Quadriplegic Man Regains Movement and Feeling in Groundbreaking Surgery
A Long Island man is giving hope to 100 million people thanks to a groundbreaking surgery. Keith Thomas, a quadriplegic, has regained feeling and movement in his arm and hand years after an accident left him paralyzed, all thanks to artificial intelligence.
Three years ago, Thomas broke his neck in a pool accident, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. “It was always one step forward, two steps back. We were just praying for his survival,” said Michelle Bennett, Thomas’ sister who has been caring for him since the incident.
In a breakthrough procedure, Thomas underwent a 15-hour surgery last March where five microchips were implanted in his brain. With the help of artificial intelligence, these microchips reconnected Thomas’ brain with his spinal cord and the rest of his body.
During the surgery, Thomas was awake for a small portion and was able to feel his thumb and finger, a truly remarkable experience for him. His doctors were able to bypass his injury, creating an electronic bridge that allowed Thomas to regain movement.
Since the surgery, Thomas’ ability to move has improved dramatically, providing hope for a better future not just for himself, but for the estimated 100 million people worldwide suffering from paralysis. “Keith is a true pioneer here doing something that hasn’t been done before,” said Chad Bouton, of the Institute of Bioelectric Medicine, who led the clinical study designed to help people like Thomas overcome their paralysis.
Thomas broke down while thanking the Northwell Health team involved in his surgery, expressing his gratitude and his hopes for even greater progress. “Now I can reach to my check, reach to my chin,” he said. “I didn’t think that was possible at first, all this movement. Going forward I’m thinking maybe it is.”
The success of Thomas’ surgery offers hope and inspiration to millions of people worldwide who may one day have the opportunity to regain movement and feeling through similar groundbreaking procedures. Keith Thomas is not only doing it for himself but for all the others who suffer from paralysis.