Spinal implant aims to free ventilator-dependent patients from machines

NCT ID NCT04883463

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early study tests whether a spinal cord stimulator can safely help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe without a ventilator. Twelve adults who have been injured for at least a year and rely on a breathing machine will receive an implant and attend weekly sessions for up to 21 months. The main goal is to check safety, but researchers will also measure any improvements in breathing function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

epidural electrical stimulation implant

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way for people with spinal cord injuries to breathe on their own, reducing or eliminating the need for a ventilator.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early safety study with only 12 participants. The implant may not improve breathing, and there are risks from surgery and the device itself.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Semel Institute of Neuroscience at UCLA

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Center

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••