Helping Wounded Warriors Recover from Traumatic Brain Injury

Ximedica created a stakeholder-conscious clinical neuromodulation device on a rapid timetable.

Problem

Over 5.3 million Americans live with a long-term disability as the result of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI hinders the brain’s ability to heal itself, resulting in up to 50% of TBI patients developing a major mental disorder after diagnosis. Many of these are veterans and service members - 1 in every 5 experience symptoms. Sufferers of TBI have to re-learn everyday skills and basic motor functions, delaying their return to normal activity. Most existing treatment therapies fail to restore lost functions and regularly induce both physical and psychological stress, extending recovery timelines and reducing the quality of life.

Background

Ximedica was approached by Helius Medical, a small neurotechnology manufacturer, who had recently acquired the rights to the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulation Device, or PoNS. The PoNS is a translingual neuromodulation device which, when paired with physical therapy, can encourage neuroplasticity in those suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Upon its acquisition, the device had only reached bench-test builds, and Helius needed clinical-ready builds of their device in bulk.

Why Ximedica?

Helius Medical elicited Ximedica for clinical-ready builds requiring:

  • Human-Centric Design
  • Design Assurance and Verification
  • Software Engineering
  • User Research
  • Rapid Prototyping