NCT03409133 Feasibility of Neural Feedback for Lower Limb Amputees
| NCT ID | NCT03409133 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Louis Stokes VA Medical Center |
| Condition | Amputation |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 15 participants |
| Start Date | 2015-11-05 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-09-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 15 participants in total. It began in 2015-11-05 with a primary completion date of 2027-09-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of providing sensation of the missing limb to individuals with lower limb loss, including above and below knee amputees. The approach involves delivering small electrical currents directly to remaining nerves via implanted stimulating electrodes. These small electrical currents cause the nerves to generate signals that are then transferred to your brain similar to how information about the foot and lower limb used to be transferred to your brain prior to the amputation. Individuals also have the option to have recording electrodes implanted within muscles of the lower limb(s) in an attempt to develop a motor controller that would enable the user to have intuitive control of a robotic prosthetic leg.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults age 18 or greater * Chronic, medically stable ( \> 3 months) trans-tibial or trans-femoral amputation at the time of implant surgery. * Potential user of trans-tibial or trans-femoral prostheses for standing or walking * Viable target nerves in the lower extremity as determined by standard-of-care clinical tests of nerve conduction, response to stimulation, sensory evoked potentials and the like * Good skin integrity and personal hygiene * Absence of autoimmune deficiencies, seizure disorders or cardiac abnormalities contraindicating stimulation * Sufficient social support and personal ability to tolerate study procedures and comply with follow-up schedule Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled diabetes to a degree that would preclude surgery * Significant vascular disease * Chronic skin ulcerations * Significant history of poor wound healing * Significant history of uncontrolled infections * Active infection * Significant pain in the residual or phantom limb * Pregnancy * Inability to speak English * Expectation that MRI will be required at any point for the duration of study or while percutaneous leads are in place * Severe neurological conditions that significantly impair balance or mobility to an extent that independent ambulation is impossible without assistance ( as determined by a healthcare provider) * Appropriate body habitus (height and weight within acceptable limits as determined by study physician) * Poor surgical candidate * Psychiatric or cognitive conditions that could affect cooperation or understanding of instructions and willingness to undergo psychological evaluation, if recommended by study surgeons or investigators.
Contact & Investigator
Ronald Triolo, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT03409133 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Amputation. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT03409133 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT03409133 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at Aarika.Sheehan@va.gov for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT03409133 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Cleveland, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT03409133 clinical trial?
NCT03409133 is sponsored by Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The principal investigator is Ronald Triolo, PhD at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The trial plans to enroll 15 participants.