effector (virtual or physical)
Measured over Nine years after array implantation
+1 more outcome measured
Quadriplegia
4 sites across 2 states
California3
Colorado1
  • Richard A Andersen, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · California Institute of Technology
  • Charles Liu, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Southern California, Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center
  • Dan Kramer, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Colorado, Denver
  • Luke Bashford, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Colorado, Denver

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

High cervical spinal lesion
Age 22-65
Able to provide informed consent
Able to understand and comply with instructions in English
Communicate via speech
Surgical clearance
Life expectancy greater than 12 months
Travel up to 60 miles to study locations up to five days per week
Caregiver monitor for surgical site complications and behavioral changes on a daily basis
Psychosocial support system

Exclusion

Presence of memory problems
Intellectual impairment
Psychotic illness or chronic psychiatric disorder, including major depression if untreated
Poor visual acuity
Pregnancy
Active infection or unexplained fever
Scalp lesions or skin breakdown
HIV or AIDS infection
Active cancer or chemotherapy
Diabetes
Autonomic dysreflexia
History of seizure
Implanted hydrocephalus shunt
Previous neurosurgical history affecting parietal lobe function
Medical conditions contraindicating surgery and chronic implantation of a medical device
Prior cranioplasty
Unable to undergo MRI or anticipated need for MRI during study
Nursing an infant or unwilling to bottle-feed infant
Chronic oral or intravenous use of steroids or immunosuppressive therapy
Suicidal ideation
Drug or alcohol dependence
Planning to become pregnant, or unwilling to use adequate birth control
Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator, Pacemaker, vagal nerve stimulator, or spinal cord stimulator.
Implanted deep brain stimulator (DBS), DBS leads, or cochlear implant.
  • Patient control over the end effector (virtual or physical)Nine years after array implantation

    The primary effectiveness objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NPS2 in controlling virtual or physical end effectors. Signals from posterior parietal cortex will allow the subject to control the end effector with accuracy significantly greater than chance; the subject will be able to perceive and discriminate ICMS above the level of chance; and,incorporating stimulation will improve the subject's control over the end effector. We will evaluate the effectiveness of the NPS2 primarily by calculating the accuracy of the subjects' control over the end effector with and without ICMS, and comparing these different accuracies to the chance level, and to each other. Each subject will serve as his or her own control.

  • Absence of infection or irritationNine years after array implantation

    The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of the NPS2. Implantation will not be associated with infection or irritation, and that the serious adverse event rate will not rise above 1%. We will evaluate the safety of the NPS2 by inspecting the subjects' scalps for evidence of reddening or discharge, by performing regularly scheduled neurologic history and physical exam, and by obtaining feedback from the subjects. The condition of the area will be compared with its condition on previous visits, history will be obtained regarding new symptoms and neurological and physical exam will be compared to baseline exams.