In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Keith Thomas from New York, who suffered a spinal injury in a driving accident in 2020, has regained some movement and sensation in his arm and hand through an innovative AI brain implant technology developed by Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine.
The process began with months of brain mapping using MRIs to identify the specific areas responsible for arm movements and the sense of touch in his hands. Subsequently, in a 15-hour surgery, microchips were implanted into Thomas’s brain. During the operation, Thomas was awake for parts of it, allowing him to provide feedback on the sensations he experienced as surgeons probed parts of his brain.
To facilitate communication between the implanted microchips and a computer with AI algorithms, external ports were installed on top of Thomas’s head. The team referred to this innovative approach as “thought-driven therapy,” as it relies on the patient’s intentions. When Thomas thinks of moving his hand, the brain implant sends signals to the computer, which then transmits signals to electrode patches on his spine and hand muscles, stimulating movement. To also restore sensation, sensors were attached to his fingertips and palms, further enhancing the thought-driven therapy.
Through this system, Thomas was able to move his arm voluntarily and experience the sensation of his sister holding his hand during lab tests. Although he needed to be connected to the computer during these milestones, the researchers observed signs of recovery even when the system was not in use. His arm strength had reportedly more than doubled since the study began, and his forearm and wrist have begun to experience new sensations.
The research team is optimistic that thought-driven therapy has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people living with paralysis. Chad Bouton, the technology’s developer and the principal investigator of the clinical trial, expressed hope that this groundbreaking approach could help individuals regain a sense of touch and mobility, ultimately leading to fuller and more independent lives.
While this innovative technology is still in its early stages, the successful results obtained from Thomas’s case hold immense promise for the future of medical science, offering hope for those living with paralysis to experience groundbreaking recovery and improvements in their quality of life.
