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Introducing the COSMIIC Modular Implant Platform and Its Impact on the Research Community
For over 40 years, researchers in Cleveland have been developing early-stage solutions utilizing implantable devices to provide function for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). While our clinical focus has been primarily aimed at restoration of function in SCI, we developed and implemented a modular implant system capable of providing multiple functions for individuals with paralysis (referred to in publications as the “Networked Neuroprosthesis” – NNP). The architecture and design concepts of this modular system form the foundation of the COSMIIC (Cleveland Open Source Modular Implant Innovator’s Community) System..
By creating a community of researchers around an open source modular implanted system, we seek to expand the applicability of the COSMIIC System to a broader set of neuromodulation applications. We are building on our platform technology through on-going development of new modular components and seeking deployment of this technology for new research applications.
As we move forward, we believe that the COSMIIC implantable, modular system addresses four main challenges that the research community has faced over time:
Creating a single “universal” implantable device will never be able to anticipate the innovations of the future.
A modular approach, such as the COSMIIC System, is required to allow freedom for the innovation of new features without disturbing other components of the platform.
Prohibitive data costs.
The COSMIIC System provides in-line storage for data collection and data logging that would be difficult to justify incorporating into a purpose-built implant system due to cost constraints. These built-in capabilities provide the opportunity for rich data collection regarding a variety of physiological variables in the chronic state, such as temperature, acceleration, and biopotential signals.
External and internal peripheral nervous system interface.
The COSMIIC System is a fully implanted system, capable of internal powering, processing, and closed-loop control without requiring external components (except for battery recharge). This allows for intimate control of the peripheral nervous system required by many clinical applications which necessitate at least some, or all, of the activation and sensing be performed through implanted components. However, the COSMIIC system is also capable of interfacing with external components in real time as needed.
Regulatory hurdles.
The COSMIIC Platform has already demonstrated the progression through the regulatory submissions and into human early feasibility study.
The name “COSMIIC” also shows our attempt to provide the research community a technology that is as constraint free as we can make it, with licensing incorporating some of the generally accepted license terms widely in use within the Open Source world.
Over time, we expect to build a community of users engaged in new developments who can also share their experiences on and with the COSMIIC program and its technology. To do so, we are seeking input from the research community to more effectively focus on areas of their greatest need – technical features of the system, support for regulatory submissions, or customer support for system use and implementation.
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