A groundbreaking implant designed to provide electrical stimulation directly to the spinal cord has yielded remarkable improvements in the mobility of a man in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease.
The findings showcase the technology's ability to enable the individual to walk smoothly and traverse challenging terrains without the previous risk of falling.
Restoring Mobility for Parkinson's Disease Patient
Thanks to an innovative spinal implant, a 62-year-old Parkinson's patient named "Marc" from Bordeaux, France, has achieved a remarkable feat - walking six kilometers.
Marc, who had been suffering from severe mobility issues due to Parkinson's disease, stated that before the implant, he could hardly walk without frequent falls, and certain situations rendered him immobile.
(Photo : GABRIEL MONNET/AFP via Getty Images)
Swiss neurosurgeon, professor and co-director of NeuroRestore Jocelyne Bloch (L) and Swiss professor of neuroscience at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and Lausanne University (UNIL) and co-director of NeuroRestore, Gregoire Courtine (back), switch on the neuroprosthesis placed under the skin of Marc, a French patient suffering from Parkinson's disease fitted with a new neuroprosthesis during the presentation of a new neuroprosthesis that restores fluid walking in Lausanne, on November 3, 2023.
Following a precision neurosurgical procedure performed at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) two years ago, the spinal implant has transformed his life.
Engadget reported that this consists of an electrode field placed against his spinal cord and an electrical impulse generator under his abdomen's skin.
Instead of the conventional approach that targets brain regions affected by dopamine-producing neuron loss, this breakthrough therapy concentrates on the spinal area responsible for activating leg muscles during walking.
As the research team eyes a full clinical trial, Marc can now walk almost normally. The procedure was conducted by creating a personalized map of Marc's spinal cord, pinpointing the exact locations that control leg movements.
He utilized a movement sensor on each leg, signaling the implant when he intended to walk. In response, the implant activated and transmitted electrical impulses to the specific spinal neurons related to his movement, adjusting in real time.
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Remarkable Progress
Speaking about the remarkable progress of gait deficits due to Parkinson's disease, The Guardian reported that project supervisor Jocelyne Bloch, a professor and neurosurgeon at CHUV Lausanne University Hospital, expressed her optimism.
She discussed in the webinar the patient's success, believing that these outcomes open up practical possibilities for developing a treatment.
The patient described remarkable progress after several weeks of rehabilitation, attaining the ability to walk almost normally while wearing the spinal implant for about eight hours daily, only deactivating it during sleep or extended periods of rest.
This newfound ability has allowed him to fearlessly navigate tasks such as climbing stairs and taking leisurely walks. He said he could now "go to the lake," and "walk around six kilometers" every Sunday.
The research team acknowledged that there remains a significant bridge to cross in transitioning from a personalized solution to one suitable for broader implementation.
Co-leaders Grégoire Courtine and Bloch are actively collaborating with Onward Medical to advance the development of a commercial version of the neuroprosthetic.
Nature reported that the researchers' vision is to extend the reach of this innovative technology to enhance the quality of life for Parkinson's patients on a global scale. These promising results reportedly paved the way for clinical trials on more patients that are due to start early next year.
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