The study involves the 'first-in-human' evaluation of a novel optical sensor which uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to assess oxygenation and hemodynamics of the injured spinal cord. The NIRS sensor is laid on top of the dura, at the site of the SCI, and emits near-infrared light signals into the cord to measure tissue oxygenation and tissue hemodynamics in real-time. Our testing of this novel NIRS sensor in patients with acute SCI represents the first step in translating this technology for human use.
This single-center, prospective observational study will enroll 10 patients admitted to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) for treatment of an acute traumatic spine injury. Promising preclinical data demonstrates that the oxygenation and hemodynamic measures of our Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) system closely match the invasive intraparenchymal measures obtained within the injured spinal cord. Further, the NIRS sensor is responsive and reflective of systemic hemodynamic changes. This clinical protocol represents the first application of this novel NIRS sensor in human SCI. Following operative decompression of the spinal cord via a posterior approach, the NIRS sensor will be placed over the dura for 7 days to monitor spinal cord oxygenation and tissue hemodynamics. Patients will be followed for 6 months and data collection for safety, feasibly and efficacy of the NIRS System. The specific aims of this project are to: 1. Establish the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of our NIRS system in monitoring tissue oxygenation and hemodynamics of the injured spinal cord in human participants. 2. Complete the technical refinement of the NIRS system utilizing an iterative process guided by participant recruitment and data accrual during the trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
DEVICE_FEASIBILITY
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
The NIRS sensor is laid on top of the dura, at the site of the SCI, and emits near-infrared light signals into the cord to measure tissue oxygenation and tissue hemodynamics in real-time.
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
RECRUITINGFeasibility Assessment - Overall
Study specific questionnaire will collected data on the the ease of sensor application, NIRS monitoring and sensor removal is recorded with this form. Series of questions requiring the assessment of the NIRS system using yes/no and 10-point scoring scale
Time frame: Day 7
Feasibility Assessment: Sensor Application
Study specific form will be used record data associated with application of the NIRS sensor, such as the laminectomy and instrumentation data, location of the sensor and ease of application (score out of 10).
Time frame: Day 1
Feasibility Assessment: Sensor Removal
Study specific form will be used to record the condition of the sensor and participants' experience (score out of 10) at the time of sensor removal
Time frame: Day 7
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