New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants

A groundbreaking procedure has given a New York man hope after a diving accident left him paralyzed. One year later, an artificial intelligence-powered implant in his brain has allowed Keith Thomas to regain movement, sensation, and even lift a cup using only his thoughts.

A year ago, Keith Thomas, a 46-year-old man living on Long Island, was paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident. Today, after a groundbreaking procedure, he is able to extend his arm, grasp a cup, and take a drink using only his thoughts and external stimulation. He has also regained more sensation in his wrist and arm, allowing him to feel the fur of his family's dog.

New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants

In 2023, Thomas underwent a 15-hour surgery at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health in New York to implant the first AI-powered double neural bypass implant in his brain. "This groundbreaking clinical trial marks the first time the brain, body, and spinal cord have been electronically linked in a paralyzed human to restore lasting movement and sensation," said Chad Bouton, the study's principal investigator.

The surgical team, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Ashesh Mehta, implanted five microchips in Keith's brain – two in the region responsible for movement and three that control the sensation of touch. "These microchips connect to two ports implanted in his skull, which are linked to a powerful computer running custom AI that we developed to read Keith's brainwaves and determine when he wants to move his hand," Bouton explained.

New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants

Based on his thoughts, the device reroutes signals around his injury between his brain and body, stimulating his muscles, brain, and spinal cord all based on his brain patterns. "Keith's brain, body, and spinal cord are re-learning how to work together once again," Bouton said.

Thomas's recovery has surpassed the team's expectations. Just a few months after surgery, he felt the touch of his sister's hand for the first time in three years. He has also doubled his arm strength and regained sensation in areas below his injury level, such as his wrist.

New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants

"This suggests that Keith's brain, body, and spinal cord are re-learning how to work together once again, and some connections are being strengthened," Bouton said.

Thomas hopes to continue making progress towards greater independence, including driving his own motorized wheelchair without assistance. "I want to live a more independent life – and if I can inspire others to sign up for a clinical trial or help someone else through this trial, that's all I want," he said.

New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants

Bouton and the team are optimistic that Keith will continue to improve over time. "We are continuing to monitor his progress in terms of sensation and movement recovery," he said. "Our team has also received approval to expand our clinical trial, and we are actively seeking new participants."

"Our goal is to one day utilize this technology to empower individuals with paralysis to regain more function and live more independent lives," Bouton said.

New York Paralysis Patient's Remarkable Recovery: The Power of AI-Powered Brain Implants