Every year, startling figures reveal that over 795,000 adults in the United States alone experience a stroke, a looming health crisis affecting one in four individuals globally in their lifetime. The window for effective intervention is narrow, and timely action can significantly decrease the chances of death and long-term disability.

Groundbreaking Development

In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers from the University of Nebraska, led by innovative scientist Steven Barlow, has patented an unprecedented treatment: the pTACS Somatosensory Biomedical Device. This portable device is poised to revolutionize stroke rehabilitation not only in clinical settings but also in emergency rooms and even transport ambulances.

“This is an incredibly cost-effective solution,” explains Barlow, a distinguished professor specializing in communication disorders and an affiliate faculty member in biological systems engineering. “With this technology, rehabilitation centers across the nation and beyond can access an effective tool; stroke is now the world's leading health challenge, surpassing all other diseases.”

Device Features and Technology

The pTACS device, designed for simplicity, features a “smart” pneumatic controller coupled with a microprocessor housed in a compact toolbox. With rechargeable lithium-ion batteries—similar to those found in smartphones—this device is both portable and efficient. Barlow's team previously developed a less precise predecessor, the Galileo, which laid the foundation for research into using micro air pulses for stroke therapy.

Thanks to funding from reputable organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, Barlow successfully refined the somatosensory therapy protocols through extensive clinical trials at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The positive outcomes from these trials motivated Barlow and doctoral candidate Jacob Greenwood to enhance its portability, usability, and performance, leading them to co-invent the patented device.

Core Technology

The core technology involves non-invasive brain stimulation using rapid air pulses directed through small tubes into tactile "touch" capsules attached to various body areas. This method effectively triggers nerve responses, enhancing blood flow in the cerebral cortex areas impacted by strokes. Recent animal studies have shown that such stimulation methods could prevent cell death and avert cerebral infarcts, paving the way for significant recovery.

“We're leveraging the natural anatomy of the human brain,” Barlow asserts. “By strategically placing these stimulation points, we can activate different brain areas with astounding accuracy.”

User-Friendly Operation

The device's operation is user-friendly; a connected laptop manages the air pulse protocols based on previous research conducted in collaboration with various area institutions. Once the desired protocol is chosen, the device autonomously performs the set task.

Future Prospects

Securing a patent is just the beginning. Barlow aims to achieve FDA approval shortly and is in discussions with NUtech Ventures to launch a biomedical startup focused on the manufacturing and distribution of the device. Building on his previous success with pioneering medical technologies, including the internationally marketed Kangaroo NTrainer System, Barlow’s trajectory is promising.

The therapeutic potential of the pTACS device extends far beyond stroke treatment. Ongoing research is exploring its applications in post-stroke rehabilitation and speech-language therapy, with exciting prospects for treating individuals on the autism spectrum.

“We've observed patients six months to three years post-injury still experience remarkable improvements,” Barlow notes. The versatility of this therapy allows various healthcare professionals—be it speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, or nurse practitioners—to administer it effectively.

Collaboration and Research

In collaboration with the Department of Biomechanics and the Department of Neurology, Barlow is conducting MRI studies utilizing the pTACS device to stimulate balance and gait systems, targeting related neural pathways for further breakthroughs in recovery.

With more therapeutic applications likely to emerge through continued research, the pTACS device is set on a promising path, propelled by a dynamic team of investigators and enthusiastic students. Barlow confidently states, “The future looks exceptionally bright.”