Small brain device proves a big game changer for severely paralyzed patients

A small device, the size of a small paper clip, has been shown in the first human exam to help patients with upper limb paralysis who shop for text, email, and even online.

The device Stentrode was successfully transplanted into two patients. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -also known as motor neuron disease (MND) -neither was capable of moving the upper limbs.

Published on Journal of NeuroInterventional SurgeryThe results found that Stentrode was able to wirelessly restore the transmission of brain impulses outside the body. This allowed patients to successfully complete day-to-day tasks such as online banking, shopping, and text messaging that were previously unavailable.

Professor Peter Mitchell, director of neurointervention services at Royal Melbourne Hospital and lead investigator in the study, said the findings are promising and show that the device can be safely transplanted and used in patients.

“Because this is my first surgery, I couldn’t guarantee that it wasn’t a problem, but in both cases the surgery worked better than we expected,” said Professor Mitchell.

Professor Mitchell is a research participant Blood vesselsIn a procedure involving a small “keyhole” incision in the neck, next to the motor cortex of the brain.

“Surgery was not easy and each surgery varied depending on the patient’s anatomy, but in both cases the patient was able to leave the hospital a few days later. This also means a quick recovery from surgery. Shows, “said Professor Mitchell.

This is a milestone in the field of brain computer interfaces, said Thomas Oxley, associate professor of neurointerventional list and CEO of research and commercial partner Synchron.

“We are pleased to report that we have delivered a fully embeddable, takeaway product. Wireless technology It does not require neurosurgery to function to restore the freedom of people with severe disabilities. ” Associate Professor Oxley, who is also co-head of the Institute for Vascular Bionics at the University of Melbourne, said.

Two patients used Stentrode to control a computer-based operating system in combination with an eye tracker for cursor navigation. So I didn’t need a mouse or keyboard.

They also undertook Machine learning-Supported training to control multiple mouse click actions such as zoom and left click. The first two patients achieved average click accuracy of 92% and 93%, respectively, and achieved input speeds of 14 and 20 characters per minute with predicted text disabled.

Associate Professor Nicholas Opy of the University of Melbourne, Co-Head of the Institute for Vascular Bionics at the University of Melbourne, and Chief Technology Officer of Syncron, the development is exciting and the patients involved are in their lives. He said he had regained some freedom.

“It’s really great to see participants use this system to communicate and control their computers independently at home in their own minds,” said Associate Professor Opy.

“I am grateful to work with such a wonderful participant. My colleagues and I are honored to make a difference in their lives. Others will be inspired by their success. I hope.

“For the past eight years, we have used the world-leading medical and engineering spirit to create implants that allow paralyzed people to control external devices with the power of thought. I am happy to be able to report. “

Researchers will take years to unveil technology that can regain independence to complete their day-to-day tasks, but global, interdisciplinary teams are constantly striving to achieve this. I warn you that you are doing.

The trial recently received an A $ 1.48 million grant from the Australian Federal Government and hopes to extend the trial to hospitals in New South Wales and Queensland to enroll more patients.