Restoration of Hand Function in Cervical SCI

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an alternative method of restoring hand function to people with spinal cord injury. Current methods to restore hand function include tendon transfers (surgery that moves working muscles and tendon to replace a nonworking muscle and tendon) and nerve transfers (surgery that reroutes a healthy nerve to connect to a damaged nerve and restore function or sensation). This study will evaluate the grasp strength and ability to manipulate objects that can be achieved with a small (2 inches long) implantable stimulator. The device we are using to achieve this is the Nalu Medical Peripheral Nerve Stimulator.

Nalu Medical Peripheral Nerve Stimulator is a stimulator currently used to treat chronic pain. The Nalu Medical Peripheral Nerve Stimulator is currently cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation to block pain signals. The Nalu Medical Peripheral Nerve Stimulator has not been approved by the FDA for the use being tested in this study. We intend to use this device to activate paralyzed muscles. When being used for the purpose of this study, we will refer to the device as the KeyGrip System.

The KeyGrip System is an investigational use of an FDA approved device (The Nalu Medical Peripheral Nerve Stimulator) that works by activating paralyzed muscles with low levels of electrical current. The word "investigational" means the way we are using the device is still being tested in research studies and is not approved by the (FDA) for the use being studied. This study will use the KeyGrip System to try to restore hand function to people with spinal cord injury.

What is involved in this study?

If the participant chooses to be in this study, the participant will undergo the following procedures:

• a screening procedure that involves using surface electrical stimulation (that is, stimulation using pads placed on the skin) to evaluate whether the participants muscles can be activated with electrical stimulation.
• Following this, the participant will undergo an evaluation of their current hand grasp strength, and the ability to perform a test of hand grasp that involves manipulating standard objects.
• If the participants are a candidate for the study, participants will undergo surgery to implant the KeyGrip system, after which the hand and forearm will be immobilized in a cast for 3 weeks to protect the electrodes from movement.
• Participants will then have the implant programmed to provide grasp and will be trained in how to use the system to perform activities.
• Participants will then be able to use the system at home for exercise and for functional activities.
• Over the course of the first year, participants will return at 3-, 6-, and 12-months to evaluate grasp strength, and ability to manipulate standard objects.
• It is important to note that investigators do not plan to remove the study device after participation in the study ends. If participants wish to remove the study device after finishing participating or if participants withdraw from the study, a surgery to remove the device can be scheduled.

Participants will be in this research study for one year, after which participants may continue to use the device. Participants will continue to be contacted by the research team to monitor any adverse events participants may experience.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female adults 18 years of age or older;
• Cervical spinal cord injury as defined by: a) International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury motor level of C1 through C7; and b) American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A, B, or C;
• Six months or more post-injury (neurostability);
• Neurologically stable following any nerve transfers affecting the upper extremity (typically, one-year post-surgery);
• Musculoskeletally and neurologically stable following any tendon transfers affecting the upper extremity (typically 6 months post-surgery).
• Peripheral nerve innervation to upper extremity muscles, including Grade 3/5 or higher Stimulated Manual Muscle Testin at least two of the muscles in one arm:
• Good proximal voluntary upper extremity strength as defined by biceps/ brachialis / brachioradialis strength of 2/5 or higher on Manual Muscle Testing the side intended for implantation;
• Medically stable; and
• Able to understand and provide informed consent;

Exclusion criteria

• Other neurological conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes with peripheral nerve involvement);
• Associated peripheral nerve / brachial plexus injury;
• Progressive Spinal Cord Injury;
• Active implantable medical device (AIMD) such as a pacemaker or defibrillator;
• Active untreated infection such as urinary tract infection or pneumonia;
• Active pressure injury;
• History of coagulopathy, HIV, cardiopulmonary disease, bradycardia, poorly controlled autonomic dysreflexia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that would preclude safe participation in the trial as determined by the investigator;
• Unhealed fractures that prevent functional use of arm;
• Extensive upper extremity denervation (fewer than two excitable hand muscles);
• Involvement in other ongoing clinical studies that exclude concurrent involvement in this study;
• Currently pregnant (neuroprosthesis implantation delayed until no longer pregnant based on self-report); Urine or serum testing will happen during the pre-surgery evaluation.
• Presence of disease that might interfere with participant safety, compliance, or evaluation of the condition under study;
• Other significant medical findings that, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude safe participation in the trial