Revolutionary Neuromuscular Stimulator Patented: Slashes Rehabilitation Costs in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (apro).- The National Rehabilitation Institute “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra” (INRLGII) under the Health Ministry (SSA) has been granted its sixth patent, number 426001, for a non-invasive, entirely domestically produced functional electrical stimulator. The production cost of this device is 60% lower than that of similar imported devices.

This innovative device is designed to improve access to rehabilitation therapies for patients suffering from neurological sequelae. It is the sixth patent in the history of INRLGII.

In a statement, the SSA pointed out that while a comparable imported commercial device costs around 500,000 pesos, the one developed by INRLGII is priced at about 200,000 pesos. This development brings medical technology closer to everyone.

“We have the training and experience, and in collaboration with the clinical area, we develop the technology, protocols, and interventions,” stated Jorge Airy Mercado, a Medical Sciences researcher at the Institute and one of the project’s developers.

The scientist explained that the functional electrical stimulator aids in motor relearning focused on specific tasks. It also sends electrical impulses to paralyzed muscles to facilitate functional movements such as lifting a foot while walking or opening a hand to grasp an object.

Neurological Rehabilitation Specialist, Ana Guadalupe Ramírez Nav, added that “even if the patient receives other therapies, completing a movement with this stimulation improves brain feedback. Motor control becomes more refined and directed, which accelerates rehabilitation.”

Meanwhile, Jimena Quinzaños, the head of the Neurological Rehabilitation Division at INRLGII, emphasized: “We wanted to develop a Mexican technology that offers all the benefits of commercial brands.”

According to the creators of the device, it has already been successfully used on 20 patients at the Institute, who have shown “significant progress.”

They added that studies support the effectiveness of the device, especially when therapy is initiated in the first weeks or months following a cerebrovascular event.

Furthermore, the general director of INRLGII, Carlos Pineda Villaseñor, highlighted that the device project “aligns with the axes of the National Development Plan 2025-2030, by promoting technological sovereignty, substituting imports, and ensuring accessible equipment.”