A Novel device has a paralysed man functional control on his hand for the first time in the world. In this he can grasp and swipe a credit card or play a guitar video game with his own fingers. The name of the device is called Neurolife is invented at Battelle. This is considered as a world largest non-profit research and development organisation.
“We’re showing for the first time that a quadriplegic patient is able to improve his level of motor function and hand movements,” said Dr Ali Rezai, neurosurgeon at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center.
Along with all the neuroscientists from Ohio State University Wexner Medical center this is the largest nonprofit organisation. The doctors from Ohio state identified the participant and implanted a tiny computer chip in his brain.
“It’s amazing to see what he’s accomplished. He can grasp a bottle, pour the contents of the bottle into a jar and put the bottle back down. Then he takes a stir bar, grips that and then stirs the contents of the jar that he just poured and puts it back down. He’s controlling it every step of the way,” said Nick Annetta, electrical engineering lead for Battelle’s team.
Burkhart first demonstrated the neural bypass in June. At that time he was able to open and close his hand simply by thinking of the action he wanted to do. Now he can perform sophisticated movements with his own hands. Even though that seems small things to us that changed the quality life of Burkhart.
“We’re hoping that this technology will evolve into a wireless system connecting brain signals and thoughts to the outside world to improve the function and quality of life for those with disabilities,” Rezai said in a paper appeared in the journal Nature.