Using electrical stimulation with implants to help diaphragm recovery after nerve injury
Official title: Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Using Wireless, Resorbable Implants to Accelerate Diaphragm Muscle Reinnervation after Phrenic Neuropathy
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11087550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wireless implant that helps people with Phrenic Neuropathy, a condition that makes it hard to breathe, by sending gentle electrical signals to help their diaphragm heal faster, especially for those recovering from COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136683-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Phrenic Neuropathy, particularly those experiencing severe respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact diaphragm function or those whose respiratory issues are unrelated to nerve injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving recovery for patients with Phrenic Neuropathy, a condition that affects diaphragm function and can lead to severe breathing difficulties. The approach involves using a wireless, bioresorbable implant that delivers therapeutic electrical stimulation to accelerate the reinnervation of the diaphragm muscle. The study is particularly relevant given the increasing cases of Phrenic Neuropathy linked to severe COVID-19 complications. By collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, the research aims to address the slow and often incomplete recovery seen in many patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance diaphragm recovery, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in nerve regeneration, this specific approach using wireless, bioresorbable implants for diaphragm recovery is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franz, Colin — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Franz, Colin
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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.