Research studies say implant can regulate blood pressure in spinal cord injuries
Global News
Aaron Phillips, an associate dean with the Calgary medical school, says the implant similar to a pacemaker delivers electrical stimulation and a regulation of blood pressure.
Cody Krebs has undergone a series of challenges after experiencing a severe spinal cord injury three years ago.
The 32-year-old from Didsbury in central Alberta was hurt in a motor vehicle accident and requires the use of a wheelchair.
But he soon learned that the damage to his spinal cord meant his brain could no longer control blood pressure in his body.
“Before the accident, I had no idea how volatile blood pressure can be. Just transferring from my bed to my chair almost knocked me out at times when my blood pressure would drop,” said Krebs.
Krebs is part of ongoing research at the University of Calgary based on a major discovery to stabilize blood pressure for people with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers say the new implant in individuals with spinal cord injuries can help restore blood pressure levels.
The University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine is involved in research with two other universities that has led to a rare double publication in both the journals Nature and Nature Medicine.
The clinical trial also included École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and University of Lausanne, in Switzerland, and Sint Maartenskliniek, Radboudumc, in the Netherlands.
