Neuroprosthetic Algorithm Leads To Better Thought Controlled Objects Such As Bionic Arms and Legs

Objects that can be moved simply by thinking about it is part of a branch of science called neuroprosthetics. A new algorithm called ReFIT, now improved the speed and accuracy of neuroprosthetic devices and can lead to the development of better bionic arms and legs.

The Motor system of the human body responsible for movement is controlled by the brain. Hand and body movements first come out as thought impulses that travel down the nervous system which in turn activates the specific muscles to initiate movement.

Basically, all movements by the body are thought controlled. Picking up a spoon, moving and clicking a computer mouse, or even typing on the keyboard are movements that primarily originate as thought patterns in the brain.

Bionic Eye, Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, Gets Approval Recommendation From US FDA

The Argus II retinal prosthesis system is called the bionic eye. It is a retinal implant that is used to send image data straight to the brain. The California company, Second Sight, developed Argus II. Their goal with the Argus II is to provide sight to people who have been blinded from outer retinal degenerations, such as retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is an eye disease where the retina of the eye is damaged. The retina is locaated at the back of the eye and is responsible for converting light images to nerve signals that the brain can interpret.

The Argus II works by bypassing damaged photoreceptor tissues in the eye. The patient wears special eyeglasses that houses a small video camera, wireless transmitter, and is connected to a small computer worn by the person. The camera captures the image which the computer processes and converts into data that the brain can understand. The wireless transmitter then sends these signals to the eye implant which transmits it directly to the optic nerve, sending the signal directly to the brain.

The eye is implanted with a wireless receiver that receives the data from the glasses and an electrical array that sends it straight to the optic nerve. (See video below).

The optical system is named after the Greek mythological giant, Argus Panoptes. Argus had 100 eyes and was the servant of the goddess, Hera. Argus was considered all-seeing and was relied upon by Hera to stand guard and monitor things.

FDA recommends approval for Second Sight's Argus II retinal prosthesis system in the USA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel unanimously voted 19-0 that the probable benefit of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System outweighs the risks to health, an important step toward the FDA market approval of this product manufactured by Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. In making this determination, the panel spent ten hours carefully reviewing and discussing data submitted from the international clinical trial of this innovative retinal implant that, for the first time ever, partially restores vision to patients who are blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).