Neuroprosthetic Devices: The Path from Proof-of-Concept Laboratory Demonstrations to Robust
Clinical Use
Kip Ludwig, Ph.D.
Over the last thirty years proof of concept laboratory experiments have shown that neuroprosthetic
devices have great promise to reduce the burden of numerous neurological disorders. Despite this
promise, relatively few neuroprosthetics have been taken beyond laboratory experiments, and even fewer
have progressed beyond "first in human" feasibility studies to provide meaningful, long-term
improvements in patient quality of life. For neuroprosthetic devices to truly revolutionize patient care and
achieve widespread user acceptance, they must make the leap from experimental studies in the lab or
clinic to robust and reliable at-home patient use. Dr. Kip Ludwig will give an overview of present trends
in neurotechnology and discuss the necessary steps to translate these device concepts to meaningful
improvements in patients’ health, function and quality of life. He will look at commonalities between
neuroprosthetic devices that have successfully translated to at-home patient use, and outline opportunities
to assist translation available at NINDS to academics and industry.