title: A Mixed-Signal VLSI System for Producing Temporally Adapting Intraspinal Microstimulation Patterns for Locomotion.
abstract: Neural pathways can be artificially activated through the use of electrical stimulation. For individuals with a spinal cord injury, intraspinal microstimulation, using electrical currents on the order of 125 μ A, can produce muscle contractions and joint torques in the lower extremities suitable for restoring walking. The work presented here demonstrates an integrated circuit implementing a state-based control strategy where sensory feedback and intrinsic feed forward control shape the stimulation waveforms produced on-chip. Fabricated in a 0.5 μ m process, the device was successfully used in vivo to produce walking movements in a model of spinal cord injury. This work represents progress towards an implantable solution to be used for restoring walking in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
authors.forename: Kevin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mazurek
authors.forename: Bradley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Holinski
authors.forename: Dirk G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Everaert
authors.forename: Vivian K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Mushahwar
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Etienne-Cummings
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D014173:Transistors, Electronic