The „thought-powered“ prosthesis

The first thought-powered prosthesis in Europe is developed by Otto Bock HealthCare Products GmbH. The 20-year-old Christian Kandlbauer is the first person who uses the new development.

The neurally controlled (or thought-powered) arm prosthesis is a sensational new development in medical technology from. It has been developed by Otto Bock HealthCare Products GmbH which is the only institution in Europe to take part in "Revolutionary Prosthesis" programme led by the US organisation DARPA. The key part of the project is the collaboration between Vienna`s General Hospital and the city`s Medical University. Dr. Manfred Frey, head of the clinical department of plastic surgery, together with his team laid the medical groundwork for the neural control of the prosthesis. Before it can be fitted on, a patient must undergo a complex operation in which some nerves are relocated. There are only three surgeons in the world who are capable of performin this operation!

After the "selected nerve transfer" surgery, the signals that previously controlled the arm can be used to control the new prosthesis. Electrodes installed in the socket of the prosthesis respond to these control signals. When the user sends movement signals, a complex electronic analysis device inside the prosthesis converts the signals and recognises the movements the user would like to make. So the intelligent prosthesis can be systematically controlled by the nerves previusly in charge of moving the healthy arm.

As a result, the new prosthesis allows users to do more moves which can also be controlled simultaneously. No rethinking is required, the patient moves intuitively. This is not possible with conventional prostheses which allow only three options: Open/close hand, rotate hand inwards/outwards, and bend/stretch elbow. Furthermore, movements have to be consciously performed and indirectly controlled in an energy-consuming process. The first person to use the intelligent arm outside the USA is the 20-year-old Christian Kandlbauer from southeast Austria. After a severe electric shock the doctors had to amputate both Christian Kandlbauers arms. Now he undergoes training with his sensor hand twice a week. But it will take a long time until he can take the prosthesis home because there are still some problems. The prosthesis weights six kilograms. The waterproofing is antoher problem which has to be solved. And finally the system ought to be accepted and covered by insurances!

The aim is that the patient doesn't think "I have a feeling in my prosthesis" but "I have a feeling in my thumb, hand, ...". If technicians could solve this problem, it would be fantastic!