NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: NMTC) (“NeuroOne” or “Company”), a medical technology company focused on improving surgical care options and outcomes for patients with neurological disorders, today announced the successful completion of its first animal implant of its novel thin film paddle leads for spinal cord stimulation. The devices are intended for individuals with chronic back pain owing to numerous failed back surgery syndrome, persistent low back pain, and leg discomfort.
The study assessed the viability of implanting ultra-thin paddle leads of various sizes and shapes in a sheep model. A small laminectomy was utilized to get access to the epidural area for the implantation of a device. In less than one minute, all gadgets were advanced to the desired area with relative ease. Comparatively, a competing silicone-based lead was also put. The veterinary surgeon had no problems with the insertion of the NeuroOne lead within the epidural area.
These results indicated the viability of placing a thin sheet paddle lead to treat persistent back pain caused by several unsuccessful back operations. Further testing will be conducted to optimize the layout and design. Moreover, the company is developing a percutaneous (through a needle) paddle lead implantation technique that would eliminate the need for a back incision. Also, the early benchtop testing for this percutaneous technique was effective.
NeuroOne CEO David Rosa remarked, “This is a significant achievement for the company as we continue to create unique devices with therapeutic characteristics and recording capabilities. The commercial potential for spinal cord stimulation is significant and expanding. We believe that our technology can fulfill a market need for improved patient outcomes due in part to its potential ability to place a paddle device through a needle, provide a larger stimulation surface area of the spinal cord, better conformability with the tissue, and improve battery life of devices, thereby reducing the frequency with which patients must recharge or replace their batteries.”