Feasibility Study for Enhancing Gait Following Stroke With Implanted Microstimulators

The purpose of this study is to test an innovative, advanced FNS microstimulator technology developed by the Alfred Mann Foundation (Santa Clarita, CA) called, the Radio Frequency Microstimulation (RFM) Gait System that promises to provide FNS training for restoration of functional gait components in a manner at least as efficacious as current investigational FNS systems. The design features of the RFM Gait System are intended to address the problems with the current FNS systems. The RFM implant devices are small enough to be inserted using only a 5 mm incision\[3\]. Because both the electrode (anode and cathode) are contained within the microstimulator, there are no lead wires traversing the skin, joints, or torso/limb junctures. Individual RFMs can be inserted at the motor points and nerves of each of the paretic muscles in the involved limb and coordinated using radio frequency technology.