Center for Innovative Neurotechnology for Neural Repair (CINNR)

The Center for Innovative Neurotechnology for Neural Repair (CINNR) is a partnership among Lifespan, Brown University, and commercial and government partners that seeks to develop technology for patients with spinal cord injury for the restoration of lower extremity use and bladder function.

The CINNR is currently in phase one of the Intelligent Spinal Interface (ISI) study, funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Two sets of electrodes are surgically implanted in the participant’s spine, one above and one below the site of injury. Through a set of wires, the electrodes will transmit data to a computer, and are removed two to three weeks later.

The second and third phases, funded through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will move toward an all-in-one implanted system.

The goal is to develop a clinical tool to help patients with significant or complete spinal cord injuries:

• Be able to walk again
• Build up feeling or sensation
• Improve bladder or bowel function

The project includes several commercial subcontractors, including Micro Leads, Intel, and Modular Bionics.

For more information about CINNR or the study, contact us at 401-444-4362 or spinalcordstudy@lifespan.org.