Gert-Jan Oskam had been paralyzed from the waist down for over a decade. Scientists reported implants that enabled a “digital bridge” between his brain and spinal cord. Bypassing afflicted parts and allowing him to walk on Wednesday with the spinal implant.
He is a 40-year-old man with paralyzed legs who can now climb stairs, move over ramps, and switch from standing to walking thanks to brain and spinal cord implants that work in tandem with external devices to transform his ideas into movement.
The patient was involved in a motorcycle accident 12 years ago that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Mr. Oskam can now walk around his house in a limited manner, get in and out of a car, and stand at a bar for a drink. He claims that for the first time; he feels in command.
The Study Of The Implants
Dr. Grégoire Courtine and colleagues at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne created and implanted a “brain-spine interface”. A spine implant that establishes direct neurological communication between the brain and spinal cord. Implants in the brain track movement intentions, which are wirelessly sent to a processing device worn externally, similar to a backpack. The intents are made into commands that the processing unit transmits back to the muscles via the second implant.
Additionally, he said, “My wish was to walk again, and I believed it was possible.” Oskam stated at a press conference this week, “I tried a lot of things before, and now I have to learn how to walk naturally again because that’s how the system works.” Moreover, Oskam claims he can walk at least 100 meters (330 feet) and stand for a few minutes. Even without using his hands, depending on the day. Therefore, he claimed it comes in handy in his daily life, such as when he needed to paint something but didn’t have anyone to help him, so he stood and did it alone. A previous study has demonstrated that tailored electrical pulses can stimulate parts of the leg required for walking.
(Flickr CC0)
The researchers first implanted electrodes in Oskam’s skull and spine to obtain this result. The scientists then used a machine-learning tool to see which areas of his brain lit up while he attempted to move various portions of his body. This thinking decoder was able to correlate the activity of specific electrodes with specific intentions: When Oskam moved his ankles, one configuration lit up, and another when he moved his hips.
How Does It Work?
Oskam was the trial’s first volunteer, but experts are optimistic about the trial’s future prospects. In fact, this study confirms the possibility of re-creating a neurological link between the brain and the spinal cord, and the connection occurs swiftly. They believe that broadening the scope of that connection could benefit those who suffer arm and hand paralysis or have had a stroke. However, they would like to make the system smaller in order to make it more portable.
When Oskam considers moving his legs, his brain implant transmits a signal to an external computer. The external computer which he wears as a backpack. The computer then interprets and transfers the signal to a pacemaker in Oskam’s abdomen. This delivers electrical pulses to an older implant existing in his spinal cord. This causes Oskam’s legs to move. A helmet with two antennae aids in keeping the implants connected to the computer.
Onward, is the medical technology company that is designing the new system used by Oskam. It has additional studies scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months, according to Dave Marver, CEO of Onward. Two people will have implants to assist them walk. Two others will have implants to restore hand and arm function.
By: Kelianexis Rodriguez
CNN: Man with paralysis walks naturally after brain, spine implants
NBC NEWS: Brain and spine implants enabled a paralyzed man to climb stairs and walk on rough terrain, study shows
NYTimes: A Paralyzed Man Can Walk Naturally Again With Brain and Spine Implants
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Nenad Stojkovic Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jon Fingas Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
