Safety Assessment of Epidural Wire Electrodes for Cough Production in a Chronic Pig Model of Spinal Cord Injury

J Neurosci Methods, 2016 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.05.002 · Published: August 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the safety of using electrical stimulation to help spinal cord injured patients regain their ability to cough. The researchers tested wire leads placed on the spinal cord of pigs. The pigs received daily electrical stimulation for three months. Afterward, the researchers examined the tissue around the electrodes and the electrodes themselves for signs of damage or corrosion. The results showed that this method of electrical stimulation led to increased pressure during coughing without causing significant tissue damage or electrode corrosion in the animal model.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

10 adult mini-pigs (6 chronic, 4 acute controls)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Chronic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with wire lead electrodes resulted in significant increases in airway pressure during simulated cough, indicating improved expiratory muscle function.
2
Tissue analysis revealed minimal tissue reaction in the area of the stimulating and control electrodes, suggesting that the stimulation was not causing significant adverse effects.
3
Electrode analysis showed no evidence of electrode corrosion, indicating that the electrical stimulation parameters were not causing significant damage to the electrodes themselves.

Research Summary

The study assessed the safety of chronic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) using wire electrodes to restore cough function in a pig model of spinal cord injury. After three months of daily SCS, the researchers found significant increases in airway pressure generation without evidence of significant adverse tissue reaction or electrode corrosion. The findings suggest that this method may be a safe and useful technique to restore a functional cough in spinal cord injured subjects.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The study supports the potential translation of this technique to human clinical trials for restoring cough function in spinal cord injured individuals.

Minimally Invasive Approach

The use of wire electrodes allows for a minimally invasive surgical approach, potentially reducing patient recovery time and healthcare costs.

Improved Quality of Life

Restoring an effective cough mechanism can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality related to respiratory complications in the spinal cord injured population, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mini-pigs, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans due to differences in spinal cord size and anatomy.
2
The study utilized a specific lead configuration and stimulus paradigm, and the results may not be generalizable to other electrode designs or stimulation parameters.
3
A comprehensive analysis of the response to SCS was not performed during the initial surgery in the chronic animals

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