New Implantable Device Offers Breakthrough in Stabilizing Blood Pressure for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

For people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), the challenges extend far beyond paralysis and mobility limitations. One of the most dangerous, often overlooked complications is unstable blood pressure, which can swing dramatically from dangerously low drops that cause fainting to sudden spikes that increase the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest.

A recent international clinical trial is giving new hope to patients like 32-year-old Cody Krebs, who sustained a severe spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident in 2022. For years, Krebs struggled with blood pressure fluctuations so extreme that simply transferring from his bed to his wheelchair nearly caused him to pass out, while pain-induced spikes triggered severe migraines and sweating.

Now, thanks to a groundbreaking implantable neurostimulation device, Krebs is regaining control over his blood pressure—and his daily life.

A Landmark International Study

The clinical trial, led by researchers from the University of Calgary, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Lausanne (UNIL), and the Sint Maartenskliniek in the Netherlands, has shown remarkable results. Published simultaneously in Nature and Nature Medicine, two landmark studies detail how the new implantable system stabilizes blood pressure in SCI patients.

The system uses a new class of electrode arrays implanted on the spinal cord, connected to a pulse generator similar to a cardiac pacemaker. This generator delivers finely tuned electrical stimulation that regulates blood pressure. What makes the therapy so promising is its adaptability: each patient’s device is calibrated to their unique needs and can even be controlled through an app.

Why Blood Pressure Control Matters in SCI

Blood pressure regulation is an underappreciated aspect of SCI care. While research and rehabilitation efforts often focus on restoring movement, blood pressure instability is a chronic and life-threatening condition for many patients.

• Low blood pressure (hypotension): leaves patients fatigued, cognitively impaired, prone to fainting, and at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular problems.

• High blood pressure spikes (autonomic dysreflexia): can trigger life-threatening complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Aaron Phillips, PhD, of the University of Calgary’s RESTORE Network, emphasized that low blood pressure after SCI has serious medical consequences and must not be ignored. His team’s research confirmed that this therapy can work in different countries and care settings, showing consistent results across multiple medical centers.

Results That Change Daily Life

The trial included 14 participants across four clinical studies in Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Once activated, the implanted system restored blood pressure to safe levels, often within minutes.

Patients reported dramatic improvements in quality of life:

• Less brain fog

• Increased energy

• Fewer migraines and less severe nerve pain

• Reduced risk of fainting during daily activities

• Improved clarity in thinking and speaking

For Krebs, the difference was life-changing: “It feels good to be able to boost my blood pressure when I need to. I have more energy and am thinking more clearly. Also, there are fewer dangerous spikes in my blood pressure.”

A Safe, Practical Therapy

One reason this therapy has progressed so quickly from concept to clinical trial is its safety profile. The electrode technology used in the device has been implanted for years in patients with chronic pain disorders, making it a natural transition for use in blood pressure regulation.

Dr. Fady Girgis, MD, a neurosurgeon at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre, noted that patients saw “immediate improvements in blood pressure that were evident as soon as the device was turned on intra-operatively.”

Toward Widespread Use

The device was developed by ONWARD Medical, which recently received FDA approval to begin a pivotal trial in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This large-scale study is expected to involve approximately 20 leading neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical research centers.

If successful, the therapy could become a standard treatment for one of the most serious hidden risks of spinal cord injuries.

Broader Implications for SCI Patients

This breakthrough underscores an important reality: spinal cord injuries affect much more than mobility. At KBD Attorneys, we have written extensively about the complications of SCI, from:

• Bedsores and pressure ulcers due to immobility

• Amputation risks following severe trauma or infection

• Long-term cardiovascular issues tied to SCI-related blood pressure problems

By shining light on research like this, we hope to support patients and families as they navigate the medical, emotional, and legal challenges that follow spinal cord injuries.

Moving Forward

For patients like Cody Krebs, the promise of restored independence and reduced medical risks is finally within reach. As pivotal trials begin, there is hope that thousands of people living with spinal cord injuries will soon benefit from this innovative therapy.

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani (KBD) Attorneys, we remain committed to helping spinal cord injury survivors secure the medical care, financial resources, and justice they deserve.

Related Reading

• The Hidden Dangers of Blood Pressure Instability in SCI Patients

• Legal Options for Families Affected by Severe Spinal Cord Injuries

• Preventing Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers After SCI

source: news-medical.net