Therapeutic electrical stimulation with BIONs: clinical trial report

We have been using microminiature, single-channel, leadless, RF-powered stimulators called BIONs/sup TM/, in three clinical trials to strengthen muscles weakened by disuse atrophy. Two of these studies are aimed at preventing and reversing shoulder subluxation in post-stroke patients. The third study is aimed at increasing knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Results from these studies (a total of 14 patients implanted) have shown that BIONs are easy for the physicians to implant and easy for the patients to use. Thresholds for recruitment have been stable over time periods as long as 20 months. Significant improvement was seen in the small number of patients under treatment.