2023-08-01 21:11:43
A quadriplegic man has partially recovered movement and restored sensation in his hands as he participates in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial that implants a set of microchips in his brain.
The implanted device forms an electronic bridge that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to convert thoughts into actions, re-establishing the connection between the brain and body that was severed by injury.
“This is the first time that the brain, body and spinal cord have been electronically linked in a paralyzed human being to restore movement and sensation,” said Chad Bouton, professor at the Feinstein Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine in New York. USA, and principal investigator of the research.
On a announcement of the Northwell Health healthcare network, of which he is vice president of advanced engineering, Bouton explained how the technology developed by him works. “When the study participant thinks about moving their arm or hand, we ‘supercharge’ their spinal cord and stimulate their brain and muscles to help rebuild connections, provide feedback sensory and promote recovery”.
According to the scientist, this type of thought-oriented therapy is a game changer. “Our goal is to use this technology one day to give people living with paralysis the ability to live fuller, more independent lives.”
Who is the man who received the brain chip
Keith Thomas suffered a diving accident in July 2020 that injured the C4 and C5 vertebrae of his cervical spine. Such high injuries can even cause death, or at least quadriplegia, which is what happened to him.
This pattern of paralysis affects hands, arms, trunk and legs, bladder and bowel capacities, and respiratory function. This results in loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs.
“There was a time when I didn’t know if I was really going to live, or if I wanted to, frankly. And now, I can feel the touch of someone holding my hand. It’s overwhelming,” Thomas said. “The only thing I want to do is help others. That’s always been the thing I’m best at. If it can help someone even more than it helped me somewhere down the line, it’s all worth it.”
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How the device was implanted in the patient’s brain
Installation of the implant required a 15-hour open brain surgery, which was successfully completed on March 9. O bypass Dual Neural effectively acts as an electronic bridge, reconnecting your brain, spinal cord and body so that information can flow freely.
The implant is made up of five microchips that go directly into the brain, forming a critical portion of a double neural bypass that uses AI to translate thoughts into actions.
With it Thomas can now move and feel his hands and wrists again without having to be connected to computers.
By bypassing injuries to the nervous system, it’s hoped the implant could encourage new neural pathways that can help the body overcome physical injuries and even disease using a bioelectric therapy that doesn’t come with the side effects of drugs.
“Millions of people live with paralysis and loss of sensation, with limited options available to improve their condition,” said Kevin Tracey, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes. “Prof. Bouton and his team are committed to advancing new bioelectronic technologies and opening up new clinical avenues for restoring movement and sensation.”
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