A new spinal implant containing platinum could help people with paraplegia to exercise their paralysed limbs, it has been suggested.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council project focused on developing the first microchip muscle stimulator small enough to insert into the spinal canal.

Researchers from University College London, Germany's Freiburg University and the Tyndall Institute in Ireland used the latest laser processing technology to create tiny electrodes from platinum foil.

They were then folded into a 3D shape, before being closed around the nerve roots and micro-welded to a silicon chip which is capable of preventing water from corroding the electronics.

The resulting device, which is being dubbed 'The Active Book', could also be used in restorative functions such as stimulating bladder muscles to help combat incontinence.

Professor Andreas Demosthenous, who led the research, said: "The work has the potential to stimulate more muscle groups than is currently possible with existing technology because a number of these devices can be implanted into the spinal canal.

"Stimulation of more muscle groups means users can perform enough movement to carry out controlled exercise such as cycling or rowing."

The results were also welcomed by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts, who claimed that the implant could make a "real difference" to the lives of people with paraplegia all around the world.

Meanwhile, platinum-iridium springs were recently revealed as a key component of the new implantable pulse generators being developed by Bal Seal Engineering.

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New spinal implant will help people with paraplegia to exercise paralysed limbs: Platinum electrodes (22/11/10)

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