Application of Gate Arrays in Implants for Nerve Stimulation (Remobilization of Paraplegic Patients)

The aim of a research project founded in 1977 is to make paraplegic patients stand up and walk again by means of functional electrostimulation (FES). This is accomplished by electrostimulation of nerves innervating the muscles to be activated. The fundamental condition is physiological function of nerves and muscles which is characteristic in most cases of paraplegia. Compared to a heart pacemaker stimulation strategy, FES is much more complicated because not one stimulation impulse, but a full train of impulses adequate in amplitude, stimulation impulse duration, polarity, and frequency is necessary for one movement cycle to allow smooth and well-controlled movement of limbs. Beyond that, it must be possible to stimulate several nerves or muscle groups individually as well as simultaneously for proper walking.