The Wireless Spinal Cord Allows Paralyzed Patients to Move Their Arms
Rahul Kalvapalle — October 22, 2015 — Tech
References: technologyreview & engadget
A group of developers at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio have developed a wireless spinal cord that can enable paralyzed patients to use their arms.
The system makes use of a high-tech brain-control interface that monitors and reads the brain waves coming from the motor-controlling part of the patient's brain, before converting them into electrical signals and wirelessly transmitting them over to a special actuator that is sewn into the arm of the patient. The actuator consists of over a dozen wires that generate electrical impulses, causing muscle groups to contract.
It's pretty incredible when you think that this wireless spinal cord actually enables people to use their own brains to control their body and stimulate muscles, and could have a huge role to play in improving the lives of people with different kinds of paralysis.
The system makes use of a high-tech brain-control interface that monitors and reads the brain waves coming from the motor-controlling part of the patient's brain, before converting them into electrical signals and wirelessly transmitting them over to a special actuator that is sewn into the arm of the patient. The actuator consists of over a dozen wires that generate electrical impulses, causing muscle groups to contract.
It's pretty incredible when you think that this wireless spinal cord actually enables people to use their own brains to control their body and stimulate muscles, and could have a huge role to play in improving the lives of people with different kinds of paralysis.
Trend Themes
1. Brain-control Interface - The development of a wireless spinal cord utilizing a brain-control interface presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of neurology and medical technology.
2. Wireless Bioelectronics - The integration of wireless transmission in bioelectronic devices, such as the wireless spinal cord, opens up possibilities for advancements in the healthcare industry and assistive technologies.
3. Neural Rehabilitation - The use of wireless spinal cord devices for neural rehabilitation provides an innovative approach to improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis, offering potential opportunities in the healthcare and rehabilitation sectors.
Industry Implications
1. Neurology - The development of the wireless spinal cord device presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of neurology, specifically in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with paralysis.
2. Medical Technology - The integration of wireless transmission and brain-controlled interfaces in medical devices, like the wireless spinal cord, creates potential disruptive innovation opportunities in the medical technology industry for improved patient care and advancements in assistive devices.
3. Healthcare - The application of wireless spinal cord devices in healthcare settings for neural rehabilitation offers disruptive innovation opportunities in improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis and enhancing patient outcomes.
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