Wireless, dissolving implants to help the diaphragm recover after phrenic 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-11345643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy uses a wireless, dissolvable implant to deliver targeted electrical stimulation to speed diaphragm nerve recovery in people with phrenic neuropathy.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $645,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136683-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with phrenic neuropathy who have impaired diaphragm function and are candidates for experimental electrical stimulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diaphragm weakness related to phrenic neuropathy or those unable to receive electrical stimulation implants may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve breathing and reduce dependence on ventilation by combining a custom wireless bioresorbable implant with a specialized electrical stimulation protocol for the diaphragm. A multidisciplinary team will test the device and stimulation method to promote axon regrowth and better diaphragm function. The study will involve participants with phrenic neuropathy, focusing on feasibility, safety, and potential improvements in respiratory capacity and quality of life. Results could pave the way for a new, less invasive treatment to restore breathing in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better breathing, fewer days on ventilators, and greater ability to perform daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in nerve and muscle recovery support the potential of electrical stimulation to aid reinnervation, but this approach with a wireless, dissolvable implant is novel.
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.