At the Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Research Innovation Institute, in collaboration with Claudio Ceresi and EMAC – Tecnologia Vitale, we conducted two days of experimentation with ExaStim, a system for non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS). This technology was developed to facilitate the recovery of upper limb functions in people with cervical spinal cord injuries.
ExaStim represents a significant advancement in non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation. The technology features a high-density electrode that integrates 34 electrodes into a single applicator (distributed across 16 channels) and a modulated current that is especially well tolerated by patients.
Here are some reflections from our Scientific Director, Dr. Franco Molteni
“Over two days, together with clinicians from other rehabilitation centers (Ospedale Riabilitativo Villa Rosa di Trento, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria di Negrar, Istituto di Montecatone, IRCCS Maugeri Milano, Humanitas University), we observed that innovation is truly just around the corner. It is now up to us to seize these unexplored opportunities. A highly precise scientific approach and tightly controlled experimentation are essential, but the strong scientific foundation behind solutions of this kind motivates us to focus our energy in this direction”.
“These past two days have been an important period of exploration, conducted in full compliance with all safety protocols required for electrically stimulating a patient in a critical area of the nervous system, specifically at the level of the spinal cord. We observed functional changes in the upper limbs during and immediately after transcutaneous spinal stimulation sessions. This confirms that this technology is supported by a robust scientific background and that the biological response varies according to the underlying biological condition being addressed”.
“The initial clinical impressions of the clinicians involved during the test sessions confirm that scientific rigor, controlled experimentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for exploring emerging technologies with significant yet largely untapped potential. These two intense days underscored the importance of these elements in advancing such technologies”.
