Gaining Momentum and Improving Capabilities in Post-Stroke Modalities: Eric Leuthardt, MD

"The focus, historically, has been adaption and how you can best accommodate that deficit. Now we’re starting to see, especially with brain computer interface, that we can perhaps open that window, again, and start to do things. That’s really starting to generate a lot of excitement for adding to the equation of this global ability to care for these patients.”

The IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System, a brain-computer interface (BCI) system utilizes a robotic exoskeleton, an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based headset, and a tablet. The device made history in April 2021, becoming the first FDA-approved device leveraging BCI technology to assist patients with chronic stroke in rehabilitation.

Designed by Neurolutions, the device taps into the uninjured, or ipsilateral, side of the brain to improve arm and hand function. The approval of the device speaks to the growing movement of using technology in the post-stroke phase. Eric Leuthardt, MD, founder and chief scientific officer of Neurolutions, explained that clinicians are becoming better in the acute care of stroke, which has lent itself to more opportunities and perspective on the use of technology for acute intervention.

In an interview with NeurologyLive, he discussed the growing movement towards post-stroke rehabilitation systems and the increased interest from clinicians within the community. He also touched upon the potential of the IpsiHand System to treat other less chronic forms of stroke the future research behind it.

REFERENCES

Neurolutions receives US Food and Drug Administration De Novo Market Authorization for IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System. News Release. April 26, 2021. Accessed June 3, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/04/26/2216682/0/en/Neurolutions-Receives-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-De-Novo-Market-Authorization-for-IpsiHand-Upper-Extremity-Rehabilitation-System.html