A man who was paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident has regained movement and sensation in his hand, arm and wrist thanks to a novel technology that uses brain implants, artificial intelligence and electrical stimulation.
The technology, called double neural bypass, is the first of its kind to link the brain, body and spinal cord electronically in a paralyzed human. It was developed by researchers, engineers and surgeons at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, who conducted a first-of-its-kind clinical trial with the patient, Keith Thomas.
Thomas, 45, of Massapequa, NY, suffered a spinal cord injury at the C4 and C5 level of his vertebrae in July 2020, leaving him unable to move and feel from the chest down. He was alone and isolated in the hospital for more than six months, until he found new hope by participating in the clinical trial.
In March 2021, he underwent a 15-hour open-brain surgery, where the researchers implanted microchips into his brain. The microchips are connected to electrodes that stimulate his spinal cord and muscles. The researchers also developed artificial intelligence algorithms that decode his brain signals and translate them into commands for his body.
The result is a double neural bypass that allows information to flow between his brain and his paralyzed body. When Thomas thinks about moving his arm or hand, the technology “supercharges” his spinal cord and stimulates his brain and muscles to help him do so. He can also feel sensations such as touch, pressure and temperature in his hand.
“This is the first time the brain, body and spinal cord have been linked together electronically in a paralyzed human to restore lasting movement and sensation,” said Chad Bouton, professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, vice president of advanced engineering at Northwell Health, developer of the technology and principal investigator of the clinical trial.
The technology is not only restoring movement and sensation for Thomas, but also helping him recover. He has made lasting gains in his arm and wrist even when the system is turned off. The researchers believe that the technology is stimulating his brain and muscles to help rebuild connections and provide sensory feedback.
“This type of thought-driven 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,” Bouton said.
Thomas said that the technology has given him hope, purpose and a chance to be part of something bigger than himself.
“There was a time that I didn’t know if I was even going to live, or if I wanted to, frankly. But this trial has given me hope. It’s given me a purpose. It’s given me a chance to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said.
He can now do things that most people take for granted, like shaking someone’s hand or feeling a hug.
“This technology is not only restoring movement and sensation for Keith, but also restoring his dignity and independence,” said Brian J. Snyder, MD, director of functional and restorative neurosurgery at Northwell Health’s Neuroscience Institute and co-investigator of the clinical trial.
The trial is a major breakthrough in bioelectronic medicine, a field that aims to use electrical signals to diagnose and treat diseases.
“It demonstrates how cutting-edge engineering, neuroscience and surgery can come together to create a life-changing therapy for people living with paralysis,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes.
The trial also opens up new possibilities for improving the lives of millions of people who suffer from paralysis due to injury or disease.
“This is a remarkable example of how brain-computer interfaces can harness the power of the mind to overcome physical limitations,” said Nick Lavars, science writer at New Atlas.
Relevant articles:
– For the first time researchers restore feeling and lasting movement in man living with quadriplegia, Medical Xpress, August 1, 2023
– First-of-its-kind tech restores movement, feeling to quadriplegic man, New Atlas, August 2, 2023
– Microchip Links Brain, Spine and Body, Allowing Paralyzed Man to Move and Feel, Neuroscience News, August 2, 2023
– Double neural bypass restores movement, sense of touch after paralysis, Northwell Health, July 28, 2023