SBIR-STTR Award

A digital radio frequency (RF) telemeter will be developed to wirelessly transmit sensor signals to the external control unit of a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system. The telemetry link will eliminate the cumbersome, prone-to-breakage and cosmetically-unacceptable wiring that has been employed in existing FES systems to interconnect the command/feedback sensors, mounted near body extremities, to the control unit worn on the waist belt. This addition of a convenient, reliable and invisible sensor-controller link will enhance the patient-acceptability of current FES technology and improve the quality of life for the large population suffering from spinal cord injury, stroke and other neurological disorders. During Phase I, a prototype telemeter will be developed which incorporates digital coding and modulation techniques to maximize the system's immunity to electromagnetic interference and thus ensure reliable operation in the electrically-noisy environment of FES applications. The issues of multi-telemeter configuration, effects of the body on RF transmission, interfaces with other FES system components and power-saving techniques will also be investigated. The prototype device will be evaluated in a simulated FES clinical environment to quantify performance and identify problems to be addressed in Phase II. High-density packaging and human-engineering design will also be implemented in Phase II development.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Envisioned over the longterm are a family of telemetry systems for use in a wide variety of FES applications as well as in related applications pertaining to rehabilitation. Demand for the telemetry systems will grow with the increasing clinical application and commercialization of current and future FES systems. Once additional specific prototypes become available during Phase II, it is anticipated that other medical telemetry applications outside the FES and rehabilitation fields will be identified and pursued as additional business opportunities external to this project.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

We will develop a digital radio-frequency (RF) telemeter to wirelessly transmit sensor signals to the control unit of a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system. The telemetry link will eliminate the cumbersome, prone-to-breakage and cosmetically-unacceptablewiring that has been employed in existing FES systems to interconnect the command/feedback sensors, mounted near body extremities, with the control unit worn on the waist belt. This addition of a convenient, reliable and invisible sensor-controller link will enhance the patient-acceptability of current FES technology and improve the quality of life for the large population suffering from spinal cord injurys stroke and other neurological disorders.The completed Phase I study has proven the feasibility of establishing a reliable RF link in a simulated FES application environment. During Phase II of the project, a patient system will be developed. The system configuration and specifications will be defined based on typical clinical requirements; the transmitter and receiver design will be improved based on Phase I results; the device volume and power consumption will be reduced by using custom integrated circuits; and comprehensive laboratory rest and field evaluation will be performed on the prototype device before entering Phase III production.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applieations of the research:Demand for the sensor telemetry systems will grow with the increasing commercialization and clinical application of current and future FES systems. Once specific prototypes become available during Phase II, it is anticipated that other medical telemetry applications outside the FES and rehabilitation field will be identified and pursued as additional business opportunities external to this project.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)