Targeted electrical nerve blocking to reduce pain and autonomic symptoms
Optimized Electrical Block of Peripheral Nerves
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11252271
This project tests new electrical pulse patterns and electrode designs to block small nerve fibers that cause chronic pain and autonomic problems like heart failure or diabetic nerve issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252271 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are designing new electrical pulse patterns and electrode shapes to block the small nerve fibers that carry pain and autonomic signals. They aim to minimize the energy needed, prevent the brief painful activation that sometimes happens when blocking starts, and selectively block small fibers while keeping larger, useful fibers working. The optimized waveforms and electrodes will be tested in live animal models, including both small and large animals, to measure effectiveness and safety. If those preclinical experiments succeed, the methods could be developed into devices to help people with chronic pain, heart failure, diabetic neuropathy, or inflammatory conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future candidates would be people with chronic, treatment-resistant pain or autonomic dysfunction (for example heart failure or diabetic neuropathy) who might benefit from targeted nerve-blocking devices.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms stem from large-fiber nerve loss, require immediate surgical intervention, or who cannot receive nerve implants due to medical contraindications may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to implanted or external devices that provide targeted relief from pain and improve autonomic conditions with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown electrical blocking can stop large-diameter nerve signals, but selectively and efficiently blocking small-diameter Ad, B, and C fibers is largely new and unproven in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRILL, WARREN M. — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GRILL, WARREN M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.