Neurodan A/S – Products – Actigait®

ActiGait®

An implantable drop foot correction system

ActiGait® is a highly advanced implanted device to correct drop foot in individuals after a stroke. Drop foot is a complication typically following cerebral stroke. Drop foot impairs a person's ability to walk because the person cannot lift and steer his/her foot adequately. This leads to a slow, staggering, and unstable gait. The nature of the problem is a loss of voluntary control over leg movements and is usually described as a paralysis or weakness of the muscles of the foot and ankle. As a result the toes are dragged on the ground when walking.

ActiGait® is based on an implanted stimulator, which activates the foot lift by stimulating a nerve (the common peroneal nerve) above the knee. The stimulation activates the lower leg muscles (dorsiflexors) which lift the foot. The stimulating electrode is located under the skin just above the knee while the stimulator is located under the skin on the thigh. The surgical procedure is short, and can be carried out under general or spinal anesthesia.

The implanted stimulator is controlled by an external control unit, which can be carried in the belt. The control unit transmits energy and control signals into the stimulator via an antenna placed on the skin over the implanted stimulator. The stimulation is activated by a wireless heel switch located in the shoe. To view an animation of the system, click here.

The ActiGait® system has several advantages compared to conventional (non-implantable) drop foot stimulators:

• no daily hassle with sticky surface electrodes or saline filled sponges
• no pain due to current passing through the skin
• easily mounted (the system can be put on in a matter of seconds)
• little or no daily adjustment necessary
• no equipment mounted around the calf
• no cable attached to the shoe

As opposed to other implantable drop foot stimulators , the ActiGait® system has multiple channels of stimulation. This makes it possible for the clinician, (physiotherapist or physician), to adjust the movement of the foot to ensure a balanced foot lift.

ActiGait was awarded the CE-mark in September 2006.