NESS L300 Neuroprosthesis

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands is the first hospital in the United States to offer treatment with the NESS L300TM neuro-rehabilitation system. The NESS L300 is a revolutionary device that improves walking ability, daily function and quality of life in people experiencing foot drop.

Foot drop is a common result of

• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebral palsy
• Brain tumors
• Incomplete spinal-cord injuries
• Other disorders of the central nervous system.

Treatment with the NESS L300TM and physical therapy can improve or restore the patient’s gait, resulting in greater speed, balance, stride and a more normal gait pattern – and eliminating the need for a rigid foot brace. This innovative wireless technology can enhance mobility for people even years after their stroke.

RHCI Provides:

• Therapists with specialized training
• Inpatient treatment to accelerate return of function
• Outpatient evaluations for patients with new or prior foot drop (physician referral required; see Guidelines for Physicians)
• Outpatient therapy that incorporates the NESS L300TM
• Instruction for a home use program

Evaluations and referrals:

Specially trained outpatient physical therapists evaluate people with foot drop due to recent and prior neurological disease and injury to determine if they are appropriate candidates to try the device. The NESS L300TM can be incorporated into ongoing physical therapy in the outpatient clinic setting. It is also intended to be used at home and in the community to improve mobility and to promote neuromuscular reeducation.* The NESS L300TM can improve walking ability for people even years after a stroke or other neurological injury.

A physician’s referral is required for evaluation and treatment. For referral guidelines for physicians, click here.

Scheduling an Outpatient Evaluation
Sandwich (508) 833-4141
Orleans (508) 240-7203
Yarmouth (508) 771-1300

*The use of the NESS L300 during inpatient and outpatient therapy is covered by most insurance. The cost for purchasing a device for home use is $5800. Patients can also trial the device for 1 to 4 months for $500 per month. For information about payment and financing options, please contact Bioness Customer Service at 800-211-9136 or e-mail info@bioness.com.

Additional information:
NESS L300 News Release
NESS L300 fact sheet for Patients
NESS L300 Frequently Asked Questions
Bioness, Inc., distributor of the NESS L300

How The NESS L300 Works

The NESS L300TM neurorehabilitation system includes three components that communicate with each other via wireless technology to coordinate walking. The device delivers electrical stimulation to specific nerves which control the movement of muscles that cause the foot to flex and the toes to rise as the person walks.

• A comfortable Orthosis which wraps around the leg just below the knee. It contains the electrodes that provide the electrical stimulation.
• The Intelli-Sense Gait Sensor, which fits inside a regular shoe. It automatically adjusts the person’s gait based on speed, rhythm and different surfaces.
• Small Control Unit which “talks” to the other components to promote a more normal walking pattern. The control unit is programmed by the physical therapist to meet each patient’s specific needs.

Key Features of the NESS L300TM

• Electrical stimulation causes the toes and ankle to flex to prevent foot drop
• Wireless system for ease of use
• Ergonomic design promotes comfort and optimal fit
• Frees the ankle to promote better movement over uneven surfaces
• Easy to put on and take off
• Facilitates neuromuscular re-education
• Improves range of motion
• Increases blood flow
• Reduces disuse atrophy, swelling, spasticity, pain

NESS L300TM Neuroprosthesis Referral Guidelines for Physicians

Diagnoses

• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Brain Tumor
• MS, Other Neurological Disorders
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Contraindications

• Demand-type cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator; electrical or metallic implant
• A cancerous lesion, present or suspected, in the area of the orthosis
• Areas of regional disorders, such as a fracture or dislocation, which would be adversely affected by motion from the stimulation
• Swollen, infected or inflamed areas or skin eruptions (e.g., thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, varicose veins, etc.) where the orthosis would be applied

Precautions

• The safety of using the NESS L300 during pregnancy has not been established
• Caution should be used in patients with:
  • Suspected or diagnosed heart problems
  • Suspected or diagnosed epilepsy
  • If the following conditions are present in the area of the orthosis: acute trauma or fracture; recent surgical procedures when muscle contraction may disrupt healing; over areas of the skin that lack normal sensation.
• Specific physician clearance should be obtained prior to use for patients with:
  • Alteration of normal arterial or venous flow in the region of the orthosis due to local insufficiency or occlusion, arterio-venous fistula related to hemodialysis, primary disorder of vasculature
  • Structural deformity in the area to be stimulate

Precautions

Patient requires a physician's order for evaluation/treatment. Please specify treatment with the NESS L300 and indicate functional deficit(s) to be addressed:
Improve gait/reduce foot drop
Increase range of motion
Increase blood circulation
Prevent disuse atrophy
Neuro-muscular re-education
Pain management
Reduce spasticity; tone management
Joint contracture prevention/treatment
Post-Botulinum Toxin injections (without Baclofen pump)

Contact

Outpatient Evaluations (508) 833-4141
RHCI-Sandwich Clinical Coordinator, Laurie Crocker, PT (508) 833-4146
RHCI-Orleans Clinical Coordinator, Jennifer Avery, PT (508) 240-7203
Inpatient Clinical Coordinator, Dawn Lucier, PT (508) 833-4262