More information
Description
This research project aims to develop a personalised arm neuroprosthesis, equipped with artificial skin and sensorial feedback for patients with partially amputated superior limbs, providing the unique capability of bidirectional connect the prosthesis with the peripheral nervous system from the patient stump.
These arm neuroprostheses will regain important functions for the patients, by reusing the functions and abilities initially provided by the healthy hand (by moving again the fingers or the palm). The patient will be able to manoeuvre daily objects again, based on the motion reflexes and the motion abilities that are already known, due to the direct connection to the nervous system. The neuroprosthesis will, therefore, provide opportunities for social re-integration, by finding jobs consistent with the professional training and education acquired before amputation.
The Romanian – Norway cooperation will contribute to enhance the Romanian research, increased visibility and reputation by participation in international high-ranked Conferences and publications in ISI journals. The project successful implementation will create important opportunities for new partnerships in EU projects and will improve the participation of the Romanian teams to European Consortia of H2020 and beyond (FP9) projects. The project will help building sustainable long term cooperation with Norway partners and the other Donor States in joint bilateral or European research projects
Summary of project results
This research project aims to develop a new, functional and performing arm neuroprosthesis, equipped with artificial skin and sensorial feedback for patients with partially amputated superior limbs. This innovative product provides new currently unavailable technical characteristics and improves patients’ life quality by providing many of the sensory and motor skills they have lost. The patient will be able to manoeuvre daily objects again, based on the motion reflexes and the motion abilities that are already known, due to the direct connection to the nervous system. The neuroprosthesis will, therefore, provide opportunities for social re-integration, by finding jobs consistent with the professional training and education acquired before amputation.
The project has developed a detachable arm prosthesis special designed for a neuronal command, biocompatible and reliable, featuring significant innovative characteristics as compared to the current prosthesis. The elements of the mechanical structure (the palm and the fingers) are covered with a special material, VELOSTAT, acting as artificial skin. Its new, completely articulated and modular mechanical structure allows the configuration of the mechanical structure on different degrees of functionality and complexity. Its control system ensures an elevated degree of self-management. A new methodology for the bidirectional connection of the neuroprosthesis to the peripheral nervous system from the patient''s stump has been researched. Electrodes and tactile feedback neural interfaces for median/ulnar nerves have been designed, fabricated and tested. Motor interfaces and neural tactile feedback interfaces have been also designed and fabricated. The functionality of the electrodes and neural interfaces and was tested in vivo and in six clinical trials were also performed.
The project is addressing the area of prosthesis for amputees which is having very high capitalisation potential, taking into account the consistent and, unfortunately, ever increasing number of amputees. The World Health Organization and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics state that approximately 50 million people (0.5% - 0.8% of world population) have limb loss, 30 million people being located in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Analyses of retail prostheses markets in recent years have pointed to deficiencies in existing devices, unable to fully meet critical requirements of users as well as to high expectations from the public towards this kind of products, manifested in the considerable amount of worldwide sales. The global prosthetics market size was valued at USD 6.11 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2021 to 2028. However, the growth and development of the market for prosthesis are restrained by limited technological advancements and low per capita income in emerging economies and under-developed countries. The advantageous ratio performance / cost (as compared to the ones currently on the market) of the artificial arms stemming from this project The advantageous ratio performance / cost (as compared to the ones currently on the market) of the artificial arms stemming from this project will ensure its success both on the Romanian market and on the EU market.
Summary of bilateral results
The collaboration between these teams was based both on common purpose, and on the complementarity of professional skills, which ensured strong coherence and unity within the consortium. Thus, by the synergistic combination of these complementary teams, a fruitful collaboration was ensured, that covered the full range of skills required for the optimal and successful achievement of the project objectives.