Researchers at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of neurotechnology by restoring movement and sensation in a paralyzed man. Through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and a brain implant, the team achieved what was once thought impossible.
The procedure involved implanting microchips into the patient’s brain and developing AI algorithms to reconnect his brain with his body and spinal cord. The patient, Keith Thomas, 45, who had been paralyzed from the chest down following a diving accident in July 2020, became the first individual to benefit from this revolutionary technology. As a result of the procedure, he has regained movement and sensations in his hand, arm, and wrist outside of the laboratory setting.
The innovative technology developed by the research team forms an electronic bridge that allows information to flow between the paralyzed body and the brain. This bridge effectively bypasses the damaged neural pathways, enabling the patient to regain movement and sensation. The patient’s thoughts are interpreted by AI into action, stimulating his spine and hand muscles to promote function and recovery.
This breakthrough clinical trial offers hope to the millions of people worldwide who live with movement impairment or paralysis. By restoring physical movement and re-establishing the sense of touch, the double neural bypass technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for these individuals.
The researchers spent months mapping Keith Thomas’s brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the areas responsible for arm movement and the sensation of touch in his hand. This critical information guided surgeons during a lengthy and intricate 15-hour surgery, where they implanted five microchips into Mr. Thomas’s brain.
The success of this procedure paves the way for future advancements in bioelectronic medicine. The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, known for its expertise in this field, is actively working to advance new bioelectronic technologies and open new clinical paths to restore movement and sensation. Their goal is to provide effective device-based therapies to treat disease and injury.
While this breakthrough presents immense possibilities, it is important to acknowledge that more research is needed to ensure the long-term safety and viability of this technology. Nonetheless, the successful restoration of movement and sensation in a paralyzed individual marks a significant step forward in the field of neurotechnology. This achievement has not only profound implications for the future of medicine but also offers hope to countless individuals who have experienced life-altering injuries or conditions.
