In a groundbreaking development at the University of Cambridge, a new electronic device has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of spinal injuries. The flexible device, designed to encircle the spinal cord, allows for comprehensive monitoring and even stimulation to restore movement in limbs following severe injuries.
Utilizing cutting-edge engineering and neurosurgical techniques, a team comprising engineers, neuroscientists, and surgeons at Cambridge, made significant strides in developing these innovative devices that can capture 360-degree nerve signal data from the spinal cord, providing a more complete understanding of its activity.
Through live animal studies and examinations using human cadaver models, the devices demonstrated remarkable capabilities, such as stimulating limb motion and functioning as a bridge over total spinal cord interruptions. This capability may lead to less invasive treatments by avoiding additional brain surgery, therefore reducing patient risk.
Although clinical applications could be several years away, the technology shows promise for near-term usage in monitoring spinal cord activity during surgeries. It offers insights that could enhance treatments for various conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and hypertension. These findings are featured in the academic journal “Science Advances.”
Source: India Education Diary