Stimulation With Wire Leads to Restore Cough

Spinal Cord Injuries Clinical Trial

Official title: Spinal Cord Stimulation With Wire Leads to Restore Cough

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this trial is to determine the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation, using wire leads, to produce an effective cough in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Trial Description

Patients with cervical spinal cord injuries often have paralysis of a major portion of their expiratory muscles - the muscles responsible for coughing - and therefore, lack a normal cough mechanism. Consequently, most of these patients suffer from a markedly reduced ability to clear airway secretions, a factor which contributes to the development of recurrent respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Expiratory muscles can be activated by electrical stimulation of the spinal roots to produce a functionally effective cough.

The purpose of this trial is to determine if electrical stimulation of the expiratory muscles by wire leads is capable of producing an effective cough on demand. According to the trial researchers, if successful, this technique will prevent the need for frequent patient suctioning - which often requires the constant presence of trained personnel. It will also allow spinal cord injured patients to clear their secretions more readily, thereby reducing the incidence of respiratory complications and associated illness and death.

In the trial, researchers will study 16 adults (18-75 years old) with cervical spinal injuries (C8 level or higher), at least 6 months following the date of injury. After an evaluation of medical history, a brief physical examination, and initial testing, participants will have wire leads placed - by a routine, minimally invasive surgical procedure - over the surface of their spinal cords on the lower back to stimulate the expiratory muscles and restore cough. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Central Nervous System Diseases
• Cough
• Nervous System Diseases
• Paralysis
• Spinal Cord Diseases
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Trauma, Nervous System
• Wounds and Injuries

• NCT number: NCT01659541
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: MetroHealth Medical Center
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 2015
• Completion date: July 31, 2021