Neuroprosthetics Enable Amputees Regain Their Lost Confidence

Engineers apply mathematics and science to invent the solution that solves different problems present in this world. Having said this, an engineer is expected to invest both time and effort to improve a technology that aims at improving the quality of life. The number of amputation surgeries performed every year in North America alone has increased rapidly. Therefore, it has become highly important that engineers dedicate themselves to the developments in the prosthetic technology. Neuroprosthetics, that links the brain to prosthetics, is the next big thing in the medical field says researchers at Allied Market Research, analyzing the growth, share and size of the neuroprosthetics market. 

Watch how science can improve quality of life here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4wAvlA_Of0

Ray of hope for amputees 
Neuroprosthetics enable amputees to perform essential tasks, which they were unable to perform, after their amputation surgery. The major challenge for the engineers here is to develop neuroprosthetics that can reliably and accurately provide sufficient motor control initiated by an individual’s central nervous system to operate the multi-degree-of –freedom of a prosthetic device. Amputation often increases the risks of diseases such as diabetes and thus it becomes more important for engineers to control it. The robotic prosthetics have now become a favourite subject for many engineers. 

The FIRST Robotics Competition that focused on robotic related problems, including the enhancement of a robotic prosthesis by Dean Kamen termed as  “Luke Arm” via neuroprosthetics was a bold step, indeed. At present, engineers from all parts of the world have come to an understanding that robotics and technology are definitely the future of medical science. Therefore, it is an engineer’s duty to advance technology and make the life of amputees better. Enhancing robotic prosthetics by using neuroprosthetics principals is a great concept contributing to the growth of the neuroprosthetics market.

Paralysed patient can now put their worries aside 
Patients paralyzed from their neck down now have a cure. A clinical trial initiated by the team of experts at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Caltech and Keck Medicine of USC claims that patients can move their robotic arm by thinking about it. They revealed that here the patient’s imagination plays a vital role in controlling the movement of the robotic arm. The story of Erik Sorto, a clinical trial participant is really inspiring. Sorto was left paralyzed from the neck down after suffering a gunshot wound when he was 21. At Keck Medicine of USC, the doctors implanted two electrode rays in Sorto’s brain. These rays were implanted to record the direct firing of the neurons. Doctor’s at the institute said that certain algorithms were used to decode the recording and move the robotic arm. This experiment helped the doctors identify a new area in the human brain that can be used to attain some kind of direct machine as well as brain interface control. 

Consciousness can be expanded with neuroprosthetics 
Malcolm Maclver’s a scientist studying animal behaviour and extract principles of how the Mother Nature works has gained success in developing an advanced technology reveals that neuroprosthetics can expand consciousness. Maclver reveals that neuroprosthetics actually has a great potential and allows engineer to understand the key essence of awareness. Furthermore, he thinks that if the re-imagining of human consciousness goes the way he thinks may be vital someday to improve the quality of life in our planet. 

Watch Maclver speak at TEDx and discuss neuroprosthetics market:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj2zx1kEjKM

Memory boosting equipment tried on humans 
In recent incident scientists found that by just implanting electrodes that deliver brain stimulations they can improve human memory. A study funded by the US military hopes that soon the technology will enable soldiers who suffer memory loss due to head trauma. At the meeting held by the Society of Neuroscience in, Chicago, teams supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects had demonstrated the benefits of implanted devices and their role in enhancing an individual’s capability to retain his/her memory. 

Scientists working on the project outlined that by mimicking electric patterns it is easy to identify the gaps due to a brain injury and bridge in effectively. This finding has raised hopes by confirming that ‘neuro­prosthetic’ can also aid individuals who have suffered strokes. 

Bionic fingers let amputee lead an active life 
For those who have lost their arms in fireworks, it is now easy to regain back their sense of touch. A new bionic finger has stunned companies active in the neuroprosthetics market for helping amputees lead an active life. Amputees often have trouble feeling the difference between both smooth and rough things after losing their arm. A new device that is surgically connected to the nerves in the upper part of the arm cam strengthens the grip of an individual and help him feel the objects. The sensors in the prosthesis play a vital role in helping the patients pick up objects and perform other functions. Dennis Sorensen, who lost one of his arms in an accident, echoed his sentiments by saying "The stimulation felt almost like what I would feel with my hand.” Sorensen is the first patient in the world to experience the texture using fingertip which is connected to the electrode. Doctors had surgically implanted electrodes in Sorensen’s stump.  The nerves in his arm are now wired to his prosthetics fingertip that has small sensors. 

To conclude, recent discoveries such as bionic finger and robotic arm have not only helped amputees lead a quality life but has opened new avenues for the neuroprosthetics market. 

 

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