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Published on: January 10, 2013
Stimulation of the expiratory muscles using microstimulators
Vernon W-H Lin1, Xiaoming Deng, Yu-Shang Lee
1Spinal Cord Institute, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA. vernon.lin@med.va.gov
Summary
Wireless microstimulators effectively activate expiratory muscles by stimulating lower thoracic spinal nerves. This method shows promise for improving respiratory function in spinal cord injury patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Respiratory complications are a leading cause of death in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
- Loss of supraspinal control impairs expiratory muscle function and airway secretion clearance in SCI.
- Effective methods for restoring expiratory muscle function are crucial for SCI management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of lower thoracic spinal nerve stimulation using wireless microstimulators.
- To evaluate the activation of expiratory muscles via percutaneous nerve stimulation.
- To determine the potential of this technique for improving respiratory function in SCI.
Main Methods:
- Nine anesthetized dogs underwent T2 spinal cord transection.
- Wireless microstimulators were percutaneously implanted into bilateral intercostal nerves (T7-L1).
- Spinal nerve stimulation (20 Hz, 200 µs pulse width, 2s bursts) evaluated expiratory pressure generation.
Main Results:
- Expiratory pressure increased with stimulation intensity and number of recruited spinal nerves.
- Maximal expiratory pressures ranged from 8.4 cmH2O (1 pair) to 40.4 cmH2O (8 pairs).
- Stimulation of 7-8 spinal nerve levels yielded the highest expiratory pressures.
Conclusions:
- Lower thoracic spinal nerve stimulation with microstimulators generates significant expiratory pressure.
- Percutaneous microstimulator placement effectively activates expiratory muscles.
- This technique offers a potential noninvasive tool for restoring cough in SCI and other neurological disorders.
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