A revolutionary "double neural bypass" brain implant has restored movement and sensation to Keith Thomas, a New York man paralyzed from the chest down in a 2020 diving accident. Developed by Chad Bouton's team at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the system uses AI to decode brain signals and stimulate muscles while routing touch feedback from hand sensors back to the brain. Remarkably, Thomas's physical gains—including an 86% increase in right arm strength—and wrist sensations have persisted for over two years even with the device turned off, indicating lasting neural rewiring.
Double neural bypass procedure
- ▪The double neural bypass system combines a brain-computer interface, artificial intelligence, and electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and brain.
- ▪A 15-hour open-brain surgery was performed in 2023 to implant five microelectrode arrays into the brain of Keith Thomas.
Brain-computer interface technology
- ▪The brain-computer interface system uses machine learning algorithms to interpret brain signals denoting movement with up to 84.6 percent accuracy.
- ▪The system utilizes pressure sensors on a 3D-printed limb brace to trigger electrical stimulation in the sensory cortex, creating the perception of touch.
Keith Thomas recovery outcomes
- ▪Physical and sensory improvements in Keith Thomas persisted for more than two years even when the neuroprosthetic device was switched off.
- ▪Keith Thomas regained touch sensation in his right wrist after 25 weeks of a targeted therapy called cortical mirroring.
- ▪Keith Thomas, who was paralyzed from the chest down after a 2020 diving accident, regained the ability to feed himself and drink from a cup.
- ▪Following 35 weeks of training, Keith Thomas's right arm strength increased by 86 percent and his left arm strength increased by 62 percent.
Future clinical trial expansion
- ▪Researchers plan to expand clinical trials of the double neural bypass system to include more patients with different spinal cord injuries and stroke.
- ▪The double neural bypass system currently remains highly specialized and requires trained staff to operate.
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