Platform Technologies
Advanced Neurostimulation Technology
Neurobionix’s passion is researching, developing and bringing to clinical practice closed-loop neurostimulation technologies, such as the Neurostep®, that integrate with the body, actively sense key physical events, and provide stimulation energy at the right time, which should restore more natural movements and function. In order to achieve these goals, we have proudly developed several proprietary core technology platforms with potential use in a broad array of neurostimulation applications.
Neurocuff™ – Nerve Cuff Electrodes
The Neurocuff™, part of the Neurostep®, is a thin-walled, flexible nerve electrode anchoring mechanism manufactured from currently available biomaterials that provides a direct connection between the neuromuscular system and the Control Unit. The Neurocuff™ utilizes the following proprietary design features for nerve sensing and stimulation:
- Isolation chambers – protrusions integrated into the cuff electrode, creating individual isolation chambers that help separate each set of electrodes from the other and from the environment outside the cuff. While sensing from the targeted nerve fibers, these isolation chambers are designed to assist in potentially reducing signal intrusion from other sources and typical environmental noise. During the stimulation cycle, the chambers should help focus stimulation energy to small discrete areas, eliminating unintended stimulation elsewhere.
- Multiple electrodes – multiple electrodes positioned within each cuff separated by isolation chambers should provide more sensing and stimulation contact points. This localization of electrodes should ease access to intended sites for stimulation.
- “Piano-hinge” closure system designed to create a high-integrity seal around the targeted nerve fibers.
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| Isolation chambers and tripolar electrode design aims to create multiple points for selective sensing and stimulation | |
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| Piano-hinge suture closure system provides 360° of contact with nerve fiber, should enhance signal detection and delivery of stimulation energy | Neurocuff™ electrodes – Flexible design allows for multiple sizes and configurations |
Bionized™ CLS – Closed-Loop Sensing and Stimulation Electronics
The CLS, or closed-loop, neurosensing and stimulation platform, incorporates electronics with customizable embedded software designed to actively listening for, and amplifying naturally occurring nerve signals, extracting specific events for real-time system analysis. By utilizing this approach we are attempting to increase signal sensitivity and selectivity, which are key to providing appropriate stimulation therapy at the right time. Also, the modular approach allows greater flexibility in designing systems for a broad range of potential clinical neurostimulation only, or closed-loop applications.
Wireless Device Communications
All of our peripheral nerve sensing and stimulation platforms include RF (radio frequency) capabilities that allow a clinician to communicate with the implanted Control Unit. By placing a wireless interrogation unit on the skin near the site of the Control Unit, the clinician or a technician can access and change hundreds of customizable program features. The intent of this design feature is to:
- Provide greater flexibility for optimizing the sensing and stimulation parameters to meet specific patient needs;
- Track and record data collected by the Control Unit for future analysis;
- Check current battery status and consumption data.
Gaitway – Advanced Graphical User Interface Software
Programming the Neurostep® System is achieved through the use of our proprietary software application called Gaitway. We can use the graphical user interface of Gaitway to interact with the implanted device, and can change the operation of the device to match patient needs as their physical performance improves, or interrogate historical data to help better understand the patient’s gait characteristics and experience with the device. Finally, Gaitway’s modular design allows for future enhancement, program modification, software/firmware updates and additional customization as new clinical applications are contemplated and introduced.