Spinal implant aims to free ventilator-dependent patients from machines

NCT ID NCT04883463

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Semel Institute of Neuroscience at UCLA
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States
UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Center
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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