Israel 21C is reporting about FDA’s approval of the NESS L300 system, “a wireless, computer-controlled device developed by Ra’anana-based NESS, (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Systems) that enables safe walking for people with a foot paralyzed due to stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. The CE mark for use in Europe was received last month for the ailment.”
The NESS L300 system, a foot drop prevention device, is described by the company:
The NESS L300™ is intended to provide ankle dorsiflexion in individuals with foot drop following an upper motor neuron injury or disease. During the swing phase of gait, the NESS L300&trade electrically stimulates muscles in the affected leg to provide dorsiflexion of the foot; thus, it may improve the individual’s gait. The NESS L300&trade may also facilitate muscle re-education, prevent/retard disused atrophy, maintain or increase joint range of motion and increase local blood flow.
Central nervous system injuries often cause Foot Drop which results in dragging of the foot while walking and therefore, instability and increased effort during gait. The NESS L300&trade is an advanced Neuroprosthesis designed to improve gait in people suffering from foot drop as a result of a central nervous system injury or disease. It is comprised of an Electronic Orthosis, Foot Sensor and Control Unit that communicate wirelessly, thus enabling easy and comfortable use without cumbersome wires.
The NESS L300 delivers electrical pulses to the Common Peroneal Nerve which controls the movement of the Dorsiflexors, causing them to dorsiflex the foot in the swing phase of gait and therefore prevents foot drop. The unique ergonomic design of the Orthosis allows it to be used single-handedly and ensures constant and snug contact between the user’s limb and its integrated electrodes. While walking, the Foot Sensor detects whether the foot is in the air or on the ground and transmits this information to the rest of the system, which implements algorithms to synchronize the activation of the foot accordingly.
The wireless Control Unit displays on-line information regarding the system’s status and manages the various components.
The incorporated therapeutic training mode can assist in facilitation of muscle re-education, prevention of disuse atrophy of the calf muscles, maintenance or improvement of range of motion in the ankle joint and improvement of local blood circulation, while the patient is resting in a sitting or supine position. This device is intended to assist in getting the most out of this cutting edge rehabilitative technology in order to optimise patient’s gait and improve his quality of life.
The wireless Control Unit displays on-line information regarding the system’s status and manages the various components.The product page…
Flashback: NESS H200™ System
(hat tip: The DesignDirectory)