https://pittplusme.org/study/2598
Evaluation of MIRA
STUDY BASICS
Are you an amputee with a forearm amputation or wrist disarticulation? Did your amputation occur at least one year ago? You may be eligible for a research study to evaluate a new method to control a robotic prosthetic hand. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a new implantable device to control a robotic prosthetic hand called the MIRA, or myoelectric implantable recording array. The MIRA device uses sensors surgically implanted in the remaining muscles in your forearm to wirelessly provide movement information directly from your nerves to the computerized device for movement.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Eligible participants:
- Subjects must have a unilateral transradial amputation or wrist disarticulation
- Are between 22-70 years old
- Are at least one-year post-amputation
- Do not need to live in/near Pittsburgh to complete this study
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Our screening procedures will determine if you are eligible to continue in the study and be implanted with the MIRA device. This includes muscle activity testing, ultrasound to evaluate anatomy of your forearm muscle, a neuropsychological examination, drug screening to ensure no current use of non-prescribed substances (except for cannabis), questionnaires, and a medical record review. Surgical placement of the device will occur within 6 months after completion of the screening procedures.
The MIRA device will be surgically implanted into your forearm. You will be provided with a prosthetic hand and socket that can communicate with the MIRA implant. We will train you how to use the device, and we will ask you to complete testing sessions at the University of Pittsburgh approximately every 3 months. Between these testing periods we will record how you use the prosthetic hand.
IRB: STUDY21040146
- Evaluation of an Implantable Intramuscular Device to Control a Myoelectric Prosthesis
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Robert Gaunt
Robert Gaunt, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gaunt received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alberta in 2008 and his postdoctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh. He maintains a secondary appointment with the Department of Bioengineering. Dr. Gaunt’s primary research interests are in the area of sensorimotor control and developing advanced neural interfaces with the brain and peripheral nerves for sensory restoration and motor control. He also works on developing methods to improve bladder function using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The goal of this work is to understand how humans normally accomplish complex sensorimotor tasks, test these principles using neuroprosthetic technologies, and ultimately leverage this knowledge to develop devices to restore and improve function.