TIME - Transverse, Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrode system for induction of sensation and treatment of phantom limb pain in amputees
Project objectivesThe amputation of a limb is a traumatic event which in some cases produces sensations coming from the missing part of the body (phantom limb). In 50-80% of cases these sensations can be painful (phantom limb pain). By electrically stimulating the nerves it is possible to rebuild the connection with the brain lost following the amputation and relieve pain. The aim of the TIME project is to create a platform for the stimulation of peripheral nerves of amputees for the treatment of phantom limb pain. The idea is to inject current into the amputee that guarantees the most natural possible return of the tactile and proprioceptive sensations lost by the patient in order to faithfully recreate the connection with the brain. The stimulation platform consists of a completely innovative neural interface with peripheral nerves, a current stimulator and software to automatically collect patient feedback following stimulation. The neural interface, called TIME (Transverse, Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrode), is designed to be transversely implanted in the peripheral nerves of the arm and guarantee absolute current stimulation selectivity (in terms of number of cells affected by the stimulation itself). |
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Official website: www.project-time.eu |
Start and end date |
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2009 - 2012 |
Coordinating institution of the project |
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University of Aalborg |
Other Institutions involved |
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Funding source(s). |
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European Commission, funded under the VII FP, ICTMicrosystems programme |