An interdisciplinary cooperation project between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH) is researching a novel method for stimulating muscles after severe nerve injuries. Under the direction of PD Dr. Doha Obed, assistant physician at the MHH Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, the research team is developing a piezoelectric fiber fleece that is implanted under the skin and stimulates paralyzed muscles through a magnetic field. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the project with around 800,000 euros over three years.

Serious injuries caused by accidents, amputations or deep cuts can damage nerve fibers in the arms, legs or, in the worst case, in the spinal cord. The nerve plexuses of the extremities, which bundle signals from spinal nerves, are particularly affected. If these are severed, sensory disturbances and muscle paralysis occur, as the electrical signals no longer reach the muscles. While simple nerve injuries can be surgically repaired, the regeneration of nerve fibers often takes months, which can lead to permanent loss of muscle function. Existing methods such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) with electrodes attached to the skin or implanted systems are of limited effectiveness and carry risks such as infections or technical malfunctions.

The research team is relying on an innovative approach: A wafer-thin, stable fibre fleece made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a thermoplastic fluoroplastic, is being developed at the Institute for Multiphase Processes at LUH. This piezoelectric fleece deforms under the action of an external magnetic field, thus generating an electric current that directly stimulates the paralyzed muscle. The fleece is said to be easy to implant and offer a stable, infection-resistant alternative to conventional systems. The activation of the fleece could be done by a handy device that works like a mini magnetic resonance imaging.

The researchers are currently working on optimising the system, in particular on the wireless measurement of the voltage generated in the muscle. To this end, engineers at LUH are developing microchips as measuring probes that are also implanted under the skin. In a next step, the system will be tested in an animal model. If successful, the fleece could be used not only for nerve injuries, but also for muscle stimulation after strokes.

The project combines medical and engineering expertise to sustainably improve the quality of life of patients with muscle paralysis after nerve injuries. The funding from the DFG underlines the high scientific relevance and innovation potential of this approach.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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