Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) interrupt the transmission of motor
and sensory signals between the brain and body, causing both physical
disability and severe psychological consequences. Patients with PNIs
are eight times more likely to develop anxiety and depression, while
the healthcare burden, including surgery, rehabilitation, and disability
support, can exceed two million dollars per case. With incidence
expected to rise due to aging populations and the growing prevalence
of hypertension and diabetes, new therapeutic approaches are
urgently needed.
Current treatments, such as autografting, restore function in only half of patients and are associated with significant complications, including
infection, neuroma formation, and donor-site morbidity. Progress in clinical outcomes has been minimal over the last twenty-five years,
underscoring the need for transformative solutions.
The PNRelay project proposes an innovative alternative: an implantable neural bypass designed to re-establish communication
across the site of injury without harvesting healthy nerves. The device records neural activity proximal to the lesion, transmits the signals
externally for real-time classification, and reinjects the appropriate stimulus distally, restoring purposeful movement and sensation. The
project pipeline encompasses research, prototype development, animal testing, human trials, and eventual commercialization.