Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Using micro-electrodes to control prosthetic limbs and provide sensory feedback for amputees

Official title: Can an Array of Micro-electrodes Implanted in a Human Nerve Record Neural Signals and Provide Sensory Feedback Useful for Controlling a Prosthetic Device?

Run by University of Utah · NCT05505513 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if tiny electrodes can help amputees control advanced prosthetic arms and feel sensations like touch.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment3 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Utah
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 21, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedMay 13, 2026
Trial IDNCT05505513 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 with unilateral or bilateral traumatic or elective upper extremity amputations at the transradial level.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are incarcerated, pregnant, unable to consent, or have psychiatric comorbidities or medical conditions that increase anesthesia risks may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility of using percutaneous Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays (pUSEAs) implanted in the peripheral nerves and EMG electrodes in the muscles of patients with upper-limb amputations. The goal is to assess whether these microelectrodes can effectively record neural signals and provide sensory feedback to control advanced prosthetic devices like the DEKA LUKE arm. The study will evaluate the ability of the HAPTIX System to enhance the functionality of prosthetic limbs, allowing for more natural movements and sensations of touch and proprioception. This early feasibility study aims to improve the quality of life for amputees by enabling better control over their prosthetic devices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the control and sensory experience of prosthetic limbs for amputees.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using neural interfaces for prosthetic control, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* at least 18 years of age and less than 65 years of age
* unilateral and bilateral traumatic or elective upper extremity amputations at the transradial level

Exclusion Criteria:

* incarceration
* pregnancy
* inability to consent
* psychiatric comorbidity
* medical conditions that significantly increase the risk of adverse effects of general anesthesia

Where it's running

  • The University Orthopaedic Center
    Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.