A new implant developed through an international collaboration led by the University of Calgary has shown remarkable success in restoring blood pressure regulation for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The device, which delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, offers a breakthrough for patients who experience dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure due to disrupted autonomic control.
One such patient, Cody Krebs, suffered a severe SCI in 2022 and has since relied on a wheelchair. Like many with SCI, Krebs faced unpredictable drops and spikes in blood pressure that left him vulnerable to fainting, migraines, and cardiovascular complications. These symptoms stem from the brain’s inability to regulate blood pressure after spinal cord damage.
The implant consists of a custom-designed electrode array placed on the spinal cord and connected to a pulse generator similar to a cardiac pacemaker. This system delivers finely tuned electrical signals calibrated to each patient’s needs. Once activated, the device restores blood pressure to a functional range within minutes and can be controlled via a mobile app.
Beyond stabilizing low blood pressure, the implant also prevents life-threatening spikes known as autonomic dysreflexia. Researchers mapped the spinal cord’s neuronal architecture responsible for these episodes and showed that stimulation could safely override these signals. Participants reported improved energy, clearer thinking, stronger speech, and reduced post-meal blood pressure dips.
Article from the University of Calgary: New implant restores blood pressure balance after spinal cord injury
Abstract in Nature: A neuronal architecture underlying autonomic dysreflexia
